Jundishapur Scientific Medical Journal

Jundishapur Scientific Medical Journal

The Epidemiological Status of Blood Lead Levels and Their Association with Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Children: A Study from Tehran Hospitals

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Naghi Dara 1
Amirhossein Hosseini 1
Farid Imanzadeh 2
Aliakbar Sayyari 2
Fariba Farnaghi 3
Simin Zarea karizi 4
Mehran Rostami 5
Mahmoud Hajipour 1
Arshia Dara 6
1 Associate professor in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Research Center, Research Institute for Children’s Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2 Professor in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Research Center, Research Institute for Children’s Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3 Associated Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4 MD Department of Pediatrics, Bo Ali Children's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
5 MSc. student in Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
6 BSc Student, University of Alberta, Canada.
10.22118/jsmj.2025.498425.3790
Abstract
Background and Objectives Lead poisoning is a major public health challenge, particularly in children due to their heightened susceptibility to its neurotoxic and gastrointestinal effects. This study aimed to assess blood lead levels and their correlation with gastrointestinal symptoms, especially constipation and abdominal pain, in children attending healthcare centers in Tehran.
Subjects and Methods This cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted on 290 children under 18 years of age presenting with functional constipation and abdominal pain at Mofid Hospital and Loqman Clinic. Data pertaining to demographics, lifestyle, environmental factors, and blood lead levels were collected. Blood lead levels were measured using the Lead Care II device, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 at a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results Among the children studied, abnormal blood lead levels were observed in 37.7% of girls and 38.1% of boys. Children under four years were significantly more exposed to high lead levels (P < 0.001). The mean blood lead level was 3.49 ± 3.75 µg/dL. Chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, such as constipation and abdominal pain, were more prevalent in children with abnormal lead levels.
Conclusion Children under four and those with gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation and abdominal pain are at the highest risk for lead poisoning. Screening for blood lead levels in these high-risk groups and timely intervention can help prevent severe complications of lead toxicity.
Keywords
Lead poisoning
Blood lead levels
Functional constipation
Abdominal pain
Children
Subjects
 
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  • Receive Date 06 January 2025
  • Revise Date 15 March 2025
  • Accept Date 10 May 2025