Serum levels of lead in pregnant women with term and preterm deliveries

Abstract

Introduction: Environmental pollution and exposure to heavy metals such as lead can lead to adverse pregnancy complications such as preterm delivery. Due to the fact that the findings and evidence in this regard are still contradictory, this study was performed with aim to compare serum levels of lead in pregnant women with term and preterm delivery.Methods: This case-control study was performed in 2017-2019 on 108 pregnant women referred to Imam Reza Hospital affiliated to Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in two groups of case (preterm delivery) and control group (term delivery). 2 cc of blood sample was taken from each term and preterm mothers in the hospital (where the mothers were hospitalized). After preparing the laboratory results of serum levels of lead and completing the questionnaires, data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 24) and T-test, Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The mean level of lead in all mothers was 6.60 ± 2.96 μg / dl. The mean level of lead in the group of mothers with term delivery was 6.73±2.63 μg / dl and in the group of mothers with preterm delivery was 6.34±3.55 μg / dL. There was no statistically significant difference in lead levels between the two groups of term and preterm deliveries (P = 0.1). Also, there was no statistically significant difference in serum levels of lead between the two groups of term and preterm mothers based on place of residence of city (p=0.424) and village (p=0.3545).Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in lead levels between the two groups of term and preterm deliveries, but it still seems that performing the similar research in different parts of the country is needed to provide accurate information about the relationship between lead and preterm delivery and other complications of pregnancy and childbirth.

Keywords

• preterm delivery
• serum lead level
• term delivery