Lead poisoning

- occurs occupationally, pica, lead containing cosmetics or drugs
- presents with lethargy, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation and encephalopathy
- typically results in peripheral motor neuropathy
- bluish discoloration of gum margins (deposition of lead sulphide) - Burton line
- basophilic stippling (due to aggregate of RNA in immature red cells owing to inhibition of pyrimidine-5-nucleotidase)
- investigation : blood lead level
- cause proximal RTA / Fanconi syndrome
- treatment: chelation with IV sodium calcium edetate or oral DMSA