Lead and Cadmium Hair Levels in a Sample of Egyptian Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioral disorders among children. It has multifactorial mechanisms of induction; one that main mechanism is the exposure to neurotoxins. Environmental exposure to lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) may be implicated in its development. \nObjective: This study estimated the correlation between Pb and Cd hair levels and the development of ADHD. \nMethods: 102 children were divided into two groups: the ADHD group (n=54) diagnosed with ADHD according to (DSM)-IV, Conner s and intelligence quotient scales, control group apparently healthy children (n=48). Hair samples were taken for estimating Pb and Cd levels using Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). \nResults: A statistically significant difference was found regarding Pb levels between the study and the control groups with significant increased risks among female patients, inattention type and those with severe Conner s scale, meanwhile, Cd neither showed insignificant differences in hair levels nor increased risks among ADHD subtypes or grades of Conner s scale. \nConclusion: Both metals showed unexpectedly highly elevated levels in study subjects. Lead has a significant relation with weak association to ADHD meanwhile, cadmium had no significant relation.