Association between iron deficiency and low-level lead poisoning in an urban primary care clinic
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Setup of Capillary Electrophoresis-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS) for Quantification of Iron Redox Species (Fe(II), Fe(III))
Published on: May 4, 2020
R O Wright1, M W Shannon, R J Wright
1Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. 02115, USA. robert.wright@channing.harvard.edu
Insights
Iron deficiency is linked to increased odds of low-level lead poisoning in young children. This study highlights the importance of addressing iron deficiency to mitigate lead exposure risks in children aged 9 to 48 months.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Environmental Health
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Lead poisoning is a significant public health concern in children.
- Iron deficiency is a common nutritional deficiency in young children.
- The relationship between iron deficiency and lead exposure requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between iron deficiency and low-level lead poisoning in children.
- To determine if iron deficiency is a risk factor for elevated blood lead levels.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 3650 children aged 9-48 months in an urban primary care clinic.
- Iron deficiency defined by red cell mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and red cell distribution width (RDW) criteria.
- Statistical analysis adjusted for age, hemoglobin, and insurance status.
Main Results:
- Iron deficiency was significantly associated with blood lead levels >= 5 micrograms/dL (OR=1.63, 95% CI=1.29-2.04).
- Iron deficiency was also associated with blood lead levels >= 10 micrograms/dL (OR=1.44, 95% CI=1.004-2.05).
- Adjusted odds ratios indicate a predictive relationship between iron deficiency and lead poisoning.
Conclusions:
- Iron deficiency is significantly associated with low-level lead poisoning in children aged 9 to 48 months.
- Findings suggest a potential biological link or shared risk factors between iron deficiency and lead exposure.
- Screening and treatment for iron deficiency may be a strategy to reduce lead poisoning risk in vulnerable children.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to examine the association between iron deficiency and low-level lead poisoning.
Methods:
Data were collected in an urban primary care clinic from 3650 children aged 9 to 48 months. Iron deficiency was defined as a red cell mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of less than 70 fL and a red cell distribution width (RDW) of more than 14.5 in children younger than 2 years, and an MCV of less than 73 fL and RDW of more than 14.5 in those 2 years or older.
Results:
After adjustment for age, hemoglobin concentration, and insurance status, the odds ratios for iron deficiency predicting blood lead levels greater than or equal to 5 micrograms/dL and greater than or equal to 10 micrograms/dL were 1.63 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.29, 2.04) and 1.44 (95% CI = 1.004, 2.05).
Conclusions:
Iron deficiency is significantly associated with low-level lead poisoning in children aged 9 to 48 months.
