Consider lead toxicity due to Ayurvedic medications in patients with unexplained abdominal pain
1. In the past 6 months, we saw 5 patients with unexplained abdominal pain associated with weakness of hands and feet. All were taking Ayurvedic medicines for various reasons.
1. In the past 6 months, we saw 5 patients with unexplained abdominal pain associated with weakness of hands and feet. All were taking Ayurvedic medicines for various reasons.
2. Blood lead levels were high in all of them (>25 mcg/dl). There was no history of occupational lead exposure in any of them.
They were treated with d-penicillamine (chelation therapy). Ayurvedic medicines were stopped.
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They were treated with d-penicillamine (chelation therapy). Ayurvedic medicines were stopped.
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3. Abdominal pain resolved. Weakness of hands and legs partially improved. Four patients had anemia and one had kidney damage (these showed only partial improvement).
8. Take home message
In patients with unexplained abdominal pain, anemia, memory loss, peripheral neuropathy or kidney damage, consider lead toxicity and enquire about Ayurvedic medicine intake.
In patients with unexplained abdominal pain, anemia, memory loss, peripheral neuropathy or kidney damage, consider lead toxicity and enquire about Ayurvedic medicine intake.
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