Lead poisoning in infancy—unusual causes in the U.A.E.

Abstract

Six infants, three of them neonates, were diagnosed as having acute lead poisoning; four of them had acute encephalopathy. All had been given an indigenous preparation, 'Bint Al Zahab' (Daughter of Gold), for abdominal colic and early passage of meconium after birth. Chemical analysis of this powder revealed a lead content of 82.5%. The index case had anaemia with punctate basophilia, dense metaphysial lines on X-ray and markedly raised blood lead levels, arousing a strong index of suspicion for the early diagnosis of subsequent cases. Computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan in three cases showed signs of early cerebral cortical atrophy. The picture of cerebral oedema was absent in the four cases of acute lead encephalopathy. The importance of prevention and the ideal management is discussed.

Lead Poisoning among Saudi Children

“…The fumes of lead (galena) are inhaled (Bakhoor) to prevent certain illnesses in children. Farouk, a teething powder, has a Pb content of 2310 ppm (μg/g) and Bint Al Zahab (Pb 82.5%) is used for abdominal colic and to enhance the passage of meconium in the newborn [12]. All such products are freely available in the markets in this part of the world.…”

“…Congenital plumbism results in a low score of performance in infant developmental testing despite the presence of blood lead levels considered to be safe [6]. A second unusual form was reported from Great Britian, Mexico, the Indian Subcontinent, China, and the Middle East, where children became victim to lead poisoning through the practice of faith healers using leadcontaining home remedies for the treatment of childhood diseases [3,[7][8][9][10][11][12].…”

The safe usage of herbal medicines: counterindications, cross-reactivity and toxicity

“…Lead has also been detected in folk remedies from Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, whilst mercury has also been reported in some preparations. [27][28][29] Similarly, cases of heavy metal poisoning also continue to be reported in Europe and North America. Several studies report high levels of mercury, arsenic and lead in herbal preparations in the UK.…”

Fetal lead exposure: Encephalopathy in a child

“…The major source of lead is from occupations where lead and lead based components are used, resulting in high prevalence of lead toxicity in the population exposed to such activities (3). The most sensitive population for lead exposure are pregnant women, infants and young children (4,5). Most of the environmental exposure occurs through inhaling air containing lead dust, drinking .water supplied through leaded pipe lines and consuming processed, preserved and stored food (6,7).…”