Lead poisoning

Other labtests may include:

Iron level
Complete blood count and coagulation studies
Erythrocyte protoporphyrin
Bone marrow biopsy (stippled erythroblasts)
X-ray of the long bones and abdomen

For children whose blood levels are at a moderately concerning level, the steps are to identify all major sources of lead exposure and keep the child away from it. Follow-up blood testing may be needed.

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Chelation therapy is a procedure that can remove higher levels of lead that have built up in a person's body over time.

In cases where someone has potentially eaten a high toxic dose of lead in a short period of time, the following treatments might be done:

Gastric lavage
Bowel irrigation with polyethylene glycol solution

Expectations (prognosis):

Adults who have had mildly elevated lead levels often recover without problems. In children, even mild lead poisoning can have a permanent impact on attention and IQ.

People with higher lead levels have a greater risk of long-lasting health problems, and must be followed carefully. Their nerves and muscles can be greatly affected and may no longer function as well as they should. Other body systems may be harmed to various degrees, such as the kidneys and blood vessels.Peoplewhosurvive toxic lead levelsmay suffer some permanent brain damage. Children are more vulnerable to serious long-term problems.

A complete recovery from chronic lead poisoning may take months to years. Symptoms resembling chronic intoxication may be develop over a period weeks or months.

References:

Bleecker ML, et al. Differential effects of lead exposure on components of verbal memory. Occup Environ Med. 2005 Mar;62(3):181-7.

Chen A, Dietrick, KN, Ware, JH, et al. IQ and Blood Lead from 2 to 7 Years of Age: Are the Effects in Older Children the Residual of High Blood Lead Concentrations in 2-Year-Olds? Environ Health Perspect. 2005 May;113(5):597-601.

Marcus, S.Lead Toxicity. eMedicine. October 4, 2004. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic293.htm. Accessed May 5, 2005.

Eliminating Childhood Lead Poisoning: A Federal Strategy Targeting Lead Paint Hazards. Washington, DC. President's Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children, Environmental Protection Agency; February 2000. Availableat http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/fedstrategy2000.pdf. Accessed May 5, 2005.

Tong S, et al. Environmental Lead Exposure: A Public Health Problem of Global Dimensions. Bull World Health Organ. 2000; 78(9): 1068-77.

Wright RO, et al.Association between iron deficiency and blood lead level in a longitudinal analysis of children followed in an urban primary care clinic. J Pediatr. 2003;142: 9?14.