|
Substance of Abuse
|
Heavy Metal
|
Source
|
|
alcohol (moonshine)
|
lead
|
lead solder in still
|
|
metamphetamine
|
lead
|
lead acetate
|
|
methcathinone
|
manganese
|
potassium permanganate
|
|
heroin
|
various
|
cutting agent
|
Risk factors for poisoning:
(1) heavy, chronic use of contaminated product
(2) intravenous injection
(3) ignorance or negligence in production of the substance
(4) use of a synthesis that involves a compound made of a heavy metal
Diagnosis:
(1) drug user consuming a home-made drug with one or more risk factors
(2) unexplained onset of signs and symptoms, which may include:
(2a) Parkinson's disease like syndrome or other neurodegenerative disorder
(2b) nephropathy
(2c) peripheral neuropathy or disordered gait
(2d) abdominal or muscle pain
(2e) weakness, anorexia and weight loss
(3) elevated serum or urine levels for one or more heavy metals
(4) clinical improvement after discontinuing exposure and removing the heavy metal
Differential diagnosis:
(1) HIV disease
