Inter-relations between habitual abortion and lead levels in venous blood, abortuses, and drinking water in Egyptian women

Abstract

In Egypt, one of the main sources of lead exposure is a network of lead pipes used for water supply. Adverse effects of high lead exposure are well known. Many studies have focused on the health effects of low blood lead levels after sharp decline of its exposure levels. Currently, there is a growing concern about threats posed on pregnancy outcomes among women with low to moderate blood lead levels. Aim of the work This study was conducted to evaluate the role of contaminated water as one source of multifactorial lead exposure chain, and to be acquainted if the currently observed lead levels are associated with increased risk of spontaneous abortion in pregnant women in Egypt. Patients and Methods This study was conducted at Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tanta University Hospital from January to September 2012. The participants were 26 pregnant female with history of habitual abortion in early pregnancy (8-14 weeks) who presented by dilated cervix with bleeding, non-pulsating fetal node on ultrasound, and/or decreasing beta-HCG level. ResultsThe results of this study revealed significant positive correlations between drinking-water lead with both blood lead and abortus lead levels in cases of abortion. Each woman with unexplained spontaneous abortion should be subjected to blood lead estimation. Primary prevention by removing lead from the environment is the only pathway to avoid threats posed on pregnancy outcome since there is no effective remedy to remove lead from the body at levels below 30 μg/dl.