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RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEAD AND CADMIUM LEVELS IN BLOOD AND REFRACTORY CHRONIC CONSTIPATION AMONG IRANIAN CHILDREN
Nasrin Gharibshahi1, Hazhir Javaherizadeh2, Zahra Nazari Khorasgani1
1Department of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Insights
This study found no significant link between lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) exposure and refractory chronic constipation (RCC) in Ahvaz children. Despite elevated blood lead levels in all participants, heavy metal exposure did not appear to cause RCC in this population.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Limited research exists on causes of refractory chronic constipation (RCC) in children.
- The impact of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) exposure on pediatric RCC is largely unknown.
- Environmental factors and heavy metal susceptibility may play a role in RCC etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Pb and Cd exposure and RCC in children from Ahvaz, Iran.
- To determine blood lead levels (BLLs) and blood cadmium levels (BCLs) in children with and without RCC.
- To analyze potential risk factors associated with RCC in the studied population.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 36 children with RCC and 12 healthy controls (aged 2-13 years).
- Measurement of BLLs and BCLs using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
- Data collection via questionnaires and statistical analysis using Spearman's correlation and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Geometric means of Pb and Cd were lower in the RCC group (45.26 µg/dL, 0.26 µg/dL) compared to controls (58.95 µg/dL, 0.45 µg/dL).
- A significant difference was found in BCLs between cases and controls (P<0.01).
- All children exceeded WHO guidelines for BLLs; 8.3% of cases and 33.3% of controls exceeded WHO guidelines for BCLs.
Conclusions:
- Pb and Cd exposure do not appear to be significantly associated with RCC in Ahvaz children.
- This study provides initial data on BLLs and BCLs in pediatric RCC.
- Findings may inform future epidemiological research on heavy metals and pediatric constipation.
Background:
There is limited research examining reasons causing refractory chronic constipation (RCC) in children. The effects of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) exposures on this condition have been even less clear. However, some related factors may contribute to evaluation of blood lead levels (BLLs) and blood cadmium levels (BCLs).
Objective:
The present study aimed to examine the relationship between Pb and Cd exposures and RCC in children living in the city of Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, in Southwestern Iran.
Methods:
This study was performed on a total number of 48 children aged 2-13 years, including 36 medically-diagnosed RCC cases and 12 controls referring to a pediatric clinic in the city of Ahvaz. Their BLLs and BCLs were then determined using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The data from the researcher-designed questionnaire were also recoded and the related risk factors were analyzed through Spearman's correlation and logistic regression analysis.
Results:
The findings revealed that the geometric means of Pb and Cd in blood samples in the control group were 58.95 µg/dL and 0.45 µg/dL; respectively. These values in the case group were equally 45.26 µg/dL and 0.26 µg/dL; respectively. A significant difference was additionally observed between BCLs in the case and control groups (P<0.01). All children in both groups also had BLLs greater than the permissible limit endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) (≤10 µg/dL). On the other hand, 8.3% of the individuals in the case group and 33.3% of those in the control group had BCLs higher than the acceptable range mentioned by WHO (≤0.5 µg/dL).
Conclusion:
Pb and Cd exposures due to environmental pollution and susceptibility to heavy metals may not be associated with RCC in children living in the city of Ahvaz. Although this research was the first one providing data on BLLs and BCLs in children with RCC, the findings could be useful for designing future epidemiologic studies.
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