Citation

Wong J, Bourke E, Roberts V, Lim SM, Johnson D, Hamblin PS, Karunajeewa H, Greene S. Intern. Med. J. 2020; 50(2): 239-242.

Affiliation

Austin Clinical Toxicology Service, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/imj.14729

PMID

32037702

Abstract

Lead poisoning is an uncommon and challenging diagnosis to make. In 2018, The Victorian Department of Health issued a health warning following four cases of lead poisoning associated with illicit opium use in Melbourne, Australia. We present these cases to highlight clinical features and the relevant investigations leading to diagnosis. All cases occurred in recent immigrants to Australia, who had access to non-traditional sources of opioids. Health care professionals should consider lead poisoning in patients with appropriate symptoms and a history of illicit opium use.

© 2020 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Language: en

Keywords

Australia; Iran; lead poisoning; opioid; opium