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Admitted to HUKM : 10-9-1999
Symptons :
Hair Loss
Weight Loss
Numbness
Headache.
18/8/1999 Urine test showed high level of arsenic.
After
Examinations:
Clinically
: - no acute poisoning
- no signs of chronic poisoning
- possibility even though not acute or chronic; to look at other causes
for the symptoms to occur:
- found no diabetes, tyroid, HIV, cancer or other abnormalities in kidney
etc.
Specimens taken : (i) urine (ii) hair (iii) nail.
Sent to Chemistry Department, MINT, UKM (FSKB), Guy's Lab London, and Perth.
Results :
Arsenic found within normal range.
Confirmed by opinion from Mayo Clinic and
Perth : No evidence of poisoning.
CONLUSION:
1. No acute
or chronic poisoning.
2. Levels
of arsenic found to be within normal range; possibly due to usual exposure.
3. Presence
of medical problems:
blood pressure / lungs : to be followed up and treated
accordingly
a) lungs.
b) "autonomic dysfunction"
c) blood pressure
4. Need to
be given nutrition diet.
QUESTIONS:
1.
Specimen :
- whether authentic. Assumed name was not acceptable.
- delay when specimens were sent to London and Perth.
i.e. Sent on Saturday; flown on Monday.
Why the delay by Kontena Nasional?
- Whether strict regulations observed. e.g. for London (Refrigerated);
not for Perth.
2.
Delay: (Note Melbourne Lab 18-8-1999)
- Specimen taken : urine (12-9-1999)
nail and hair (23-9-1999)
3.
Mayo Clinic's / Perth's opinion made on the assumption that :
a) the specimen was correct;
and b) that Gribble's Lab findings not conclusive
4.
We are of course glad that Anwar is free from chronic / acute arsenic poisoning.
- But, what about : "intermittent, low dose but effective enough
to do the damage in the long term?"
- The report did not rule out presence of small dose of arsenic.
- Whether the problem in the lungs and "autonomyc dysfunction"
(blood pressure) is as a result of arsenic contimination?
- Whether the small dose of exposure to the arsenic was normal
or due to some other intent?
- Reference to the opinion of Dr. David Richards (dermatologist)
who examined Anwar's hair, and concluded that: -"most likely due
to arsenic poisoning although one needs further biochemical evidence."
NOTES:
1)
We are fortunate and grateful to HUKM.
2)
The findings is a blessing because Anwar apparently does not suffer acute
or chronic poisoning. But "intermittent, low dose arsenic" has not
been ruled out.