Krishna Gunturu
Yale Cancer Center, Section of Hematology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511 USA
Priyadharsini Nagarajan
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 55 Park Street, New Haven, CT, 06520 USA
Peter McPhedran
Yale Cancer Center, Section of Hematology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511 USA
Thomas Goodman
Department of Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520 USA
Michael Hodsdon
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 55 Park Street, New Haven, CT, 06520 USA
Matthew Strout
Yale Cancer Center, Section of Hematology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511 USA
Keywords:
Lead poisoning, basophilic stippling, anemia, Ayurveda
Abstract
Although the majority of published cases of lead poisoning come from occupational exposures, some traditional remedies may also contain toxic amounts of lead. Ayurveda is a system of traditional medicine that is native to India and is used in many parts of world as an alternative to standard treatment regimens. Here, we report the case of a 58-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain, anemia, liver function abnormalities, and an elevated blood lead level. The patient was found to have been taking the Ayurvedic medicine Jambrulin prior to presentation. Chemical analysis of the medication showed high levels of lead. Following treatment with an oral chelating agent, the patient's symptoms resolved and laboratory abnormalities normalized. This case highlights the need for increased awareness that some Ayurvedic medicines may contain potentially harmful levels of heavy metals and people who use them are at risk of developing associated toxicities.
Keywords: Lead poisoning, basophilic stippling, anemia, Ayurveda
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