Evaluation of Plasma Lead Levels in Pregnancy and Outcome Implications, Kinshasa, DR Congo

The aim of this work was to evaluate plasma Pb levels in pregnancy and their birth outcomes implications. For analysis (n = 396 pregnant women with 56 fetal-maternal clusters), plasma samples were diluted quantitatively with a matrix modifier solution and Pb levels were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA500FG). Compared to women with a normal Body Mass Index, underweight, overweight and obese women group had increased levels of plasma Pb (t-test, p=0.0395). Levels of plasma Pb were also observed in women with a family history of preeclampsia and diabetes mellitus (t-test, p=0.0050 and 0.0312, respectively). At delivery, plasma Pb levels were significantly higher in women as compared to prenatal period [means (±SD), 3.387 μg/L (± 0.965) in 37-42 weeks, 2.060 μg/L (± 0.980) in 20-36 weeks and 1.543 μg/L (± 0.709) in 10-19 weeks, ANOVA, p < 0.0001] and newborns showed higher plasma Pb levels than their mothers [means (±SD), 2.304 μg/L (± 0.644) versus 2.067 μg/L (± 1.067), t-test, p < 0.0001]. Globally, plasma Pb levels show no significant linear negative correlation to all of the birth outcomes (weight, height, ponderal index, Apgar score, gestational age, head circumference).