Heavy Metal Toxicity: Difference between revisions
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== Medications == | == Medications == | ||
===== Penicillamine (Brand names; Cuprimine, Depen) ===== | |||
This medication is generally used for Wilson's disease (excess copper in the body), rheumatoid arthritis, and kidney stone prevention, but can also be used to treat heavy metal toxicity. | |||
== Diagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab Values == | == Diagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab Values == |
Revision as of 03:23, 17 March 2011
Original Editors - Chase Almgren from Bellarmine University's Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems project.
Lead Editors - Your name will be added here if you are a lead editor on this page. Read more.
Definition/Description[edit | edit source]
Heavy metal toxicity is a generic term for an above average level of metal in the blood which may result in undesirable side-effects. Authors argue what constitues a "heavy metal," but it's commonly referred to as any metal which could potentially cause human or environmental harm. Common heavy metal toxicities humans are expose to are lead, arsenic, mercury, aluminum and cadmium.
Lead Toxicity[edit | edit source]
Common sources of lead which may be harmful to humans are in lead based paints, soldered around the rims of food cans (more common outside of the United States), plumbing, older bath tubs, and imported dishware. Though it is generally safe to use older bath tubs and imported dishware, scratching and chipping can extract the lead from these products. Imported dishware may also have lead extracted through repeated microwave or dishwasher use, as well as frequent juices which are highly acidic. Lead particles may also travel through the air during older house renovation projects
Precautions with young infants and children[edit | edit source]
Young children should be especially careful around lead based products as the minimal level to declare lead toxicity (10mg/dl) is smaller than that for adults(24mg/dl). Since the blood-brain barrier is unformed in infants, lead easily diffuses across.
Children and infants are commonly exposed to lead particles during floor activities, and through the hand-to-mouth stages of development. Risk factors which may predispose children to lead toxicity are under age 6, low income, and urban dwelling.
Adults and lead exposure[edit | edit source]
Adults are more likely to be exposed to lead during the renovation of old houses, manufacturing of brass, bullets, solder, stained-glass/ pottery designs, and frequent use of metallic wick candles.
Arsenic Toxicity[edit | edit source]
Arsenic exposure may come from glass infiltrates, pesticides, wood preservatives.
Mercury Toxicity[edit | edit source]
Mercury exposure can be in the forms of inhalion, ingestion, or topically through the skin. Common sources of mercury are fish (the number one cause of toxicity), emissions from coal burning plants, medical waste and from mines. Another common source of mercury is through the food chain; one animal becomes exposed and passes it to the top of the food chain through ingestion.
Prevalence[edit | edit source]
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Characteristics/Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
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Associated Co-morbidities[edit | edit source]
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Medications[edit | edit source]
Penicillamine (Brand names; Cuprimine, Depen)[edit | edit source]
This medication is generally used for Wilson's disease (excess copper in the body), rheumatoid arthritis, and kidney stone prevention, but can also be used to treat heavy metal toxicity.
Diagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab Values[edit | edit source]
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Etiology/Causes[edit | edit source]
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Systemic Involvement[edit | edit source]
Nervous System[edit | edit source]
Gastrointestinal System[edit | edit source]
Hematopoietic[edit | edit source]
Renal[edit | edit source]
Cardiovascular[edit | edit source]
Medical Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Physical Therapy Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Alternative/Holistic Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
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Case Reports/ Case Studies[edit | edit source]
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Resources
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Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
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