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Brainstem auditory evoked potentials in children with lead exposure Please cite this article as: Alvarenga KF, Morata TC, Lopes AC, Feniman MR, Corteletti LC. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials in children with lead exposure. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2015;81:37-43.

Abstracts

Introduction:

Earlier studies have demonstrated an auditory effect of lead exposure in children, but information on the effects of low chronic exposures needs to be further elucidated.

Objective:

To investigate the effect of low chronic exposures of the auditory system in children with a history of low blood lead levels, using an auditory electrophysiological test.

Methods:

Contemporary cross-sectional cohort. Study participants underwent tympanometry, pure tone and speech audiometry, transient evoked otoacoustic emissions, and brainstem auditory evoked potentials, with blood lead monitoring over a period of 35.5 months. The study included 130 children, with ages ranging from 18 months to 14 years, 5 months (mean age 6 years, 8 months ± 3 years, 2 months).

Results:

The mean time-integrated cumulative blood lead index was 12 µg/dL (SD ± 5.7, range:2.433). All participants had hearing thresholds equal to or below 20 dBHL and normal amplitudes of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions. No association was found between the absolute latencies of waves I, III, and V, the interpeak latencies I-III, III-V, and I-V, and the cumulative lead values.

Conclusion:

No evidence of toxic effects from chronic low lead exposures was observed on the auditory function of children living in a lead contaminated area.

Toxicity; Lead poisoning; Brainstem auditory evoked potentials; Pure-tone audiometry


Introdução:

Estudos anteriores têm demonstrado efeitos da exposição ao chumbo no sistema auditivo em crianças, porém a exposição deste metal em níveis baixos ainda precisa ser investigada.

Objetivo:

Investigar os efeitos da exposição crônica ao chumbo no sistema auditivo de crianças com histórico de baixo nível sanguíneo de chumbo por meio de um teste eletrofisiológico.

Método:

Estudo de coorte transversal contemporânea. Foram realizados imitanciometria, audiometria tonal liminar e vocal, emissões otoacústicas evocadas transientes e potenciais evocados auditivos de tronco encefálico, com o monitoramento sanguíneo de chumbo durante um período de 35,5 meses. Participaram 130 crianças na faixa etária de 18 meses a 14 anos e 5 meses (6a8 m ± 3a2 m).

Resultados:

A média estimada do índice de pumblemia foi 12 mg/dL (DP ± 5,7). Todos os participantes apresentaram limiares auditivos iguais ou inferiores a 20 dBNA e amplitude normal das emissões otoacústicas evocadas transientes. Não foi encontrada associação entre as latências absolutas das ondas I, III e V e interpicos I-III, III-V e I-V e os valores cumulativos de chumbo.

Conclusão:

Não foi observada evidência de efeitos tóxicos em baixas exposições crônicas ao chumbo sobre a função auditiva de crianças que vivem em uma área contaminada por este metal.

Toxicidade; Intoxicação porchumbo; Potenciais evocadosauditivos do troncoencefálico; Audiometria de tonspurosPotencial


Introduction

Lead is a known neurotoxic agent that can cause serious damage to nervous tissue, particularly during development of the central nervous system, resulting in neurocognitive and neurophysiological disorders in children and adults. Both occupational and environmental sources of lead exposure constitute a public health concern.

Adverse health effects (especially in cognitive function, attention and learning) have been linked to low levels of lead in blood (<10-20 µg/dL).11. Dietrich KN, Succop PA, Berger OG, Keith RW. Lead exposure and the central auditory processing abilities and cognitive development of urban children: the Cincinnati lead study cohort at age 5 years. Neurotoxicol Teratol. 1992;14:51-6.

2. Bellinger D. Very low lead exposures and children's neurodevelopment. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2008;20:172-7.

3. Lanphear BP, Dietrich K, Auinger P, Cox C. Cognitive deficits associated with blood lead concentrations <10 microg/dL in US children and adolescents. Public Health Rep. 2000;115:521-9.

4. Lanphear BP, Hornung R, Khoury J, Yolton K, Baghurst P, Bellinger DC, et al. Low-level environmental lead exposure and children's intellectual function: an international pooled analysis. Environ Health Perspect. 2005;113:894-9.
- 55. Canfield RL, Henderson CR, Cory-Slechta DA. Intellectual impairment in children with blood lead concentrations below 10 microgram per deciliter. N Engl J Med. 2003;348:1517-26.In a review of the literature on the neurotoxicity associated with exposure of children to low levels of lead, the authors concluded that there is no safe level without neurological effects in the body (no adverse effect level), i.e., any exposure to lead is harmful to the central nervous system.66. Finkelstein Y, Markowitz ME, Rosen JF. Low-level lead-induced neurotoxicity in children: an update on central nervous system effects. Brain Res Rev. 1998;27:168-76. One of the goals of Healthy People Program 2020 of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) included the elimination of lead levels in blood ≥10 µg/dL in children younger than 5 years of age by the year 2020.77. Department of Health and Human Services. 2020 Topics & Objectives. Environmental Health. Available from: http:// healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx? topicId=12 [updated 10.04.13, accessed 11.09.13].
http:// healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobj...
In Brazil, there is no policy directed toward the prevention of poisoning by environmental exposure to heavy metals and current Brazilian standards still consider 40 µg/dL as the recommended biological index.88. Brasil Ministério do Trabalho. Artigo 24/GM, 29 de dezembro, 1994. Programa de Controle Médico de Saúde Ocupacional [Occupational Health Surveillance Program]. Diário Oficial da União 1994; Poder Executivo, Brasília, DF.

Different types of evoked potentials and several neurobehavioral tests have been used to detect subclinical changes in individuals exposed to a range of lead levels, in order to prevent acute and/or persistent neurological disorders in exposed individuals.99. CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Control and Prevention. Low level lead exposure harms children: a renewed call for primary prevention; 2012. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/acclpp/final document 010412.pdf [accessed 11.09.13].
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/acclpp/fina...
Schwartz and Otto1010. Schwartz J, Otto D. Blood lead, hearing thresholds, and neurobehavioral development in children and youth. Arch Environ Health. 1987;42:153-60.suggested that the evoked potential may be the most sensitive indicator of central nervous system dysfunction in children. Evidence from studies on the effects of occupational exposure to lead on the human auditory system has been reported over the past three decades. Effects on latency and amplitude were reported in somatosensory, visual, and auditory evoked potentials, including cognitive evoked potential.1111. Seppalainen AM, Hernberg S. A follow-up study of nerve conduction velocities in lead exposed workers. Neurobehav Toxicol Teratol. 1982;4:721-3.

12. Singer R, Valciukas JA, Lilis R. Lead exposure and nerve conduction velocity: the differential time course of sensory and motor nerve effects. Neurotoxicology. 1983;4:193-202.

13. Holdestein Y, Pratt H, Goldsher M, Rosen G, Shenhav R, Linn S, et al. Auditory brainstem evoked potentials in asymptomatic lead-exposed subjects. J Laryngol Otol. 1986;100:1031-6.

14. Lille F, Hazemann P, Garnier R, Dally S. Effects of lead and mercury intoxications on evoked potentials. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1988;26:103-16.

15. Araki S, Murata K, Yokoyama K, Uchida E. Auditory event-related potential (P300) in relation to peripheral nerve conduction in workers exposed to lead, zinc, and copper: effects of lead on cognitive function and central nervous system. Am J Ind Med. 1992;21:539-47.

16. Discalzi GL, Capellaro F, Bottalo L, Fabbro D, Mocellini A. Auditory brainstem evoked potentials (BAEPs) in lead-exposure workers. Neurotoxicology. 1992;13:207-9.

17. Kovala T, Matikainen E, Mannelin T, Erkkilä J, Riihimäki V, Hanninen H, et al. Effects of low level exposure to lead on neurophysiological functions among lead battery workers. Occup Environ Med. 1997;54:487-93.

18. Forst LS, Freels S, Persky V. Occupational lead exposure and hearing loss. J Occup Environ Med. 1997;39:658-60.

19. Farahat TM, Abdel-Rasoul GM, El-Assy AR, Kandil SH, Kabil MK. Hearing thresholds of workers in a printing facility. Environ Res. 1997;73:189-92.

20. Araki S, Sato H, Yokoyama K, Murata K. Subclinical neurophysiological effects of lead: a review on peripheral, central and autonomic nervous system effects in lead workers. Am J Ind Med. 2000;37:193-204.

21. Wu TN, Shen CY, Lai JS, Goo CF, Ko KN, Chi HY, et al. Effects of lead and noise exposures on hearing ability. Arch Environ Health. 2000;55:109-14.

22. Hwang YH, Chiang HY, Yen-Jean MC, Wang JD. The association between low levels of lead in blood and occupational noise-induced hearing loss in steel workers. Sci Total Environ. 2009;408:43-9.
- 2323. Johnson AC, Morata TC. Occupational exposure to chemicals and hearing impairment. Arbete Och Halsa. 2010;44:177.However, there is no consensus: (1) on the limit and the level of lead poisoning needed to induce effects on the auditory system of children; (2) which structures or functions of the auditory system are susceptible; and (3) the most sensitive tests for the assessment of lead poisoning effects.

The first study that used brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) to investigate the effects on electrophysiological recordings in children exposed to lead was performed by Otto et al.2424. Otto D, Robinson G, Baumann S, Schroeder S, Mushak P, Kleinbaum D, et al. 5-Year follow-up study of children with lowto-moderate lead absorption: electrophysiological evaluation. Environ Res. 1985;38:168-86. The results showed a significant association between the levels of blood lead (mean 28 µg/dL) and the absolute latencies of waves III and V, with an increase in latency correlating with the increased levels of lead in blood. This finding suggested the effect of this metal occurs at the level of the lower brainstem in the cochlear nucleus region. However, the presence of cochlear damage was not ruled out.

Subsequent studies in children with higher exposure levels (43-72 µg/dL) also described changes in BAEPs, which supported auditory system impairment, but with no consensus on which auditory system structures were affected. Some of these studies suggested peripheral lesions,1313. Holdestein Y, Pratt H, Goldsher M, Rosen G, Shenhav R, Linn S, et al. Auditory brainstem evoked potentials in asymptomatic lead-exposed subjects. J Laryngol Otol. 1986;100:1031-6. , 2525. Osman K, Pawlas K, Schutz A, Gazdzik M, Sokal JA, Vahter M. Lead exposure and hearing effects in children in Katowice, Poland. Environ Res. 1999;80:1-8.while others suggested both central and peripheral dysfunctions.2626. Zou C, Zhao Z, Tang L, Chen Z, Du L. The effect of lead on brainstem auditory evoked potentials in children. Chin Med J (Engl). 2003;116:565-8.However, these findings were not confirmed in other studies,2727. Counter SA, Buchanan LH, Ortega F, Laurell G. Normal auditory brainstem and cochlear function in extreme pediatric plumbism. J Neurol Sci. 1997;152:85-92. , 2828. Counter SA, Vahter M, Laurell G, Buchanan LH, Ortega F, Skerfving S. High lead exposure and auditory sensory-neural function in Andean children. Environ Health Perspect. 1997;105: 522-6. which found no significant association between lead exposure and auditory function. An exception was the paper of Holdstein et al.,1313. Holdestein Y, Pratt H, Goldsher M, Rosen G, Shenhav R, Linn S, et al. Auditory brainstem evoked potentials in asymptomatic lead-exposed subjects. J Laryngol Otol. 1986;100:1031-6. that assessed the effects of lead levels in blood obtained from previous records. In this study, the researchers used lead levels in blood obtained at the time of the investigation as a biomarker of lead exposure.

With this in perspective, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic exposure to lead on the auditory system of children with a history of low blood lead levels, using an electrophysiological test.

Methods

This was a contemporary cross-sectional cohort study, approved by the Ethics Committee of the Institution, under No. 098/2009. Children living near a battery factory that caused lead contamination in the soil and river were recruited to participate in the study, due to their high risk of lead exposure. Those who had blood lead levels ≥10 µg/dL were eligible for the study, a criterion based on the 1991 recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which identified the blood lead level of 10 µg/dL as "level of concern".2929. CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing lead poisoning in young children; 1991. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/Publications/books/plpyc/ contents.htm [accessed 11.09.13].
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/Publication...

The study included 130 children (80 males and 50 females), aged 18 months to 14 years (mean: 6 years, 8 months ± 2 years 3 months). Levels of lead in the blood were evaluated longitudinally, with all participants submitted to audiological assessment. Study participants underwent an extensive clinical evaluation by a team consisting of a pediatrician, a neurologist, a dentist, and a speech therapist, and were free of any symptoms or diagnosed disease.

Monitoring of lead levels in blood

The monitoring of lead levels in blood was conducted during a period lasting 35.5 months. Participants provided two to four blood samples, collected in heparinized tubes by the laboratory in charge following standard procedures. The analyses were performed under the control of the Municipal Health Secretariat and the city's Regional Health Division, and were all sent to the same laboratory for analysis. Samples were transported at 4 ºC and kept at this temperature prior to analysis. The blood lead level was obtained using atomic absorption spectrometry with graphite furnace.

The data of the original sample were used to assess eligibility, and the eligible cases, that is, the children with blood lead results ≥10 µg/dL and without any associated disease, were followed for a period of 35.5 months. During this study, there were four sessions for blood collection; all participants were invited to participate in each of them, but not all did.

Audiometric screening

Initially, an otoscopic assessment was performed to exclude the presence of perforated tympanic membrane or otitis externa.

The audiometric test was performed to rule out any conductive or sensorineural hearing loss in the frequencies correlated with those of the click stimulus (500-4000 Hz), with the aim of controlling interference on the results of the electrophysiological testing. The results of pure-tone audiometry were classified as normal if the hearing thresholds were ≤20 dBHL, obtained with a MIDIMATE 622 clinical audiometer model and TDH-39P phones. Tympanometry was performed using GSI TympSTAR equipment, and tympanometry curves were considered normal when the static compliance was 0.3-1.3 mL and the maximum compliance peak pressure was 90-100 daPa, according to the protocol used in the service.

The tests were performed in a booth with acoustic treatment in accordance with the ANSI standard.3030. ANSI. American National Standards Institute. Maximum permissible ambient noise levels for audiometric test rooms. New York, NY: American National Standard Institute, ANSI; 1991.

The recording of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) was obtained in children aged 2 years, 6 months and older, using the Otodynamics ILO292 DP ECHO Research OAE System. The probe stability was always >80% and the stimulus was calibrated before each day of data collection. Criteria were the presence of TEOAE response, reproducibility of 70% or higher, and a response amplitude <3 dB in the frequency band of 1500-5000 Hz. The results of pure tone audiometry, TEOAE, and tympanometry were within normal clinical values, confirming the absence of sensorineural or conductive hearing loss in all participants.

BAEPs

The test was performed using a Hortmann auditory evoked potentials system in an electrically shielded sound-proof booth, with the child sitting comfortably, sleeping or with eyes closed, in order to eliminate the artifacts caused by eye movement. Disposable Kedall electrodes, model Meditrace 200, were positioned as follows: active electrode Fz, reference electrode/earth in M1 and M2 (right and left mastoids), to record the ipsilateral BAEP. The individual electrode impedance was less than 5 kn, and between electrodes, less than 2 kn. The click stimulus was presented through a TDH-39 earphone at an intensity level of 80 dBHL, with alternating polarity to reduce electrical artifacts, and a presentation rate of 21.1 clicks/s, averaging 1000 stimuli in each collection, with bandpass filter of 30 and 3000 Hz. Wave reproducibility was used to identify the presence of responses. The first ear to be tested was randomly chosen. The absolute latencies of waves I, III, V, and the values of interpeak intervals I-III, III-V, and I-V were measured in milliseconds (ms).

Statistical analysis

Descriptive statistical analysis was performed by considering the components of the BAEP recorded separately in each ear, lead levels in blood, and the estimated blood lead values. Considering the lack of certainty about the cumulative effect of lead on the auditory system, i.e., its influence in the long-term, the authors decided to study the possible influence of the duration of lead poisoning on the results of the BAEPs. For that purpose, the blood lead value estimated on the day of the audiological assessment was calculated having as reference the date when the first blood sample was collected from the population. The audiological assessment was performed at different times for each participant; however, within the period of blood lead level monitoring.

During the study period, several measures were taken to prevent the children's exposure to lead, and the data con- firmed that the levels of lead in blood decreased as a result of such interventions. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated for the response variables (absolute latencies of 40 Alvarenga KF et al. waves I, III, and V and values of interpeak intervals I-III, III-V, I-V) and the independent variables (age, values of lead in blood obtained from collections made, and estimated blood lead values).

Subsequently, a linear regression model was used for the right and left ears, using the absolute latency and interpeak values. Linear regression was the method used to select variables in the model, and the significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results

In the present study, blood collection for the measurement of lead levels was performed four times throughout a period of 35 months; the results for each blood lead level (1st to 4th) are shown for each date of collection. The number of participants in each collection varied, despite efforts to include all participants on each occasion. The estimated blood lead level was 12.2 µg/dL (±5.7 µg/dL SD, ranging from 2.4 to 33 µg/dL SD). Table 1 shows the results of the descriptive statistical analysis (mean, standard deviation, median, minimum, and maximum values) of lead levels in blood obtained during the period of lead level monitoring and estimated blood lead levels.

Table 1
Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, median, minimum, and maximum values) considering the blood lead levels obtained and estimated blood lead levels for males and females.

A strong linear correlation was found between the results of the initial lead level samples in blood and the time of audiological assessment (Pearson's r = 0.78). The following variables were included in each subsequent model: latency of waves I, III, or V, age, gender, time of audiological assessment, and estimated blood lead levels on the date of the audiological assessment. To investigate the association between levels of lead in blood with the results of BAEP, the absolute latencies of waves I, III, and V were included in the model (with wave III latency adjusted for wave I latency, and wave V latency adjusted for wave III latency). The results of the initial regression of the absolute latency of wave I by ear in relation to age, gender, cumulative blood lead levels, and date of the audiological assessment were not significant.

Table 2 shows the final regression model for the absolute latency of waves III and V (variables with no significant associations were not included in the table). The association between absolute latencies and gender was significant. In this study, male children had higher latencies and interpeak intervals, with a significant difference when compared to female children.

Table 2
Results of the final linear regression model measuring the brainstem auditory evoked potential (absolute latency of waves III and V), right and left ears, for males compared to females.

Discussion

Concern about the effects of lead on health has led to several experimental and clinical studies conducted with industrial workers, adults, and children with a history of lead exposure. Lead levels in blood reflect the dynamic balance between absorption, retention, release, and elimination of the substance. In long-term exposure, this marker provides a reliable indicator of current exposure, unless the exposures vary widely, in which case the previous exposures will not be accurately reflected.

In the present study, the reduction in the blood lead levels was observed over time, and the last two samples showed that the mean level of lead in the blood of the participants was lower than 10 µg/dL. The decrease in the blood lead levels in the studied children probably reflects the impact of the measures taken by the municipal government and the company responsible for the contamination of the area around the factory. Even though the study was still in progress, the participants were treated due to lead poisoning, streets and public spaces near the battery factory were paved, and the affected population received information to avoid the consumption of local products from the community garden, as well as other information related to general health.

Although studies conducted with workers exposed to lead show consistent results that indicate auditory effects, the data on the effects of environmental lead exposure on the auditory system of children are contradictory.1313. Holdestein Y, Pratt H, Goldsher M, Rosen G, Shenhav R, Linn S, et al. Auditory brainstem evoked potentials in asymptomatic lead-exposed subjects. J Laryngol Otol. 1986;100:1031-6. , 2525. Osman K, Pawlas K, Schutz A, Gazdzik M, Sokal JA, Vahter M. Lead exposure and hearing effects in children in Katowice, Poland. Environ Res. 1999;80:1-8.

26. Zou C, Zhao Z, Tang L, Chen Z, Du L. The effect of lead on brainstem auditory evoked potentials in children. Chin Med J (Engl). 2003;116:565-8.

27. Counter SA, Buchanan LH, Ortega F, Laurell G. Normal auditory brainstem and cochlear function in extreme pediatric plumbism. J Neurol Sci. 1997;152:85-92.
- 2828. Counter SA, Vahter M, Laurell G, Buchanan LH, Ortega F, Skerfving S. High lead exposure and auditory sensory-neural function in Andean children. Environ Health Perspect. 1997;105: 522-6. , 3131. Counter SA. Brainstem neural conduction biomarkers in leadexposed children of Andean lead-glaze workers. J Occup Environ Med. 2002;44:855-64.

Schwartz and Otto1010. Schwartz J, Otto D. Blood lead, hearing thresholds, and neurobehavioral development in children and youth. Arch Environ Health. 1987;42:153-60. suggested that evoked potentials can provide an early indication of lead contamination when compared to behavioral procedures, but subsequent studies,2727. Counter SA, Buchanan LH, Ortega F, Laurell G. Normal auditory brainstem and cochlear function in extreme pediatric plumbism. J Neurol Sci. 1997;152:85-92. , 2828. Counter SA, Vahter M, Laurell G, Buchanan LH, Ortega F, Skerfving S. High lead exposure and auditory sensory-neural function in Andean children. Environ Health Perspect. 1997;105: 522-6. , 3131. Counter SA. Brainstem neural conduction biomarkers in leadexposed children of Andean lead-glaze workers. J Occup Environ Med. 2002;44:855-64. including the present, study have failed to confirm that assertion.

The present study showed no association between low levels of lead in blood and the absolute latencies and interpeak interval values obtained in the BAEP assessment of children contaminated by lead. The regression model used in the study (which included the variables age, estimated blood lead levels, the time between audiological assessment and collection of blood, and gender of participants) showed that the only significant association was observed between the absolute latencies of waves III and V and gender (Table 2). The male children demonstrated significantly higher latencies and interpeak intervals compared to females, but the changes were not related to levels of lead in blood.

The association between the absolute latencies of BAEP and gender was expected, as the literature reports that BAEPs are affected by gender and age, due to anatomical and functional differences between genders. This finding is important considering that although some studies evaluated a control group matched to the test group in relation to gender and age, the statistical model frequently used to show the presence of a dose-effect association did not necessarily consider the influence of these independent variables. In one such study, for instance, which reported an association between auditory function and the blood lead level, a decrease in the correlation was demonstrated after the inclusion of age and gender in the statistical analysis.1818. Forst LS, Freels S, Persky V. Occupational lead exposure and hearing loss. J Occup Environ Med. 1997;39:658-60.

Thus, unlike the results described by other investigators,1313. Holdestein Y, Pratt H, Goldsher M, Rosen G, Shenhav R, Linn S, et al. Auditory brainstem evoked potentials in asymptomatic lead-exposed subjects. J Laryngol Otol. 1986;100:1031-6. , 2424. Otto D, Robinson G, Baumann S, Schroeder S, Mushak P, Kleinbaum D, et al. 5-Year follow-up study of children with lowto-moderate lead absorption: electrophysiological evaluation. Environ Res. 1985;38:168-86.

25. Osman K, Pawlas K, Schutz A, Gazdzik M, Sokal JA, Vahter M. Lead exposure and hearing effects in children in Katowice, Poland. Environ Res. 1999;80:1-8.
- 2626. Zou C, Zhao Z, Tang L, Chen Z, Du L. The effect of lead on brainstem auditory evoked potentials in children. Chin Med J (Engl). 2003;116:565-8. the present study found no association between BAEP and the cumulative blood lead level, in agreement with the results obtained by Counter et al.2727. Counter SA, Buchanan LH, Ortega F, Laurell G. Normal auditory brainstem and cochlear function in extreme pediatric plumbism. J Neurol Sci. 1997;152:85-92. , 2828. Counter SA, Vahter M, Laurell G, Buchanan LH, Ortega F, Skerfving S. High lead exposure and auditory sensory-neural function in Andean children. Environ Health Perspect. 1997;105: 522-6. , 3131. Counter SA. Brainstem neural conduction biomarkers in leadexposed children of Andean lead-glaze workers. J Occup Environ Med. 2002;44:855-64.

Lead levels in the present study were lower than those in the aforementioned studies. The threshold and lead poisoning level necessary to induce a neuropathology are yet to be established. In a scientific opinion of the Nordic Expert Group on the association between occupational exposure to chemicals and the incidence of hearing loss, the group defined the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) for lead, in animals and humans, specifically regarding impact on the auditory system.2323. Johnson AC, Morata TC. Occupational exposure to chemicals and hearing impairment. Arbete Och Halsa. 2010;44:177.A NOAEL of 35-40 µg/dL and a LOAEL of 55 µg/dL in blood were identified in monkeys.

In adult humans, the effects on the central auditory system have been associated with current exposures and weighted mean life-time of lead concentrations in blood of approximately 28-57 µg/dL, data obtained mainly in studies related to occupational exposures. In the present study, alterations in BAEP were observed in children living in leadcontaminated areas, with an estimated mean blood lead levels of 12.2 µg/dL.

These results suggest that the BAEP was not sensitive to assess the auditory system in children with low levels of lead in blood. Neurotoxicity appears to be the predominant effect in the auditory system in the event of lead exposure (instead of ototoxicity). Considering this perspective, the recording of other evoked potentials or behavioral tests to investigate changes in central auditory processing appear to be more sensitive procedures for the early identification of lead-induced disorders, as described in the literature.

The association between lead exposure and the central auditory processing skills was investigated11. Dietrich KN, Succop PA, Berger OG, Keith RW. Lead exposure and the central auditory processing abilities and cognitive development of urban children: the Cincinnati lead study cohort at age 5 years. Neurotoxicol Teratol. 1992;14:51-6.and higher lead levels in blood in the prenatal, neonatal, and postnatal periods were associated with poorer central auditory processing skills, as demonstrated by a filtered word test (screening test for auditory processing disorders [SCAN]).

However, the dichotic digits test and the auditory fusion test revised (AFTR) were used to evaluate a sub-sample of 20 children from the present study group,3232. Moraes TFD, Gonçalves TS, Salvador KK, Lopes AC, Alvarenga KF, Feniman MR. Relationship between lead in the blood and performance in the abilities from hearing process. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2012;16:39-43.as a feasibility study. The children contaminated by lead showed lower performance in relation to clinical normative data; however, there was no correlation between blood lead levels and auditory processing skills. The long latency auditory evoked N2 potential and cognitive P3 were also recorded in another sub-sample of 73 children.3333. Alvarenga KF, Bernardez-Braga GRA, Zucki F, Duarte JL, Lopes AC, Feniman MR. Correlation analysis of the long latency auditory evoked potential N2 and cognitive P3 with the level of lead poisoning in children. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2013;17:41-6.

The N2 potential latency increased with the concentration of lead in blood (p = 0.030), but no significant correlations were found between the concentrations of lead 42 Alvarenga KF et al.

in blood and latency (p = 0.821) or the amplitude of P3 potential (p = 0.411). Considering that N2 potential is endogenous and is highly related to attention,3434. McPherson DL, Ballachanda B. Middle and long latency auditory evoked potentials. In: Roeser RJ, Valente M, Hosford-Dunn H, editors. Audiology diagnosis New York: Thieme; 2000. p. 471-501. this finding suggests that lead poisoning may be related to attention deficit, as previously reported.22. Bellinger D. Very low lead exposures and children's neurodevelopment. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2008;20:172-7.While different protocols of audiological assessment were performed in individuals exposed to solvents,3535. Fuente A, McPherson B, Hickson L. Auditory dysfunction associated with solvent exposure. BMC Public Health. 2013;13:39.further studies are needed to identify the ideal procedures to assess the auditory effects of lead contamination.

Evidence of effects of lead on cognition, including intelligence quotient (IQ), led the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to establish the level of lead in blood above 5 µg/dL as the population-based reference for children, aiming at primary preventive intervention.2929. CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing lead poisoning in young children; 1991. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/Publications/books/plpyc/ contents.htm [accessed 11.09.13].
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/Publication...

Disclaimer

Mention of any company or product does not constitute endorsement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Conclusion

No association was observed between the wave components of the BAEP and the estimated blood lead levels of 12.2 µg/dL (±5.7 µg/dL) in children exposed to lead. BAEP does not seem to be the most sensitive method to evaluate children with low blood lead levels.

References

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  • Please cite this article as: Alvarenga KF, Morata TC, Lopes AC, Feniman MR, Corteletti LC. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials in children with lead exposure. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2015;81:37-43.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Jan-Feb 2015

History

  • Received
    11 Sept 2013
  • Accepted
    23 Dec 2013
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