Acute lead poisoning in two users of illicit methamphetamine

Journal Article · Fri Jul 31 00:00:00 EDT 1987 · JAMA, J. Am. Med. Assoc.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.1987.03400040108032· OSTI ID:5898432

Allcott, III, J V; Barnhart, R A; Mooney, L A

Acute lead poisoning can present a difficult diagnostic dilemma, with symptoms that mimic those of hepatitis, nephritis, and encephalopathy. The authors report two cases in intravenous methamphetamine users who presented with abnormal liver function values, low hematocrit values, basophilic stippling of red blood cells, and elevated blood lead levels. Both patients excreted large amounts of lead in their urine after treatment with edetic acid, followed by resolution of their symptoms. Lead contamination was proved in one drug sample. Basophilic stippling of the red blood cells was the one key laboratory result that led to the definitive diagnosis in both cases.

• Research Organization: Univ. of California, Davis
• OSTI ID: 5898432
• Journal Information: JAMA, J. Am. Med. Assoc.; (United States), Journal Name: JAMA, J. Am. Med. Assoc.; (United States) Vol. 258:4; ISSN JAMAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AMPHETAMINES
ANALEPTICS
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM AGENTS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
BIOLOGICAL WASTES
BLOOD CHEMISTRY
BODY FLUIDS
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM AGENTS
CONTAMINATION
DRUGS
LEAD COMPOUNDS
MATERIALS
PATIENTS
SYMPATHOMIMETICS
URINE
WASTES