EVALUATING LEAD AND IRON INTOXICATION IN AN EMERGENCY SETTING

Many of the signs and symptoms of lead and iron poisoning are similar. Thus, in an emergency setting, intoxication with either substance nee ds to be part of the differential diagnosis for any patient (particula rly a child) who presents with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Ane mia may be present in either type of intoxication as may be positive f indings on abdominal radiograph. The clinician relies on the clinical laboratory not only to confirm the diagnosis but also to provide quant itative data for emergent patient management such as ''chelation'' the rapy.