Pediatric Lead Toxicity Clinical Presentation
- Author: Mohamed K Badawy, MD, FAAP; Chief Editor: Timothy E Corden, MD more...
History
The clinical picture associated with lead poisoning is vague. Symptoms are not specific enough to alarm the physician about lead toxicity. Most cases are currently identified through effective screening of the population at risk. However, patients with lead poisoning frequently have constipation, abdominal pain, and/or anorexia.
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms of lead poisoning include the following:
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
Neurobehavioral changes observed in lead poisoning include the following:
- Inattentiveness
- Distractibility
- Impulsiveness
- Learning problems
Peripheral nervous system effects (rare in children) associated with lead poisoning include the following:
- Weakness
- Peripheral palsies
Physical Examination
No specific physical signs for lead poisoning are recognized, but patients may exhibit pallor (due to associated anemia) and hyperactivity.
Signs of increased intracranial pressure can include the following:
- Impaired consciousness
- Bradycardia
- Hypertension
- Respiratory depression
- Papilledema
- Coma
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