Background
Pathophysiology
- Lead has multisystem effects, and is a powerful neurotoxin
Risk Factors
- Occupational exposure to lead:
- Battery manufacturing
- Plumbing
- Mining
- Painting
- Paper hanging
- Auto repair
Clinical Manifestations
- Acute exposure
- Abdominal pain and constipation
- Headache, cognitive deficits, and peripheral neuropathy
- Myalgias and arthralgias
- Anemia
- Anorexia
- Chronic exposure
- Fatigue and insomnia
- Hypertension
- Neuropsychiatric symptoms
- Nephropathy
- Miscarriage and stillbirth
Investigations
- Labs:
- CBC showing microcytic anemia
- Peripheral blood film showing basophilic stippling
Diagnosis
- Blood lead level strongly correlates with exposure level and health effects
- Shows acute exposures (i.e. within months)
- Since lead deposits in the bones, can do X-ray defraction for cumulative lead exposure
