Toxin-induced respiratory distress.

This article describes the impact of various toxic substances on the airway and pulmonary system. Pulmonary anatomy and physiology provide the basis for understanding the response to toxin-induced injury. Simple asphyxiants displace oxygen from the inspired air. Respiratory irritants include water-soluble and water-insoluble compounds. Several inhaled agents produce direct airway injury, which may be mediated by caustic, thermal, and hydrocarbon exposures. Unique pulmonary toxins and toxicants are discussed, as well as inhaled toxin mixtures. Several inhaled toxins may also impair oxygen transport. The pulmonary system may also provide a mechanism for systemic toxin delivery on respiratory exposure.

Public health department response to mercury poisoning: the importance of biomarkers and risks and benefits analysis for chelation therapy.

Chelation therapy is often used to treat mercury poisoning. Public health personnel are often asked about mercury toxicity and its treatment. This paper provides a public health department response to use of a mercury-containing cosmetic in Minnesota, a perspective on two unpublished cases of chelation treatment for postulated mercury toxicity, and comments on the use of a nonsystemic treatment for removal of mercury following the Iraqi seed coat poisoning incident. Physicians should evaluate sources of exposure, biomarkers, and risks and benefits before recommending chelation therapy for their patients. Potential risks to chelation therapy and its little understood subtle or latent effects are areas of public health concern.

Medical toxicology case presentations: to chelate or not to chelate, is that the question?

Four case studies described in this article were presented to a panel of physicians participating in the ACMT "Use and Misuse of Metal Chelation Therapy" Symposium in February 2012. The individuals who participated in the panel are listed in the appendix. These cases highlight some of the practical questions facing medical providers when issues of metal toxicity and its treatment arise. Medical toxicologists are valuable resources for information, public debate, consultation, and treatment of patients with concerns about heavy metal exposure.

Role of chelation in the treatment of lead poisoning: discussion of the Treatment of Lead-Exposed Children Trial (TLC).

Lead exposure in children is one component leading to cognitive impairment. The Treatment of Lead-Exposed Children Trial (1994-2004) studied the effect of succimer in treating low levels of lead exposure (20-44 mcg/dL) in children 12 to 33 months old. While succimer was effective in reducing blood lead concentrations in the short term, treatment of blood lead levels did not result in any detectable improvement in a wide variety of measurements of cognitive or behavioral function. Furthermore, blood lead concentrations were not distinguishable between chelated and non-chelated individuals at 1 year. The most important treatment strategy is identification and termination of major sources of lead exposure.

State-wide hospital clinical laboratory plan for measuring cholinesterase activity for individuals suspected of exposure to nerve agent chemical weapons.

BACKGROUND: Hospital laboratories currently lack the capacity to provide emergency determination of cholinesterase activity. METHODS: We have developed a hospital-based 3-tiered system to test plasma for butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity and whole blood for red cell acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity using available technology and personnel. Interagency communications, toxidrome definition, and patient triage will be coordinated by the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Poison Control Center. DATA: Initial BChE data documents good precision between institutions (coefficient of variation < 8%). SUMMARY: Laboratory testing of plasma or blood for cholinesterase activity is important in the management of nerve agent exposure and in ruling out disease in those with non-specific symptoms in the setting of a terrorist attack or accidental exposure. Rapid availability of strong hospital-based analytic support in a smoothly functioning network of clinical, public health, and laboratory services will facilitate overall regional response to chemical terrorism or large scale HazMat events.