An unusual case of lead poisoning in an infant: nursing-associated plumbism

J Lab Clin Med. 1999 Nov;134(5):522-5. doi: 10.1016/s0022-2143(99)90174-9.

Abstract

Lead poisoning remains a common environmental threat for children today. The majority of cases of lead poisoning are caused by oral intake of lead dust or lead-containing paint flakes and thus occur during the second and third years of life. An unusual case of severe lead poisoning in a breast-feeding infant girl is here presented; the source proved to be a nipple shield made of a lead-containing metal. Despite the severity of the intoxication, by the end of treatment and for a year afterwards the infant has been well and her psychokinetic development has been normal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Alkaline Phosphatase / blood
  • Breast Feeding / adverse effects*
  • Chelating Agents / therapeutic use
  • Dimercaprol / therapeutic use
  • Edetic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Hemoglobins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Lead / blood
  • Lead Poisoning, Nervous System, Childhood / blood
  • Lead Poisoning, Nervous System, Childhood / drug therapy
  • Lead Poisoning, Nervous System, Childhood / etiology*
  • Liver / enzymology
  • Nipples

Substances

  • Chelating Agents
  • Hemoglobins
  • Dimercaprol
  • Lead
  • Edetic Acid
  • Alkaline Phosphatase