In order to study the change of laboratory parameters of lead poisoning, 8 persons who had not been treated previously for lead poisoning (Group 1 and 6 persons who had been inadequately treated for few months for chronic lead poisoning at local clinic (Group 2) were examined.
They had occupational exposure to lead for 3 to 18 years (mean, 7.6)~, In group 1 blood lead, urine lead, urine coproporphyrin and 6-aminolevulinic acid levels before our treatment exceeded the critical levels of lead poisoning. In group 2 urine lead level exceeded but blood lead, urine coproporphyrin and S-aminolevulinic acid levels were within normal limits.
All of them were treated with D-penicillamine for 4 months as inpatients at Industrial Accident Hospital.
The dose of D-penicillamine was the same in all patients; 600 mg per´; day p.o. and the chelating agent was administer every other week.
For laboratory analysis, 24 hour urine and 10 gm of whole blood were´: collected every 1 month on last day of non-administration period.
The results were as follows:
1. It was found that urine lead level was decreased below the critical lever of lead poisoning after 4 month´s treatment with D-penicillamine and blood lead level was decreased more progressively below the critical level after 1 month treatment.
2. Urine coproporphyrin and b -aminolevuhnic acid levels were decreased progressively to normal range after 1 month treatment.
3. Two months after treatment, blood lead, urine lead, uric
aminolevuhnic acid levels showed some increasing trends.
4. Urine lead level should be checked in a person who had been chelating agents because blood lead, coproporphyrin and be in normal range. coproporphyrin and γ-treated with acid might be in normal range.
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