 previous article in this issue |
|
Document Details : Title: Safety of alternative medicines reconsidered: lead-induced anaemia caused by an Indian Ayurvedic formulation Author(s): CREEMERS L, VAN DEN DRIESSCHE M, MOENS M, VAN OLMEN A, VERSCHAEREN J, T'SYEN M, DESMET K, MOERMAN J Journal: Acta Clinica Belgica Volume: 63 Issue: 1 Date: 2008 Pages: 42-45 DOI: 10.2143/ACB.63.1.1002544 Abstract : We report two cases of Belgian women diagnosed with a lead poisoning. Both patients presented with abdominal pain and a normochromic normocytic anaemia. The diagnosis was based on the clinical symptoms, the anaemia, the basophilic stippling of erythrocytes and the elevated blood lead level. Upon further questioning, both patients reported the use of Ayurvedic medications. Toxicological analysis of the different pills revealed that, in both, the same orange-red pills contained a remarkably high amount of lead. Cases of lead poisoning associated with the use of Ayurvedic formulations are emerging around the world. However, to our knowledge, these are the first reported cases in Belgium. |
