Abstract
Sir.—We report unique sources of lead poisoning observed in Saudi Arabia and in other parts of the world to alert physicians caring for children for whom these sources may be present.Patients and Methods.—The medical records of all pediatric patients with elevated blood lead levels admitted to the Dhahran (Saudi Arabia) Health Center between June 1984 and June 1986 were reviewed retrospectively. Most patients were admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Their ages ranged from 2 to 18 months (mean, 7.3 months). Ten patients were younger than 1 year of age; seven were male.Results.—A history of irritability was reported by all parents. Seizures occurred in seven patients, and severe neurodevelopmental delay was observed in one. Severe vomiting occurred in five patients, and pallor was present in three.Anemia was present in ten patients; the hemoglobin level ranged from 63 g/L (6.3 g/dL) to 102 g/L