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Lead nephropathy and lead-related nephrotoxicity

INTRODUCTION

Chronic lead exposure can affect a variety of organ systems, including the kidney where it can produce lead nephropathy, a chronic interstitial nephritis. The high level of lead exposure required to cause lead nephropathy is now increasingly rare, particularly in developed countries, due to occupational controls and removal of lead from paint, gasoline, and other environmental sources (graph 1).

However, prolonged lead exposure at the lower levels currently encountered in developed countries may still contribute to renal toxicity, an association that has been referred to as lead-related nephrotoxicity [1]. This is most likely to occur in patients who have chronic kidney disease or are at risk because of diabetes mellitus or hypertension.

The impact of chronic lead exposure on the kidney will be reviewed here. The evaluation and management of lead poisoning in adults and children are discussed separately. (See "Adult lead poisoning" and "Childhood lead poisoning: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis" and "Childhood lead poisoning: Treatment".)

SOURCES OF LEAD EXPOSURE

There are a number of current sources of lead exposure, which is primarily related to occupational exposures in adults and to ingestion or inhalation of environmental lead in adults and children (table 1). In addition, since lead accumulates in bone, the body lead burden from past exposures also contributes to current exposure.

Exposure sources are discussed in detail elsewhere. (See "Adult lead poisoning", section on 'Sources of exposure' and "Childhood lead poisoning: Exposure and prevention", section on Sources.)

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