Background: In France, the prevalence of childhood lead poisoning is becoming rare since the avoidance of lead in paints in 1949 and the gradual replacement of water pipes. Chronic lead toxicity is well known and is well correlated to blood lead concentration.
Aim: Here we report a case of severe lead poisoning occurring in a young female child with a pica behavior.
Methods: A blood sample and four environmental samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma- mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Lead concentration, lead isotopes and elemental ratios were compared.
Results: The determination of 208Pb/206Pb, 206Pb/207Pb and Cd/Pb has allowed us to identify the origin of lead poisoning.
Discussion-conclusion: The source of contamination was eliminated and the child benefited from a psychological and medical follow up. Her outcome was positive. This case illustrated the potential interest of the use of elemental and isotopic ratios for clinical practice as the ICP-MS measurement has allowed a quick response and a rapid eviction of the contamination's source.
Keywords: Elements ratio; ICP-MS; Isotopic; Lead poisoning.
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