YIA6: Plasma Lead Level Among Paediatric Thalassaemia Patients In Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Introduction: The route of human lead exposure is primarily via inhalation or ingestions. However, Bearer et al has shown that blood transfusion can be a source for lead exposure to premature infants. As majority of Thalassemic patients are transfusion dependant, thus hypothesis been made that regular blood transfusion can represents a significant source of lead. Objective: To determine plasma lead level in Thalassaemic patients with regular blood transfusion. Method: This was a cross sectional study, conducted at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) from March 2009 until August 2010. A total of 90 patients were included, 45 were Thalassaemic transfusion dependant patients and the other 45 were age and sex matched. The blood lead samples were taken pre-transfusion for Thalassaemic patients group and at random for control group. Samples then analyzed using standard Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Results: This study revealed that overall mean plasma lead level was 2.13 + 1.72µg/dL. Lead levels in Thalassaemic patients group (1.14 + 0.85µg/dL) were significantly lower than the control group (3.12 + 1.81µg/dL). No correlations of age or serum ferritin level to blood lead level were found. Discussion: Surprisingly Thallasemic showed lower lead levels than controls. This could be explained by the presence of high serum iron in Thallasemics which will reduce lead absorption and lead uptake of by erythrocytes. Conclusion: This study shows that our Thalassaemic transfusion dependant patients do not have extra exposure to lead from their regular blood transfusion. Lower blood lead level in Thallasemic patients requires further study.