Hypercupremia in female munitions workers using taking oral contraceptives: a case series

Copper is an essential trace element for homeostasis and is mostly obtained through the diet. Copper can also enter the body through occupational and accidental exposure, resulting in the elevation of serum copper levels (hypercupremia). Other factors associated with hypercupremia include smoking, u...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Revista brasileira de medicina do trabalho 2021-04, Vol.19 (1), p.114-118
Main Authors: Petroli, Maurício, Bon-Habib, Assad Charbel Chequer, Santos, Aline de Souza Espindola, Asmus, Carmen Ildes Rodrigues Fróes, Vianna, Angélica Dos Santos
Format: Article
Language:English
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Case Report
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Summary:Copper is an essential trace element for homeostasis and is mostly obtained through the diet. Copper can also enter the body through occupational and accidental exposure, resulting in the elevation of serum copper levels (hypercupremia). Other factors associated with hypercupremia include smoking, use of oral contraceptives, and several clinical conditions. This case series describes the presence of hypercupremia in workers exposed to copper while also taking oral contraceptives. Serum copper levels of the sample remained high, even after participants spent time away from work, normalizing only after a change in contraceptive methods. The present results underscore the importance of considering oral contraceptives as a possible cause of hypercupremia in women with occupational exposure to copper, regardless of symptomatic status.
ISSN:1679-4435
2447-0147
DOI:10.47626/1679-4435-2021-638