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Lead poisoning associated with illicit opium use
Author(s) -
Wong Joshua,
Bourke Elyssia,
Roberts Vanessa,
Lim Seok M.,
Johnson Douglas,
Hamblin Peter S.,
Karunajeewa Harin,
Greene Shaun
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
internal medicine journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.596
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-5994
pISSN - 1444-0903
DOI - 10.1111/imj.14729
Subject(s) - medicine , opium , lead poisoning , medical emergency , environmental health , illicit drug , health care , psychiatry , drug , political science , law , economics , economic growth
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.