Impacts of Blood Lead Level on Trace Element Status and Hematological Parameters in Anemic Children from Beni-Suef, Egypt

Anemia is a world widespread health problem among infants and children, and it is often associated with an alteration in blood level of some heavy metals and essential trace elements. The aim of our study is to evaluate the association of blood lead levels (BLL) ≥ 10 μg/dl with anemia, and its effect on hematological parameters and some essential trace elements in children. This study was performed on 100 children (mean age 8.2 ± 2); they fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 75 anemic group (HB ≤ 10 g/dl) and 25 non-anemic control group (HB>10 g/dl). Blood samples were taken from subjects for estimating hematological parameters and ferritin levels along with serum level for lead, zinc, copper and iron which were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Approximately 79% of the studied children had blood lead levels (BLL) ≥ 10 μg/dl, and the blood lead level range of 1.56-26.7 μg/dl. The Serum zinc, iron and ferritin levels in children of the anemic group were significantly (p<0.001) lower than control. However, The Serum copper concentration of the anemic group were not found to significantly (p=0.92) differ from the control group. There were significant negative correlations of blood lead levels with iron (r=-0.395), zinc (r=-0.401) and serum ferritin (r=-0.609) levels among all studied children with (P<0.01). In addition to a significant negative correlations of blood lead levels with hemoglobin (HB) (r=-0.884), hematocrit (HCT) (r=-0.819) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (r=-0.452) levels among anemic group with (P<0.01). In conclusion, blood Lead level ≥ 10 μg/dl was significantly associated with risk of anemia, hematological parameters affection and also altered the status of essential trace elements. Therefore, theses parameters can be used as biomarkers for chronic lead toxicity.