Cadmium toxicity

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Background

  • Used in electroplating, soldering, pigments, and plastics

Mechanism of Toxicity

  • Inhaled form is 60 times more toxic than ingested form
  • Chemical pneumonitis
  • Pulmonary edema/hemorrhage
  • GI irritation
  • Renal tubule damage

Clinical Presentation

  • Local skin and eye irritation
  • Cough, wheezing, pulmonary edema
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Chronic exposure can lead to bone deposition and "itai-itai" disease

Diagnosis

  • History of exposure and respiratory / gastrointestinal complaints

Management

  • Inhalation:
    • Supplemental oxygen
    • Monitor ABG, check CXR
    • Treat wheezing and pulmonary edema
  • Ingestion:
    • Activated charcoal or lavage
    • Volume resuscitation to counter fluid losses
  • No role for hemodialysis

Disposition

See Also

References

Olson, K. Poisoning and Drug Overdose, 1999.