| Document ID (ISN) | 111536 |
| CIS number |
11-0191 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
1745-6673 - Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology |
| Year |
2010 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Dounias G., Rachiotis G., Hadjichristodoulou C. |
| Title |
Acute lead intoxication in a female battery worker: Diagnosis and management |
| Bibliographic information |
2010, No.5:19, 4p. 15 ref. |
| Internet access |
Acute_lead_intoxication.pdf [in English]
|
| Abstract |
This article presents a case of acute lead intoxication in a 33 year female having worked three months as a cleaner in a battery manufacturing plant. She complained of malaise that had developed in the previous two weeks. Pallor of skin and conjunctiva was the only sign found in physical examination. The blood test on admission revealed normochromic anaemia. Endoscopic investigation of the gastrointestinal system was negative for bleeding. The bone marrow biopsy was unrevealing. At baseline, no attention had been paid to patient's occupational history. The patient's occupational history was later re-evaluated, and she was screened for lead intoxication. The increased levels of the lead related biomarkers of exposure and effect confirmed the diagnosis. The patient received an oral chelating agent, resulting in an improvement in clinical picture. No side effects and no rebound effect were observed. This case report emphasizes the importance of the occupational history in the context of the differential diagnosis. Moreover, this report indicates that lead remains a significant occupational hazard especially in the small scale battery industry. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
lead and compounds; lead poisoning; symptoms; battery and dry cell manufacture |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
small enterprises; diagnosis; medical treatment; recycling of materials; hospitals; case study |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Subject(s) |
Occupational pathology
Metal production and metalworking
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Occupational medicine, epidemiology
Chemical safety
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Lead and compounds
Metal reclamation and scrap metal industries
|
