Abstract
Background: Lead is found in small but appreciable quantities in air, soil, drinking water, and food. Exposure to such amounts of lead does not lead to acute lead toxicity but produces subtle effects particularly in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of blood lead level on biochemical and hematological parameters in children with neurological diseases in Western Maharashtra, India, and to estimate the blood lead level by liver and kidney function tests and hematological parameters in children with neurological disorders admitted to the pediatric ward and compare them with healthy controls.
Methods: In this study, 30 children with various neurological disorders admitted to the pediatric ward of Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India, were compared with 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Four milliliters of venous blood was collected for estimation of blood lead level, and biochemical and hematological parameters were determined using standard methods.
Results: Blood lead level was significantly increased in the study group (p<0.01, 65.38%) compared to that in the control group. When different neurological conditions were grouped into three groups according to blood lead levels, there was a significant difference between the groups. All other biochemical and hematological parameters were not significantly altered in the study group as compared to the control group.
Conclusions: Neurologically challenged children are more vulnerable to lead intoxication. It is imperative for the parents to take extra care of their children’s food habits and limit hand-to-mouth activities to prevent lead intoxication.
Acknowledgments
We express our deep gratitude to all study and control group children who consented to volunteer in this project. We are grateful to all residents of the pediatric department who helped in blood collection. We also acknowledge the research facilities provided by Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India, and Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University, Karad, Maharashtra, India. We are indebted to Dr. R. K. Ayachit, Director of Health Sciences, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University, Karad, Maharashtra, India, for valuable help.
Conflict of interest statement
Authors’ conflict of interest disclosure: The authors stated that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this article.
Research funding: None declared.
Employment or leadership: None declared.
Honorarium: None declared.
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