Xiao-Lan Ying1, Jian Xu1, Morri Markowitz2, Chong-Huai Yan3. 1. MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China. 2. Division of Environmental Sciences, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, United States. 3. MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China. Electronic address: yan00713@hotmail.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A case of lead poisoning resulting from the ingestion of a folk remedy for treating epilepsy is reported. RESULTS: The initial blood lead concentration of this 6-y-old boy was 63.6μg/dl upon admission. He presented with abdominal pain, constipation, and irritability. The patient's liver function tests were significantly increased. Through chelation therapy, the blood lead concentration dropped markedly and clinical symptoms greatly improved. His blood and urine samples were collected for the kinetic analysis of lead elimination. CONCLUSIONS: Folk prescriptions for epilepsy should be considered as potential sources of lead intoxication. Lead poisoning should be taken into consideration for unknown causes of abdominal pain.
BACKGROUND: A case of lead poisoning resulting from the ingestion of a folk remedy for treating epilepsy is reported. RESULTS: The initial blood lead concentration of this 6-y-old boy was 63.6μg/dl upon admission. He presented with abdominal pain, constipation, and irritability. The patient's liver function tests were significantly increased. Through chelation therapy, the blood lead concentration dropped markedly and clinical symptoms greatly improved. His blood and urine samples were collected for the kinetic analysis of lead elimination. CONCLUSIONS: Folk prescriptions for epilepsy should be considered as potential sources of lead intoxication. Lead poisoning should be taken into consideration for unknown causes of abdominal pain.