Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

laryngoscopy
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lb.
Abbreviation for pound (for the Latin libra), a
measure of weight.
LCHAD deficiency
See 
deficiency, LCHAD.
LDL
Low-density lipoprotein.
LDL cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein choles-
terol, commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol.
Elevated LDL levels are associated with an increased
risk of heart disease. Lipoproteins, which are com-
binations of fats (lipids) and proteins, are the form
in which lipids are transported in the blood. Low-
density lipoproteins transport cholesterol from the
liver to the tissues of the body.
L-dopa
See 
levodopa.
lead poisoning
An acute or chronic poisoning
caused by the absorption of lead or any of its salts
into the body. Lead poisoning is an environmental
hazard that is capable of causing mental retarda-
tion, behavioral disturbance, and brain damage.
Lead poisoning is formally defined in the US as at
least 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood.
Lead poisoning is more common in children than in
adults because young children often put their hands
and other objects in their mouths, and these objects
can have lead dust on them. Furthermore, lead poi-
soning is more dangerous in children than in adults
because children absorb more lead and the devel-
oping brain and nervous system are more sensitive
to the damaging effects of lead. Lead was used in
household paint until 1978, and it was also found in
leaded gasoline, some types of batteries, water
pipes, and pottery glazes. Lead paint and pipes are
still found in many older homes, and lead is some-
times also found in water, food, household dust, and
soil. Lead can be a workplace hazard for people in
some occupations. A diet that is high in iron and
calcium can help protect people against absorbing
lead. Treatment involves chelation therapy, whereby
blood is removed and metals are filtered out
through a machine, then reinfused into the patient.
Treatment cannot repair damage to the brain done
by lead poisoning, but it may prevent further dam-
age. Also known as plumbism.