Lead induced anaemia due to traditional Indian medicine: a case report

Lead intoxication in adults without occupational exposure is a rare and une xpected event. The case of a western European is reported who had severe an aemia after ingestion of several ayurvedic drugs, obtained during a trip to India. Laboratory findings showed high blood lead concentrations, an incre ased urinary lead concentration, and an increased urinary excretion of delt a-aminolaevulinic acid. Also, slightly increased urinary concentrations of arsenic and sliver were found. Physicians should be aware that with growing international travel and rising self medication with drugs from uncontroll ed sources the risk of drug induced poisoning could increase in the future.