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Occupational lead exposure and strabismus in offspring: a case-control study
R B Hakim1, W F Stewart, J K Canner
1Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Insights
This study explored if parental lead exposure is linked to childhood strabismus. Results suggest a possible weak association between fathers' occupational lead exposure and strabismus in children.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Strabismus, or eye misalignment, is a common pediatric condition.
- Parental occupational exposures are potential environmental risk factors for childhood diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between parental occupational lead exposure and the development of strabismus in children.
- To assess risks related to maternal and paternal lead exposure during critical developmental periods.
Main Methods:
- A population-based case-control study design was employed.
- Cases included 377 children diagnosed with nonrestrictive strabismus (1985-1986).
- Controls (n=377) were matched by age and hospital of birth; parental jobs were assessed for lead exposure from conception to 9 months postpartum.
Main Results:
- Maternal lead exposure showed a high, though not statistically significant, odds ratio (2.6) for esotropic strabismus.
- Paternal occupational lead exposure demonstrated a potential dose-response relationship, with moderate exposure yielding an odds ratio of 2.1 (95% CI 0.9-5.3) for esotropia.
- The overall association between paternal lead exposure and strabismus was suggested as weak.
Conclusions:
- The findings indicate a potential, albeit weak, association between paternal occupational lead exposure and childhood strabismus.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore underlying mechanisms.
- Minimizing parental occupational lead exposure may be a relevant preventive strategy for strabismus.
Abstract:
The authors conducted a population-based case-control study to investigate the association between strabismus and parental occupational lead exposure. Cases were children diagnosed with nonrestrictive strabismus between 1985 and 1986 at Baltimore, Maryland-area pediatric ophthalmology practices and clinics (n = 377). Controls were matched for age and hospital of birth (n = 377). Jobs held by parents were assessed for lead exposure by industrial hygienists. The time window for lead exposure was defined as the period from conception through age 9 months. The unadjusted odds ratio for maternal lead exposure and the esotropic form of strabismus was 2.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4-27). Unadjusted odds ratios for paternal occupational lead exposure and esotropia were 1.0 (95% CI 0.5-2.1) for low exposure, 2.1 (95% CI 0.9-5.3) for moderate exposure, and 1.2 (95% CI 0.4-3.3) for high exposure. The study results suggest the possibility of a weak association between paternal lead exposure and strabismus in offspring.