Study on the Correlation Between Blood Lead Levels (BLL) and Clinical Symptoms of Poisoning in Patients Who Are Oral Opium Users

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Toxicology, Clinical Toxicology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Medical Student, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Toxicology, Clinical Toxicology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

4 Professor, Department of Clinical Toxicology, Clinical Toxicology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

10.48305/jims.v43.i820.0703

Abstract

Background: Considering that in clinical observations it seemed that the clinical symptoms of lead poisoning in patients consuming opium orally were not consistent with their blood lead level (BLL), we decided to study the relationship between BLL and clinical signs of poisoning in these patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed between 2014 and 2019 in the poisoning ward of Khorshid Hospital in Isfahan. Patients' demographics, clinical signs, and laboratory parameters at baseline are collected and analyzed in the study.
Findings: More than 87% of patients had BLL >70 μg/dL. Comparing the frequency distribution of clinical signs of lead poisoning between the three BLL groups, the frequency of abdominal pain (the most common symptom (94.6%) was different and significant at different BLL levels (P = 0.03). Comparing age, vital signs and laboratory parameters between the three BLL groups, the heart rate (PR) at different levels of BLL is different and statistically significant (P = 0.01), but no significant difference is observed for other variables. Increased mean blood pressure, mean aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, thyroxine and blood urea nitrogen indices were observed with increasing BLL. The mean parameters of hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration decrease with increasing BLL. All three BLL groups had abdominal pain and anemia.
Conclusion: It is recommended that BLL screening be performed for early diagnosis and treatment of lead poisoning in opium users presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms and anemia.

Highlights

Gholamali Dorooshi: Google Scholar, PubMed

Rokhsareh Meamar: Google Scholar, PubMed

Nastaran Eizadi-Mood: Google Scholar, PubMed

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 43, Issue 820
4th Week, August
July and August 2025
Pages 703-711

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 June 2025
  • Accept Date: 03 August 2025

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