Diagnostics and Treatment of Metals Poisonings
Knowledge about the toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of various types and forms of each metal is very important for the diagnostics and assessment of the seriousness of poisoning and for the choice of treatment methods. The appropriate diagnostic and treatment procedures depend on the patient’s medical history, clinical presentation and laboratory findings. An accurate interpretation of laboratory findings is of great importance. Not every exposure to metals necessarily leads to poisoning. The most important, and often sufficient, treatment method is by interruption of exposure. In some metal poisonings, specific antidotal treatment with chelators can be used. The indications for antidote administration need to be carefully considered because of the possible adverse as well as toxic effects of the chelator-metal complex. The article presents the commonest metal poisonings, their toxicities, signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures and treatment.