University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository
Specialty
Occupational Medicine
Advisor
Bernard Toney, Jr.
Abstract
Purpose: This article is intended to be an informative review of the risk factors, signs and symptoms, and the diagnostic and treatment options for acute and chronic arsenic poisoning for physician assistants and other providers likely to see initial presentations of arsenic poisoning.
Methods: A PubMed search was conducted for each of the phrases arsenic poisoning, acute arsenic poisoning, chronic arsenic poisoning, and arsenic poisoning treatment. These searches yielded 21 articles relevant to this literature review.
Results: Occupational and persistent environmental exposure to arsenic is a significant threat to the health of populations in vulnerable positions and environments. There is information available for primary, urgent, and emergency care providers to assist with early recognition, intervention, and treatment of arsenic poisoning.
Conclusion: Millions of Americans are exposed to arsenic daily and are at risk of developing acute or chronic arsenic poisoning. The signs and symptoms of arsenic poisoning may be easily confused on presentation with other more common illnesses, requiring a heightened index of suspicion from providers more likely to see the initial presentation of arsenic-related complaints. Similarly, these providers should be aware of the use of interpretation of diagnostic tests and the use and potential adverse effects of treatment for arsenic poisoning.
Recommended Citation
DePriest PT. Diagnosis and Treatment of Arsenic Poisoning. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2022; 4(3).
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