Occupational lead exposure and strabismus in offspring: a case-control study.
The authors conducted a population-based case-control study to investigate the association between strabismus and parental occupational lead exposure. Cases were children diagnosed with nonrestrictive strabismus between 1985 and 1986 at Baltimore, Maryland-area pediatric ophthalmology practices and clinics (n = 377). Controls were matched for age and hospital of birth (n = 377). Jobs held by parents were assessed for lead exposure by industrial hygienists. The time window for lead exposure was defined as the period from conception through age 9 months. The unadjusted odds ratio for maternal lead exposure and the esotropic form of strabismus was 2.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4-27). Unadjusted odds ratios for paternal occupational lead exposure and esotropia were 1.0 (95% CI 0.5-2.1) for low exposure, 2.1 (95% CI 0.9-5.3) for moderate exposure, and 1.2 (95% CI 0.4-3.3) for high exposure. The study results suggest the possibility of a weak association between paternal lead exposure and strabismus in offspring.
Hakim
R B
RB
Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Stewart
W F
WF
Canner
J K
JK
Tielsch
J M
JM
D000550:Amblyopia / Q000150:complications; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000209:etiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013285:Strabismus / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013997:Time Factors