Abstract   Background: Lead toxicity is caused by ingestion, inhalation, or contact with particles or vapors containing lead. It can present with nonspecific signs and symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and anemia. In this study, we have tried to find a relationship between lead poisoning and drug abuse.   Methods: In a cross sectional study...

Lead intoxication results in a disturbance of heme biosynthesis, its degree depending on the severity and duration of exposure to lead. A mild secondary, sideroblastic anemia is common; basophilic stippling may occur, especially in severe lead poisoning. Increased excretion in the urine of delta-aminolevulinic acid and coproporphyrin III may occur; porphobilinogen excretion is not usually incre...

Dra. Mariana Spitz – Rua Paulo César de Andrade 200/402 22221-090 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil. E-mail: [email protected] Firearm projectiles have been described, albeit rarely, as a cause of lead toxicity. The usual route of lead exposure is oral ingestion, but toxicity secondary to retained bullet fragments has been well documented. Switz et al. described the first case in 1976 – a bullet wa...

Under appropriate conditions, deficiencies of certain minerals and vitamins as well as high intakes of dietary fat increase the toxicity of a given dose of lead in experimental animals. The severity of lead poisoning can also be increased by the consumption of either deficient or excessive levels of protein. Mineral deficiencies appear to have some of the most profound effects on lead toxicity,...