Lead poisoning in childhood
Nasir, H.M.; Kassim, M.S.; Malinee, T.; Khairul, A.M.; Low, B.H.
Medical Journal of Malaysia 48(3): 361-363
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-5283 PMID: 8183154 Document Number: 414242
We report here a case of lead poisoning in a 20 month old girl who presented with acute encephalopathy and status epilepticus. The major clues leading to the diagnosis were the occupational family history and dense lead lines on X-ray of the long bones. She showed evidence of neurological dysfunction in the initial phase, but she improved steadily, regaining her motor power partially and her vision, although some cognitive and language deficits were already evident. She will need long-term neurological assessment and evaluation to ascertain the extent of permanent brain damage.