Lead Ingestion in a Child: A Case Report

Year 2025, Volume: 16 Issue: 1, 31 - 33, 28.03.2025

Mustafa Ümit Can Dölek , Ahmet Karanfil , Alp Gökçe Altindaş

Abstract

Introduction: Lead is a heavy metal capable of causing significant toxic effects in children during acute exposure. Accidental ingestion of lead-containing objects is a common cause of acute poisoning in the pediatric population. Acute lead exposure can manifest with a broad clinical spectrum, ranging from neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms to life-threatening complications.
Case Report: This report presents the case of a 6-year-old boy who accidentally ingested a lead object. The patient presented to the emergency department approximately 20 minutes after the incident. His vital signs were stable, physical examination findings were unremarkable, and laboratory results were normal. An upright abdominal X-ray revealed an oval-shaped radiopaque object located in the duodenum. On the fourth day, the blood lead level was measured as 14 µg/dL, and no symptoms were observed.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the rapid passage of the lead object through the gastrointestinal tract may have played a role in limiting toxicity. This case contributes to the literature regarding the management and clinical course of acute lead poisoning in children.

Keywords

lead ingestion poisoning, acute lead, childhood lead toxication

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