Clinical manifestations of childhood lead poisoning

ABSTRACT

The medical records of 58 children admitted with a diagnosis of lead poisoning to the Bustamante Hospital for Children between January 1979 and June 1987 were reviewed. Clinical data consisting of age, sex, source of exposure to lead, presenting symptoms and signs were collected from the records. Laboratory investigations, namely, haemoglobin, peripheral blood smear, blood lead levels and X-rays, were also reviewed. Reports of Public Health Inspectors were used to identify the source of exposure and information was also obtained from parents or guardians