Lead poisoning in children: emergency department recognition and management.

Abstract

Millions of children continue to be at risk for lead exposure despite a dramatic decline over the past 4 decades, and hundreds present annually to emergency departments with lead poisoning. These patients can be challenging to identify due to their nonspecific presentation and frequent lack of known exposure. This issue will prepare the emergency clinician to identify and care for the lead-poisoned patient, focusing on: (1) identifying key historical features, signs, and symptoms at presentation; (2) the medical management of lead poisoning; and (3) formulation of a safe discharge plan.