Maternal blood lead levels and the risk of pregnancy induced hypertension.

[Guest guest]

http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/lead-associated-with-hyper\

tension-in-pregnancy/

Lead associated with high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Aug 10, 2009

 

Yazbeck, C, O Thiebaugeorges, T Moreau, V Goua, G Debotte, J Sahuquillo, A

Forhan, B Foliguet, G Magnin, R Slama, M-A , and G Huel. 2009. Maternal

blood lead levels and the risk of pregnancy induced hypertension. The " EDEN "

cohort study. Environmental Health Perspectives doi: 10.1289/ehp.0800488.

Synopsis by Chevrier, Ph.D. and Patisaul, Ph.D.

 

A French study reports that higher lead levels measured in women halfway through

their pregnancy are associated with pregnancy-induced high blood pressure.

 

A recent study links higher blood lead levels with high blood pressure in

pregnant women, suggesting that lead exposure may increase the risk of

developing hypertension during pregnancy.

All of the women in the study had blood levels below the level considered

“acceptable†by most health agencies. The association suggests that the

level – 10 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) – may need to be lowered.

Prior studies have associated elevated lead levels with hypertension and other

indicators of vascular disease in women during late-pregnancy or those who are

not pregnant. This new study is the first to find a similar relationship in

mid-pregnancy.

Lead was measured in blood collected from 971 women between the 24th and the

28th week of gestation. Women were placed into the case or control groups based

on monthly blood pressure measurements.

Of the subjects, 106 developed pregnancy-induced hypertension. Lead levels were

significantly higher in those women when compared to the other women in the

study.

Researchers reported that women with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) had

mean blood lead levels of 2.2 µg/dL relative to 1.9 µg/dL in women with normal

blood pressure. According to national data (National Health and Nutrition

Examination Survey), more than 25 percent of women have blood lead levels above

2.2 µg/dL in the United States.

In addition, every 1 µg/dL increase in blood concentration was associated with

a 3-fold increase in the likelihood of PIH. The blood lead levels were weakly,

but significantly, associated with systolic blood pressure.

Blood levels of other metals – cadmium, manganese and selenium – were also

measured but only elevated lead levels were significantly correlated with blood

pressure. This relationship persisted even after controlling for potential

confounders, including dietary habits, smoking history, and socio-economic

status.

Blood pressure normally rises in mid-pregnancy but approximately 10 percent of

mothers-to-be develop PIH. The condition Increases the risk of preeclampsia

which is characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy accompanied by

measureable proteins in the urine. It is also a risk factor for intrauterine

growth retardation (abnormally slow fetal growth) and stillbirth. Preeclampsia

can also lead to maternal seizures (also named eclampsia).

Lead exposure varies by region in the United States. It is higher in places with

older buildings, because they are more likely to contain lead-based paint and

plumbing capable of leaching lead. Areas with numerous industrial sites also can

have higher environmental lead levels.

Lead can cause other health problems when exposure occurs at low levels,

including memory impairment and increased risk of cancer.

 

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