Misdiagnosis analysis of 155 cases of lead poisoning reported in China from 2007 to 2018

Objective The causes of misdiagnosis of lead poisoning in clinical work were analyzed to provide basis for taking effective preventive measures.

Methods Inquiring the article on the misdiagnosis of lead poisoning in the past 10 years in CNKI, Wanfang database and Wipp database, the case characteristics were summarized and a comprehensive analysis was conducted.

Results Among 155 misdiagnosed cases of lead poisoning, 115(74.84%) were living lead poisoning, 39(25.16%) were occupational lead poisoning, 127(81.9%) were misdiagnosed as digestive system diseases, 15(10%)as hematological system diseases, 12(7%) as nervous system diseases, and 1 case was misdiagnosed as paraneoplastic pemphigus. Among the patients misdiagnosed as digestive system diseases, 26(20.5%) cases were performed invasive diagnosis and treatment, and 5(17.9%)cases among other system diseases. There was no significant difference in invasive diagnosis and treatment of patients misdiagnosed as different system diseases (P>0.05).

Conclusion For atypical cases of lead poisoning, a thorough examination should be done to obtain a correct diagnosis. Clinicians need to strengthen their knowledge about lead poisoning. For patients suspected with heavy metal poisoning, they should be checked as soon as possible to avoid delay in treatment.