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Showing posts with the label Toxicology

Arsenic poisoning

Presentation Acute cases present with garlic breath, vomiting, watery diarrhea, and QTc prolongation. If severe, there can be pancytopenia and hepatitis.  Chronic cases present with: sensorimotor neuropathy -- stocking glove distribution with burning sensation, distal weakness, hyporeflexia skin changes -- 1. first there is a change in skin color (hypo/hyperpigmentaiton), 2. later hyperkeratosis (scaling of palms/ soles), 3. Mees lines (horizontal lines on fingernails)  Pathology Arsenic binds to sulfhydryl groups and disrupts cellular respiration and gluconeogenesis.  Sources of arsenic include pesiticides/ insecticides, contaminated water (e.g. well water), and pressure treated wood (e.g. antique furniture).  Diagnosis Urine arsenic levels Treatment Chelation therapy with: Dimercaprol (British anti-Lewisite, BAL) DMSA (meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid, succimer) Relevant Images Dimercaprol has sulfhydryl groups an...