Postural disequilibrium quantification in children with chronic lead exposure: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Environmental Health
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Previous research linked acute lead encephalopathy survival to ataxia and postural equilibrium issues.
• Quantifying postural imbalance from lower lead exposures has been challenging due to insensitive clinical measures.
• Non-invasive methods are needed to assess subtle postural deficits in children with documented lead exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To noninvasively measure postural disequilibrium in children with documented lead exposure.
• To investigate the relationship between blood lead levels at various early life stages and postural sway at age six.
• To identify critical windows of lead exposure impacting long-term balance control.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a microprocessor-based force platform for real-time quantification of center of gravity movement.
• Assessed 33 inner-city children (mean age six years) with detailed blood lead histories.
• Administered four postural tests: eyes open/closed on firm and foam surfaces.

Main Results:

• Maximum blood lead levels during the second year of life significantly correlated with increased postural sway.
• Postural balance was most impaired in the eyes-closed condition, indicating reliance on visual cues.
• Lead exposure after two years of age was significantly associated with postural sway at six years.

Conclusions:

• Lead exposure, particularly during the second year of life and after age two, significantly impacts children's postural control.
• Early life lead exposure can lead to persistent balance deficits detectable by sensitive, non-invasive measures.
• This study highlights the importance of early lead screening and intervention to prevent long-term neurological effects.