Litarge (Murdar Singh) Ingestion Induced Lead Toxicity: A Case Report.

Abstract

Background: Litarge (Lead II oxide) is named Murder-sang, Murdar Singh or Mordab-Sangh (MS) in person, is applied to reduce body odor in the axillary and legs. Several other indications were mentioned in ancient medicine such as syphilitic chancre wound healing, bed sore, and so forth. We reported lead intoxication by eating a few MS.Case: A 34-year-old man was visited due to accidentally consuming his wife’s MS powder by adding to his food instead of spices, 10 days earlier. He experienced acute abdominal pain and non-bloody diarrhea 6 hours after ingestion. His symptoms were finally treated by supportive therapy despite their persisted. Ten days later, his blood lead level was 1250 µg/L. His hemoglobin level reduced and transaminase raised to 1.5 times more than the upper limit. He was treated with oral Succimer 10 mg/kg three times a day in the first 5 days and continued by 10mg/kg twice a day up to 21 days. On the 5th day of treatment, his symptoms improved. His blood lead level was 545.5 µg/L on the 8th day of treatment and reduced to 254 µg/L and 245 µg/L one and two months later.Discussion: Mordab-Sangh could induce lead toxicity if ingested. However, other metal poisoning should be considered in MS ingestion

Keywords

• lead poisoning
• heavy metal poisoning, diarrhea
• chelation therapy