Author/Authors :
Hassanian‑Moghaddam, Hossein Department of Clinical Toxicology - School of Medicine - Loghman‑Hakim Hospital - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Zamani, Nasim Department of Clinical Toxicology - School of Medicine - Loghman‑Hakim Hospital - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Hamidi, Fatemeh Department of Clinical Toxicology - School of Medicine - Loghman‑Hakim Hospital - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Farnaghi, Fariba Department of Pediatrics - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Gachkar, Latif Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran
Abstract :
Background: Lead effects on children and pregnant women are grave, and screening tests would be logical to detect high blood
lead levels (BLLs) in early stages. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were taken from the pregnant mothers who referred to
midwifery clinic with further phone interview postdelivery. Results: In 100 patients evaluated, the mean age was 29 ± 5 years (median
interquartile range gestational age of 33 [24, 37] weeks). There was a significant correlation between polluted residential area and
median BLL (P = 0.044) and substance exposure (P = 0.02). The median BLL was significantly lower in those without a history of
lead toxicity in the family (P = 0.003). The only factor that could predict the BLL levels lower than 3.2 and 5 μg/dL was living in the
nonindustrial area. All pregnant women delivered full‑term live babies. Conclusion: Positive history of lead toxicity in the family
and living in polluted areas may pose a higher BLL in pregnant women.
