A CASE STUDY ON LEAD POISONING AND PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY.

Abstract

Lead poisoning has been recognized as a major public health risk, particularly in developing countries. The exposure to lead has as special consequence on neurotoxicity. A 49 year old man had been working in a printing press, 10-12 hours daily for 15 years. He got admitted to hospital for nausea and vomiting. He also complained of numbness and tingling sensation on both sides of both lower limb Haematological and clinical findings were indicative of lead toxicity. His lead levels were investigated which showed abnormally high levels (4.20 mmol /L (75.6 µg /100 ml). The nerve conduction studies revealed decrease motor nerve conduction (MNCV) common peroneal and tibial nerves of both lower limb, all other peripheral nerves had normal activity. This case was finally treated as lead toxicity with peripheral neuropathy. The important and interesting fact about this case study is that toxicity of lead was accidentally discovered in a patient who was admitted to hospital with vague complaints. We recommend frequent lead testing in workers of printing press before they become symptomatic.