[The results of ten year activity of the Environmental Health Outpatient Department in Piekary Slaskie in the prophylaxis of lead intoxication in children]. / Wyniki 10-letniej dzialalnosci Poradni Zdrowia Srodowiskowego w Piekarach Slaskich w zakresie profilaktyki intoksykacji olowiem u dzieci.

Aim of the study is the prophylaxis in children exposed to environmental lead. The analysis of lead concentration in blood as the result of the effectiveness of pharmacological and climatic-rehabilitating treatment was shown. Data were collected in the Environmental Health Outpatient Department in Piekary Slaskie, which was created in 1991 as an effect of pro-ecological activity in the town. The 6219 children in years 1986-2001 were examined. 2700 of children were sent for the propylactic-therapeutic camps. Ten years activity of the Environmental Health Outpatient Department in Piekary Slaskie contributed to lowering of percentage of children with lead concentrations in blood over 10.0 micrograms/dl of 28.4% in 1992 to about 19% in 2000. This activity together with organizing the prophylactic-therapeutic camps by the Silesian Children's Help Association 'Bratek' considerably allowed to limit the exposure of children population to environmental lead in Piekary Slaskie.

Adverse effects of chronic low level lead exposure on kidney function--a risk group study in children.

BACKGROUND: Children have been considered a risk group for lead (Pb) toxicity, mainly because of neurophysiological or neuro-cognitive deficits following Pb exposure. Blood Pb levels (b-Pb) of 100 microg/l currently have been defined as the lowest adverse effect level. The aim of this study was to compare, with the help of urinary markers, the kidney function of children with b-Pb just above this threshold with that of unexposed children, to assess from a nephrological point of view whether the current threshold is justified and whether children really are a particularly vulnerable risk group in terms of Pb-induced kidney damage. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 112 children, either from unexposed areas (controls, n=50) or Pb-contaminated areas (n=62), the latter partly with a known history of elevated b-Pb, were examined. Twenty nine urinary or serum markers mostly related to the function or integrity of specific nephron segments were determined (e.g. filtered plasma proteins, tubular enzymes, tubular antigens, eicosanoids). RESULTS: b-Pb were 39+/-13 microg/l in controls and 133+/-62 microg/l in exposed children. The main findings were increased excretion rates of prostaglandins and thromboxane B2, epidermal growth factor, beta2-microglobulin and Clara cell protein in the exposed children. A relationship between b-Pb and the prevalence of values above the upper reference limits was observed. CONCLUSIONS: With the help of urinary markers, nephron segment-specific effects of chronic low-level Pb exposure could be detected in children. The pattern of effects on glomerular, proximal and distal tubular and interstitial markers was similar to that previously observed in adults. The changes, however, occur at lower b-Pb levels than in adults. The current threshold appears to be justified also from a nephrological point of view, and children can indeed be considered a special risk group.

Separation and identification of metals in human bones, placenta and milk and in air by adsorption and ion-exchange thin-layer chromatography.

A TLC method for the separation of heavy metals and their complexes with dithizone, 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was devised and conditions for the solid-phase extraction of heavy metal ions in human bones, placenta and milk after microwave mineralization and in air after alkaline absorption were elaborated.

Pediatric problems in upper Silesia--region of ecological disaster.

Increasing rates of infant mortality and child diseases in the Upper Silesian Industry Region are indices of the declared ecological disaster. The concentrations of 11 ecotoxins established in air and soil is related to the infant mortality rate, according to the degree of pollution. The percentage of infants with birthweight below 2500 g is the highest in the most polluted towns, such as Chorzów, Zabrze, Bytom. The dominating causes of infant mortality in Zabrze were infections and congenital anomalies among babies born with significantly lower birthweight. The parents of dead children have been resident for at least 15 years. In Katowice district (south-western area of Poland) there is an increasing frequency of chronic respiratory, cardiovascular, oncological and allergic diseases among children.

Infant morbidity and mortality in a region of ecological disaster.

Infant morbidity and mortality in the Upper Silesian Industrial Region (USIR) are indices of ecological disaster. In the most polluted region of such towns as Bytom, Chorzów and Zabrze, the infant mortality rate is very high and increasing. Indices of infant morbidity were higher in Katowice district than in the rest of Poland. Low birth weight (below 2,500 g) depends on the degree of pollution and influences the infant mortality rate. Most parents of children who died in the first year of life have been resident for at least 15 years. In Zabrze in recent years the percentage of congenital defects as the main cause of infant mortality is increasing.

[Evaluation of the results of the treatment of infections in newborn infants with developmental anomalies of the facial bones]. / Ocena wyników leczenia zakazen u noworodków z wadami rozwojowymi czaszki twarzowej.

A clinical course and the results of treatment of infections in 53 neonates with visceral cranium defects are discussed. The analysis included the type of defect, immunity and the causes of therapeutical failures. Developmental defects of other organs coexisted with visceral Cranium defects in 45% of the neonates. High incidence of aspiration pneumonia (in 57%) with unfavourable prognosis (40%) was observed despite an intensive respiratory therapy including assisted ventilation. Therapeutical failures were caused by the coexistence of other developmental anomalies (found in 80% od deceased neonates) and low body weight at birth (35% of deaths). No immunological disorders were found except sporadic deficit of immunoglobulins and T-cells. Prophylaxis is of utmost importance. It includes: early orthodontic correction and introduction of the appropriate feeding technique at the neonatal wards.