Elevated Maternal Blood Lead Level - A Risk Factor for LBW - An Observational Study

Ashwita Shetty,Avinash Turankar,Kirankumar Waghmare,Leena Dhande,Neetu Badhoniya

doi:10.3126/jnps.v40i2.29153

Ashwita Shetty, Avinash Turankar + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v40i2.29153

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Abstract

Introduction: Lead exposure is common in women. Lead stored in bones is released during pregnancy and can potentially affect foetal growth. We conducted this study to estimate the effect of maternal blood Lead (BPb) status on Low Birth Weight (LBW) in newborns. Methods: 168 mothers were selected from Special Neonatal Care Unit (SNCU) and Postnatal care (PNC) wards of a tertiary care hospital from Central India and their BPb levels analysed by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.  Results: 22 (13.10%) mothers having BPb level ≥ 5μg/dL gave 23 births (one twins); of which 65.22% mothers delivered babies with birth weight < 2500gm (LBW) (p = 0.0007). The mean birth weight of newborns of mothers with high BPb levels was significantly lower by 269 gm (p = 0.0265). Mothers with BPb ≥ 5μg/dL delivered 39% premature babies as compared to 10 % mothers with BPb < 5 μg/dL (p < 0.003). Significantly more mothers exposed to kajal, nail polish, lipstick and paints had BPb levels ≥ 5μg/dL.  Conclusion: Significant association is detected between maternal BPb and both LBW and prematurity in the given population.

Highlights

We studied the association between maternal lead exposure and Low Birth Weight (LBW)
Gestational age of newborn was assessed by New Ballard Score (NBS) and anthropometry (Birth weight, occipito-frontal head circumference, crown to heel length) recorded within 24 hours of birth
Babies born to mothers with BPb ≥ 5μg/dL weighed 269 gm less than those born to mothers

Summary

Introduction

We conducted this study to estimate the effect of maternal blood Lead (BPb) status on Low Birth Weight (LBW) in newborns. Lead is a toxic environmental contaminant omnipresent in our environment causing several health problems in exposed population.[1] Common sources of lead are colours / paints, cosmetics and batteries. Women and children are vulnerable to cosmetic plumbism described way back in 1973. Pb in cosmetics.[2] In Jan 2012, CDC recommended reduction of BPb levels to < 5 μg/dL.[3] The CDC stated that there is no safe limit for lead to cause adverse effects.[4] The Government of India on its National Health Portal has stated dangers of lead exposure at levels as low as < 5 μg/dL.[5]

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