Lead toxicity in a new-born due to in utero exposure

Abstract

Lead poisoning in a neonate is poorly defined, and limited data exists on appropriate follow-up and treatment of such infants. We are presenting the case of a newborn infant, who had a lead level of 63 mcg/dL. Treatment involved five days of intravenous chelation therapy. At discharge, no clinical sequelae of lead toxicity were found. However, due to the chronic nature of in utero exposure the infant requires close follow-up, in particular neurologic and developmental sequelae. Lead toxicity has many complications. Long-term complications include delays in growth and development. Furthermore, these complications may develop in children with minimal toxicity, let alone those with grossly abnormal values. Due to lack of data, perhaps it is worthwhile to screen those women of child-bearing age, who are of "high risk", for elevated blood lead levels to reduce the risk of in utero exposure.