Peripheral neuropathy—lead astray?

fi lm showed basophilic stippling. Other investigations, including magnesium, zinc, and iron; auto, paraneoplastic, and anti-ganglioside antibodies; plasma electrophoresis, and Lyme serological tests, were normal or negative. Lead toxicity was diagnosed, and chelation therapy with succimer (2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid) was given. Our patient’s drinking water came from a spring via an underground holding tank. A lead pipe supplied the water in the house from the holding tank. The lead concentrations in samples of water taken from the holding tank and kitchen were 0⋅3 μg/L and 2570 μg/L, respectively (current regulatory standard 25 μg/L). The water was unusually corrosive, with a pH of 6⋅1—giving it an increased potential to dissolve lead from the pipes. 2