Umbilical Blood Lead Levels Research Articles

Blood lead levels in pregnant women and their newborn infants at an Indian teaching hospital.

With the growth of the world's economy and industrialization, lead (Pb) contamination in the environment has become a major issue on a global scale. Lead is typically linked to unfavorable pregnancy outcomes such as stillbirth, low birth weight preterm, and spontaneous abortion. In this study, we evaluated the blood lead levels of pregnant women and their birth outcomes attending an Indian tertiary care teaching hospital, those who were not exposed to any lead-associated industry or shops. A descriptive study was undertaken to evaluate blood lead estimation in pregnant women and umbilical blood lead levels in a community hospital. Blood samples from 104 mothers during the 1st trimester, 90 mothers during 3rd trimester, and from the umbilical cord were collected. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect information on demographics, medical history, and concerns linked to pregnancy. Following acid digestion, the levels of lead in whole blood were determined by an atomic absorption spectrometer. The DNA damage in high blood lead-concentrated pregnant women was evaluated by comet assay methods. Among 194 blood samples of pregnant women, 31 (15.98%) samples revealed ≥5 μg/dL blood lead levels. High lead concentration (≥5 µg/dL) in 1st trimester pregnant women, end of 3rd trimester and cord blood were detected 20.19%, 11.11% and 1.11% respectively. The mean blood lead levels in 1st trimester, 3rd trimester, and cord blood were 3.88 ± 3.19, 2.66 ± 1.82, and 1.53 ± 1.06 mg/dL, respectively. The blood lead concentrations were significantly higher in the 1st trimester of pregnancy than in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy (P < 0.0017). A positive correlation between maternal and infant blood lead levels was revealed (P < 0.0001). When the comet assay was used to assess the genotoxic consequences of elevated blood lead levels during pregnancy, higher amounts of DNA damage were found in the samples (P < 0.01). In this descriptive study, there was a significant amount of lead transferred from mother to baby through the placenta. All mothers were not exposed to lead-associated industry and most were housewives. This article may be viewed as an eye-opener for understanding the blood lead concentration during pregnancy to avoid abnormal birth outcomes. To minimize exposure to environmental lead, all possible measures should be undertaken.

Study of Umbilical Blood Lead Level and Its Relation with Pregnancy Outcome

مازال التعرض للرصاص يمثل مشكلة صحية تحتاج للاهتمام من الانظمة الصحية المختلفة. تم تصميم الدراسة الحالية لاستكشاف وجود علاقة بين التعرض الأمومي للرصاص ومستويات الرصاص في دم الحبل السري وتحديد العوامل المسببة المحتملة التي قد تؤثر على مستويات الرصاص في الدم السُري العالية وتأثيرها على نتائج الحمل. وقد شملت الدراسة مائة مولود حديث الولادة من أمهات حوامل أصحاء يحملن حملاً مفرداً. تم استخدام نموذج استبيان لجمع المعلومات من الأمهات المشاركات فيما يتعلق بالبيانات الديموجرافية وتاريخ الحمل وتم سحب عينة دم من الحبل السري لكل طفل حديث الولادة لتحديد مستوى الرصاص بها. كشفت الدراسة أن مستويات الرصاص العالية في دم الحبل السري كانت مع الأمهات الحوامل اللاتي يسكن أو يعملن بالقرب من الشوارع أو الطرق المزدحمة وأيضا العيش بالقرب من ورش الطلاء وأماكن حرق النفايات وأيضا شرب الشاي أو القهوة أو الشاي الأخضر. وأيضا الأمهات الحوامل اللاتي كانت نسبة الهيموجلوبين لديهن منخفضة. بينما كانت مستويات الرصاص المنخفضة في دم الحبل السري مع الأمهات الحوامل اللاتي يتناولن مكملات الحديد والكالسيوم. كما كشفت نتائج الدراسة أيضا أن هناك علاقة بين ارتفاع مستوى الرصاص في دم الحبل السري ونتائج الحمل متمثلة في انخفاض ملحوظ في القياسات البشرية (الوزن، الطول، ومحيط الرأس). أن وجود مستويات عالية من الرصاص في دم الحبل السري يعكس أضراراً جانبية على صحة الأم والجنين.

Determination of lead levels in maternal and umbilical cord blood at birth at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos.

BackgroundLead toxicity is a cause of intellectual disability in children and majority of affected children live in developing countries. Its adverse effect on pregnancy outcome has also been documented.ObjectivesTo assess the relationship between maternal blood lead levels and umbilical cord blood lead levels in their corresponding newborn infants; to determine factors associated with high blood lead levels and the pregnancy outcome in participants.Materials and methodsThis was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out at a tertiary Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. Four hundred and forty pregnant women and their respective newborns delivered at the study centre. Blood samples were obtained from the mothers and umbilical cord of the newborns at delivery and analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Socio-demographic and obstetric data was obtained by questionnaires administered to the mothers. The anthropometric measurements of the babies were taken at birth and clinical data recorded. Main outcome measures were blood lead levels in mother and baby pair, socio-demographic factors, birth weight, gestational age, length, occipito-frontal circumference.ResultsThe median maternal and umbilical blood lead level was 64.3μg/dl and 39.2μg/dl respectively. The levels were above 5μg/dl in 75.6% and 66.8% of mothers and umbilical cord respectively. There was a strong positive correlation between the maternal and umbilical cord blood lead levels (rs = 0.80). Use of calcium supplements during pregnancy was significantly associated with a lower maternal blood lead level (p = 0.010) while recent painting and renovation of residential accommodation were associated with a higher umbilical cord blood lead level (p = 0.025). There were no statistically significant associations between the maternal and umbilical cord blood lead levels and the gestational age and anthropometry of the newborns at birth.ConclusionsThe blood lead levels in newborns of women residing in Lagos, Nigeria are high and administration of antenatal calcium is associated with lower blood lead levels.

High umbilical cord blood lead levels and "calabar chalk" consumption amongst pregnant women in two hospitals in Cameroon.

Introduction“Calabar chalk” is a lead-laden pica mostly consumed by pregnant women worldwide as a remedy for morning sickness. This clay material has been shown to have lead levels of up to 40mg per kilogram. Meanwhile blood lead levels, even at doses less than 10μg/dl will be toxic to humans and even worse-off to the fetus as it crosses the placenta. We, therefore, sort to determine the prevalence of “Calabar chalk” consumption amongst pregnant women and if it translates to higher umbilical cord blood lead levels.MethodsWe carried out a cross-sectional study by prospectively and consecutively enrolling 300 pregnant women from December 2014 through February 2015. A questionnaire was administered to ascertain “Calabar chalk” consumption. The levels of lead in the umbilical cord blood of 51 participants of each group of those who consumed and didn't consume “Calabar chalk” were measured by spectrometry and compared using the T-test (p<0.05).ResultsThe prevalence of “Calabar chalk” consumption was 43.33%. This was mostly consumed during pregnancy only (46.34%), with higher rates observed amongst primigravidas. The mean umbilical blood lead levels amongst those who consumed and those who did not consume “Calabar chalk” was 39.19μg/dl and 25.33μg/dl respectively (P=0.111).ConclusionThe prevalence of “Calabar chalk” consumption was high in the pregnant women population. The overall umbilical cord blood lead levels were extremely high in both consumers and non-consumers. We recommend health education and chelation therapy to be considered.

Low-Level Lead Exposure and Elevations in Blood Pressure during Pregnancy

BackgroundLead exposure is associated with elevated blood pressure during pregnancy; however, the magnitude of this relationship at low exposure levels is unclear.ObjectivesOur goal was to determine the association between low-level lead exposure and blood pressure during late pregnancy.MethodsWe collected admission and maximum (based on systolic) blood pressures during labor and delivery among 285 women in Baltimore, Maryland. We measured umbilical cord blood lead using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Multivariable models were adjusted for age, race, median household income, parity, smoking during pregnancy, prepregnancy body mass index, and anemia. These models were used to calculate benchmark dose values.ResultsGeometric mean cord blood lead was 0.66 μg/dL (95% confidence interval, 0.61–0.70). Comparing blood pressure measurements between those in the highest and those in the lowest quartile of lead exposure, we observed a 6.87-mmHg (1.51–12.21 mmHg) increase in admission systolic blood pressure and a 4.40-mmHg (0.21–8.59 mmHg) increase in admission diastolic blood pressure after adjustment for confounders. Corresponding values for maximum blood pressure increase were 7.72 (1.83–13.60) and 8.33 (1.14–15.53) mmHg. Benchmark dose lower limit values for a 1-SD increase in blood pressure were < 2 μg/dL blood lead for all blood pressure end points.ConclusionsA significant association between low-level lead exposures and elevations in maternal blood pressure during labor and delivery can be observed at umbilical blood lead levels < 2 μg/dL.

Determinants of maternal and umbilical blood lead levels: a cross-sectional study, Mosul, Iraq

BackgroundThe populations who are most sensitive to lead exposure from various sources are pregnant women and their newborns. Aiming to explore the presence of correlation between maternal and cord blood lead levels and to identify potential predictors that may influence both levels, the present study has been conducted.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted covering 350 full terms maternal-newborns pairs from Mosul maternity hospitals. Data were obtained directly from women just before delivery by the use of a detailed questionnaire form.Maternal and umbilical blood lead levels were estimated using LEADCARE® Blood Lead Testing System and Kits.ResultsA positive significant correlation was found between maternal and cord blood lead values (r = 0.856, p = 0.001). By backward stepwise logistic regression analysis the followings emerged as significant potential predictors of high maternal blood lead: low parity, smoking and Hb level <11 gm/dl. Regarding cord blood lead: coffee consumption and high maternal blood lead were significant risk predictors. Milk and milk products consumption, calcium intake and low level of physical activity were significantly operational in the prevention of high maternal blood lead levels. Iron intake and also low level of physical activity were shown as significant protective variables against high cord blood lead values.ConclusionStudy results have provided baseline data needed to be transformed to decision makers to implement measures to eliminate lead from the environment and protect future generation from its deleterious effects.

Blood lead levels of both mothers and their newborn infants in the middle part of China

A cross-sectional investigation on maternal and umbilical blood lead levels in an urban area, an industrial town and a rural area of middle China is reported. Blood samples from 89 mothers during delivery, from the umbilical cords and from 105 non-pregnant women were collected. Self-administered questionnaires including the medical history and the pregnancy-related complaints were performed. After acid digestion, the whole blood lead levels were determined by a 180-80 flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The geometric mean for lead levels in blood of non-pregnant women was 66.9 microg/l (range: 25.0-201.0 microg/l) in the urban, 66.9 microg/l (range: 30.5-198.8 microg/l) in the industrial town, and 53.3 microg/l (range: 16.0-170.5 microg/l) in the rural area. The geometric mean of lead levels in blood of pregnant women at delivery both in the rural area (74.4 microg/l, range: 35.2-245.6 microg/l) and industrial town (65.9 micro/l, range: 20.0-172.0 microg/l) were higher than in the urban region (54.3 microg/l, range: 27.9-187.0 microg/l; p < 0.05). Compared with non-pregnant women at the same area, the blood lead levels of pregnant women was lower in urban (p < 0.05), but higher in rural areas (p < 0.05). The geometric mean for lead level in umbilical cord blood was significantly higher in rural (84.1 microg/l, range: 28.0-185.0 microg/l) than in the other areas (53.5 microg/l, range: 23.5-156.7 microg/l in the urban; 60.1 microg/l, range: 12.5-168.3 microg/l in the industrial town). The total geometric mean for lead level in cord blood was 69.0 microg/l (range: 12.5-185.0 microg/l), and 17.8% samples were above the blood lead threshold of health concern (> or =100 microg/l) for children (CDC, 1991), but the body weight and length of newborn babies have not been affected. The correlation between maternal and cord blood was 0.6805 (p < 0.01). Most of the pregnant women did not take the calcium supplements recommended during pregnancy. In conclusion, there were some lead burdens on both the mothers and their newborn babies in these areas. All possible measures should be taken to reduce the environmental lead exposure. It is also crucial that maternal nutrient intake, particularly calcium, should be sufficient.