Lead poisoning disease

Alternative names:

plumbism

Treatment:

• removal from the source of lead (often easier than removing the source of lead)
• chelation therapy to remove lead from the body

Expectations (prognosis):

Expectations vary depending on the severity of toxicity. Children with levels above normal (greater than 30 micrograms/cc but less than 50) generally recover without problem. Children with medium and high serum levels of lead must be carefully followed and removed from all exposure. Children who have had an acute encephalopathy have a more guarded prognosis. Even mild lead poisoning is suspected as causing poor school performance and some loss in IQ.

Complications:

acute encephalopathy

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if signs of lead poisoning exist.