Acute copper intoxication. Pathophysiology and therapy with a case report.
We report a case of cupric sulfate intoxication in a child who had a serum copper level of 1,650 mug/100 ml. His course was accompanied by hemolytic anemia and renal tubular damage. We review the pathophysiology of copper metabolism and intoxication. We also review modes of therapy, with specific reference to the initial approach, using dimercaprol (BAL) and edetic acid rather than penicillamine.