Evaluation of Blood Lead Level in Methamphetamine Users in Tehran

Overview

Journal Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty Psychiatry

Date 2017 Feb 23

PMID 28222753

Citations 2

Authors

Babak Mostafazadeh

Shahin Shadnia

Mohammad Ali Tavakkoli

Hamid Reza Khoddami Vishteh

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Given the increasing number of lead poisoning in opioids users and since no study has been conducted so far to review lead poisoning in methamphetamine (crystal) users, this study aimed to investigate blood lead level in methamphetamine addicts.

Methods: This study was conducted on 20 patients with methamphetamine poisoning and their blood lead level was measured. The subjects were selected from among patients with a history of continuous use of methamphetamine, without a history of using opiates in the past 6 months confirmed by a negative urine tests, and without a history of heavy metal poisoning.

Results: Of all, 18 patients were male and the mean age was 32 ± 10 years; 17 patients were abusing the drug via inhalation and three persons via oral administration. The mean blood lead level was 2.3 ± 1.1 μg/dL and poisoning was not observed in any of the cases. Blood lead level was not associated with age, sex, dosage, and route of administration.

Conclusion: Although blood lead level was not at poisoning level in people who only used methamphetamine in Iran, due to the simultaneous use of other substances and because of non-specific symptoms, lead poisoning must be suspected in all cases of substances poisoning.

Citing Articles

Injection preparation filtration and health concerns among indigenous people who inject methamphetamine.

Anastario M, Suarez A, Williamson O, Firemoon P, Roberts E, Barber J Front Public Health. 2024; 12:1390210.

PMID: 38932776 PMC: 11201683. DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1390210.

Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Lead Poisoning: A Brief Report.

Safaee M, Malekzadeh M, Motamedi N, Sayadishahraki M, Eizadi-Mood N Iran J Med Sci. 2023; 48(6):600-605.

PMID: 38094284 PMC: 10715114. DOI: 10.30476/IJMS.2023.95824.2749.

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