LEAD POISONING IN INFANCY

Abstract

Poisoning by lead is a rare occurrence in early life, and is, therefore, seldom considered as a diagnostic possibility in young children. Although much has been written on the subject as it concerns older children, particularly in Australia, the condition is very rare in infants. The following case is reported because of the extreme youth of the patient and the unusual mode of poisoning. <h3>REPORT OF CASE</h3> <i>History</i>.—A baby girl, aged 8 months, was admitted to the medical service of the Babies' Hospital, April 2, 1922, because of convulsions which had begun six hours previously. The birth and early history were negative. The child had been breast fed continuously until five days before admission when a small supplementary feeding was added. For two months a slight pallor of the skin had been noted. An iron tonic had been given on this account; but it caused a digestive upset and