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Association between essential tremor and blood lead concentration
Elan D Louis1, Eva C Jurewicz, LaKeisha Applegate
1Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. EDL2@columbia.edu
Environmental Health Perspectives
|November 5, 2003
Summary
This study found higher blood lead levels in essential tremor (ET) patients compared to controls, suggesting a potential link between lead exposure and this neurological condition. Further research is needed to understand this association.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Essential tremor (ET) is a common neurological disorder often involving the cerebellum.
- Environmental toxicants are implicated in ET etiology, yet remain understudied.
- Lead is a known neurotoxicant affecting cerebellar function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between lead exposure and essential tremor.
- To test the hypothesis that ET is linked to blood lead concentrations.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study comparing 100 ET patients and 143 controls, matched for age, sex, and ethnicity.
- Blood lead (BPb) concentrations were measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
- Lifetime occupational histories were assessed by an industrial hygienist.
Main Results:
- ET patients exhibited significantly higher mean and median BPb concentrations than controls (p=0.038).
- Logistic regression revealed BPb concentration was associated with ET diagnosis (OR=1.21, p=0.007), even after adjusting for confounders (OR=1.19, p=0.02).
- No significant difference in the prevalence of occupational lead exposure was observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between elevated blood lead levels and essential tremor.
- The findings suggest lead exposure may contribute to ET pathogenesis.
- Further studies are required to elucidate whether increased exposure or altered lead kinetics underlies this association.