Abstract
Objectives
To investigate the lead exposure levels, and the effect of blood lead level (BLL) on recurrent respiratory infections in children aged 3–7 years in Shenyang.
Methods
A case-control study including 78 children with recurrent respiratory infections and 141 controls was performed. Venous blood was obtained for BLL, and a questionnaire was completed.
Results
The BLL was significantly higher in children with recurrent respiratory infections than that in the control group [Median (IQR): 2.56 (1.29–6.19) vs 1.99 (0.90–5.92) µg/dL, P=0.029]. Children with BLL ≥1.95 µg/dL were more likely to be suffering from recurrent respiratory infections (OR=2.328, 95%CI=1.228–4.413) than those with BLL <1.95 µg/dL.
Conclusions
High lead level can increase the risk of respiratory infections in preschool children.
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Funding
National Natural Science Foundation of China (project number 81673190).
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X-NL: collection of data, study concept, analysis of data, revision of the manuscript; YL: collection of data, electronic preparation, revision of the manuscript, NH: collection of data, electronic preparation, revision of the manuscript; X-JC: collection of data and electronic preparation; LHJ: study concept, analysis of data, final revision.
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The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University; No. EC-2018-KS-053; dated December 17, 2018.
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Li, XN., Liu, Y., Huang, N. et al. The Association Between Environmental Lead Exposure and Recurrent Respiratory Infections in Children Aged 3–7 Years in Shenyang, China. Indian Pediatr 57, 1023–1025 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-020-2028-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-020-2028-y