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Lead poisoning as a differential diagnosis in pediatric patients with chronic abdominal pain: a case-control study in

Reihaneh Mohsenipour1, Majid Aflatoonian2, Hossein Alimadadi3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Growth and Development Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

BMC Gastroenterology
|October 2, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Lead poisoning may cause chronic abdominal pain in children. This study found higher blood lead levels in children with this symptom, highlighting the need for reduced lead exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Environmental Health
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Chronic abdominal pain in children is difficult to diagnose.
  • Lead poisoning is a potential, yet often overlooked, cause.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between blood lead levels and chronic abdominal pain in pediatric patients.
  • To evaluate lead exposure as a contributing factor to pediatric abdominal pain.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 190 pediatric patients (81 with chronic abdominal pain, 109 controls).
  • Data collected from Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran (April 2021-2023).
  • Statistical analysis using STATA 16, including multiple logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • Children with chronic abdominal pain had significantly lower mean weight and appetite.
  • 59% of children with chronic abdominal pain had blood lead levels ≥ 10 µg/dL.
  • Mean blood lead levels were significantly higher in the case group (11.09 µg/dL) compared to the control group (8.26 µg/dL).

Conclusions:

  • Lead poisoning is a potential cause of chronic abdominal pain in children.
  • Elevated blood lead levels are associated with chronic abdominal pain in pediatric patients.
  • Urgent measures are needed to reduce children's exposure to lead.
Abstract

Keywords:
Chronic abdominal painLeadPediatricsPoisoning

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