Polargraphic determination of lead level in the blood of acute lead poisoning patients referred to Sina hospital affiliated to Tabriz University

Abstract

Background: Lead is a dangerous heavy metal that causes many complications in the human body; it has recently been added to opium (Tariak), which has resulted in many problem in healthcare for opiate addicts. In this study, in order to rapidly and accurately measure blood lead levels in opiate-dependent patients with poisoning symptoms, the” polarography”method was utilized. Objectives: The purpose of this study is rapid and accurate measurement of blood lead levels in opioid dependent patients referred to Tabriz Sina Hospital with signs of lead poisoning. Methods: This study was carried out in Sina Hospital of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in 2017. Blood lead levels were evaluated in 45 cases in three groups of case and control groups. The first and second case groups consisted of individuals who consumed oral and inhaled opium. The wet digestion method was used to prepare whole blood. A polarography method was used to calculate the lead amount of digested samples. The data of each group was recorded in a questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS version 21 for Windows.1 Results: The blood lead levels in oral users, inhaled users and control group were (17.12 ± 74.61), (19.33 ± 2.257) and (4.669 ± 0.3367) respectively. There was a significant difference between the control group and the oral users group (p <0.0003) as well as inhaled users group (p <0.0001). Conclusion: The results of this study showed a significant increase in blood lead levels in drug addicts compared to control group. Therefore, screening of blood lead concentrations in drug-dependent individuals, is necessary using a rapid and accurate method.