Calcium Carbonate for Elemental Lead Ingestions: Effect of Alkalinization on Elemental Lead Solubility in a Simulated Gastric Environment.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Acute ingestion of elemental lead foreign bodies has resulted in multiple pediatric deaths. Elemental lead is relatively insoluble at alkaline pH. Furthermore, calcium decreases lead absorption by interfering with the lead absorptive receptor. We hypothesize that alkalinization of gastric fluid with an oral calcium-containing agent, such as calcium carbonate, will decrease lead solubility, thus reducing the potential for systemic lead absorption and toxicity.

Methods

This was an in vitro controlled study. One lead sphere (00 buckshot, cast 30 days prior) was randomly placed in each of ten tubes containing 20 mL simulated gastric fluid, with five tubes having 500 mg calcium carbonate added at 20 min and 140 min. We measured the fluid pH and the lead concentration

SUBMITTER: Shah KR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8017039 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature