A more comprehensive list of lead poisoning features is:
- abdominal pain
- constipation
- peripheral neuropathy
- fatigue
Blue lines on the growth margin of nails affect 20% adults with lead poisoning but are rare in children.
Investigations should show:
- microcytic anaemia
- basophillic stippling of red blood cells
- raised aminolevulinic acid levels (a haem precursor)
The image below shows basophillic stippling of red blood cells (right and left arrows)
Treatment is by chelation with either EDTA, d-penicillamine or dimercaprol.
Thats today wrapped up; questions on yesterday's battles can be found here
