Determining the Relationship Between Lead Poisoning and Abdominal Pain among Opium Users Referred to the Emergency Room of Beheshti Hospital in Kashan

Background: Abdominal pain is one of the symptoms of lead poisoning, but due to the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain, it is often neglected and ruled out. This study aims to determine the relationship between lead poisoning and abdominal pain among opium users referred to Beheshti Hospital in Kashan. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 60 opium-consuming patients referred to Shahid Beheshti Hospital Gastroenterology Clinic, with (n=30) and without (n=30) abdominal pain. After obtaining consent from all patients, demographic information, the type, method, and duration of the substance consumed, clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings were recorded in the questionnaire. Blood samples were taken and analyzed for serum lead levels in the hospital laboratory. Results: The average lead level in opium users with and without abdominal pain was 78.96 µg/dL and 11.51 µg/dL, respectively, which shows a significant relationship (P≤0.001). The average blood hemoglobin in opium users with and without abdominal pain was 10.37 mg/dl and 13.5 mg/dl, respectively, and the difference was significant (P≤0.001). The average lead levels were 56.5 µg/dL in opium users with nausea and 33.1 µg/dL in people without nausea. Also, there was a significant relationship between lead level and anorexia, weight loss, and constipation. The highest correlation was found between lead levels and hemoglobin (R=0.728) and hematocrit (R=0.649). Also, there was a significant correlation between ALT levels and lead (P=0.032). Conclusion: This study found a strong link between lead poisoning (mean: 78.96 µg/dL) and chronic abdominal pain in opium users. The findings emphasize the need for lead screening in symptomatic opium users.