The effects of chronic lead poisoning on the values of hypertension in children

Introduction: During the treatment of Roma children from Kosovska Mitrovica suffering from chronic lead poisoning (which began in the second half of the last decade), hypertension has also been observed. The examination and treatment were conducted under the patronage of World Health Organization, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia and local administration. Aim of this work is show correlation between lead levels in blood and hypertension in children. Materials and methods: Lead from capillary blood flow was measured by Lead care analyzer. Extracted blood from a vein measured lead level in the toxicological laboratory of the Institute 'Karajović' Belgrade. The pressure was measured by standard devices with changeable cuffs and has been expressed in mmHg. Hypertension has been observed in 159 children. They were divided into four groups. First group: non-Roma children (n = 32) with blood lead level of up to 10 mcg/dl. Second group: Roma children (n = 31) with blood lead level of up to 10 mcg/dl. Third group: Roma children (n = 53) with blood lead levels of 10-45 mcg/dl. Fourth group: Roma children (n = 43) with blood lead levels more than 45 mcg/dl, with an average value of 61.6 mcg/dl. Results: There is a statistically significant difference in the elevation of systolic blood pressure between group (chi-square = 31,179; p < 0,001), the first (x = 107,2 mmHg) and the fourth group (x = 114,6 mmHg), the second (x = 104,5 mmHg) and fourth group, third (x =106,4 mmHg) and fourth group. There is a statistically significant difference in the elevation of diastolic blood pressure between group (chi-square = 32,028; p < 0,001), the first (x = 67,7 mmHg) and the fourth group (x =73,4 mmHg), the second (x = 66 mmHg) and third group (x = 69 mmHg), second and fourth group, third and fourth group of children. It is concluded that when the value of lead in the blood was higher its effect on blood pressure was more pronounced. Conclusion: Most children with lead levels over 45 mcg/dl have developed an increased blood pressure as well, which required further observation and testing. Twelve of the children from the fourth group have significant hypertension. But, none of the children have shown severe hypertension values