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Morning Report. July 19 th 2010. Why are lead levels important?. 250,000 US children aged 1-5 years have a lead level >10. Where do I find information?. At risk. Children <6yo Rapid growth Absorption of more lead Poverty Minority groups Especially immigrants
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Morning Report July 19th 2010
Why are lead levels important? • 250,000 US children aged 1-5 years have a lead level >10
At risk • Children <6yo • Rapid growth • Absorption of more lead • Poverty • Minority groups • Especially immigrants • Occupationally exposed parents • Old house
Symptoms • Children with lead poisoning often have no symptoms • A child can be poisoned and show no outward signs • Symptoms: diarrhea, stomach cramps, lethargy, headache, clumsiness, agitation, vomiting, or seizures in some severe cases
Toxic Effects • Learning disabilities • Decreased growth • Hyperactivity • Impaired hearing • Even brain damage
Testing • Children at ages 1 and 2 years of age • Children between 3 and 6 years of age if not previously tested. • Children or other family members who have been exposed to high levels of lead • Blood lead measurement • Not x rays • Not hair samples
LA Dept of Health • LCLPPP • Louisiana Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program • Identifies increased levels • Care Coordination • Environmental Inspection • Community and Professional Education • Handouts, Links, Prevention Plan, etc.
Treatment • Involve specialists • Pediatrician • Poison control • AAP Executive committee • >45 • Succimer • “rotten egg” smell, abd distress, transient rash, increased liver enzymes, neutropenia • >70 or allergic to succimer • EDTA and hospitalize