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Resumen: La rivastigmina, fármaco anticolinesterásico, mejora la neurotransmisión colinérgica y es utilizado en el tratamiento de las enfermedades de Alzheimer y de Parkinson. En el Centro de Información y Asesoramiento Toxicológico se han registrado casos de intoxicación por el uso de parches transdérmicos de rivastigmina, los cuales han aumentado en número en el último tiempo. Presentamos dos casos clínicos de intoxicación aguda por parches transdérmicos de rivastigmina en los que se constataron arritmias cardíacas graves, asociando un descenso de colinesterasa plasmática. Se destacan los riesgos del uso de esta medicación con el fin de estar atentos a los primeros síntomas de intoxicación, poder actuar en forma oportuna y prevenir nuevos eventos. Summary: Rivastigmine, an anticholinesterase drug, improves cholinergic neurotransmission and is used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In the Center for Information and Toxicological Advice there have been cases of intoxication due to the use of transdermal rivastigmine patches, which have increased in recent times. We present two clinical cases of acute intoxication by transdermal patches of rivastigmine in which serious cardiac arrhythmias were found, associating a decrease in plasma cholinesterase. The risks of the use of this medication are highlighted in order to be attentive to the first symptoms of intoxication, to be able to act timely and to prevent new events. Resumo: A rivastigmina, um anticolinesterásico, melhora a neurotransmissão colinérgica e é usada no tratamento das doenças de Alzheimer e Parkinson. No Centro de Informação e Conselhos Toxicológicos, houve casos de intoxicação devido ao uso de adesivos transdérmicos de rivastigmina, que aumentaram nos últimos tempos. Se apresentam dois relatos de caso de intoxicação aguda por adesivos transdérmicos de rivastigmina. Em ambos os casos, foram encontradas arritmias cardíacas graves, associando uma diminuição na colinesterase plasmática. Os riscos do uso desse medicamento são destacados para estar atento aos primeiros sintomas de intoxicação, para poder atuar de forma oportuna e prevenir novos eventos.

Background: Primitive electronic waste (e-waste) recycling creates exposures to several hazardous substances including lead. In Uruguay, primitive recycling procedures are a significant source of lead exposure. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine lead exposure in blood lead levels (BLLs) in low-income children exposed to lead through burning cables. Methods: A sample of children and adolescents exposed to lead through burning cable activities were assessed at the Department of Toxicology in Montevideo, Uruguay, between 2010 and 2014. Soil lead levels of residences were taken shortly after their assessment. Findings: The final sample included 69 children and adolescents (mean age 7.89 years). More than 66% of participants had an additional source of lead exposure—manual gathering of metals—and medical intervention. Future research should focus on exploring effective interventions to reduce lead exposure among this vulnerable group.