Abstract

Exposición accidental a polvo de oro. Arch. Pediatr. Urug. [online]. 2003, vol.74, n.2, pp.119-122. ISSN 1688-1249.

Summary We present a clinical case of an accidental exposure to gold bronze powder used for handmade painting, containing copper and tin. In this intoxication, copper is responsible of the clinical presentation. A diagnosis of chemical pneumonitis was made based on a severe respiratory distress and radiological findings. The elevated blood copper concentration noted in this report revealed that systemic absortion through the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract has ocurred. Fever and some laboratory findings were related to the disease known as metal fume fever. The need to take into account this disease in every inhalatory exposure to products containing metals and the influence of the supportive therapy in this patient's favorable course are emphasized. The use of penicillamine as a chelator in this case is discussed. The need of reinforcing prevention programms to avoid infants accidents is highlighted

Keywords : COPPER-poisoning; PENICILLAMINE- therapeutic use.

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