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Peripheral neuropathy in lead‐intoxicated sickle cell patients
Author(s) -
Imbus Charles E.,
Warner Judith,
Smith Elaine,
Pegelow Charles H.,
Allen John P.,
Powars Darleen R.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.880010211
Subject(s) - medicine , sickle cell anemia , peripheral neuropathy , peripheral , chelation therapy , weakness , anemia , paralysis , anesthesia , surgery , endocrinology , thalassemia , disease , diabetes mellitus
Peripheral neuropathy and hypertension caused by lead intoxication are reported in two children with sickle cell anemia. One child had generalized weakness in the initial occurrence and distal paralysis during a relapse two years later. The second child had foot and wrist drop. Both had slow peripheral nerve conduction velocities during the episodes. Chelation therapy was successful and resulted in a return of strength (over a period of several months) and a normalization of the blood pressures. Children with sickle cell anemia who are subjected to lead intoxication appear to be predisposed to peripheral nerve damage.