Abstract |
The authors report the observation of lead poisoning in a young Moroccan woman, which was caused by prolonged use of a khol made of lead sulphide. Khol is a black eye make-up used since Ancient Egypt. Clinically, this poisoning presented with abdominal crampoid pain, encephalopathy (manifested as anxiety and irritability), a Burtonian gingival border and microcytic sideropenic anaemia. Emergency chelate treatment permitted to improve clinical state and to decrease blood levels (initial blood concentration: 490 micrograms/dl; concentration six weeks after treatment: 49 micrograms/dl). The interest of such a case is recognizing, in French speaking regions, of a public health problem, largely ignored, although real, considering the high lead concentrations found in a majority of kohls available in Brussels and this very old cultural practice among Muslim populations.
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Authors | M Bruyneel, J P De Caluwé, J M des Grottes, F Collart |
Journal | Revue medicale de Bruxelles
(Rev Med Brux)
Vol. 23
Issue 6
Pg. 519-22
(Dec 2002)
ISSN: 0035-3639 [Print] Belgium |
Vernacular Title | Usage de khôl et intoxication saturnine grave à Bruxelles. |
PMID | 12584949
(Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Cosmetics
- Sulfides
- lead sulfide
- Lead
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Belgium
- Cosmetics
(poisoning)
- Female
- Humans
- Lead
- Lead Poisoning
(etiology)
- Severity of Illness Index
- Sulfides
(poisoning)
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