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1981, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
The placental transfer of alcuronium was studied in twelve patients undergoing elective or emergency caesarean section. Umbilical cord vein and maternal plasma was analysed for alcuronium at dose-delivery time intervals ranging from 5 to 10.5 minutes. The mean umbilical vein concentration of the relaxant was 0.41 ± 0.18 (SD) Jig/ml, and the mean foetal/maternal concentration ratio was 0.26 ± 0.11. A positive correlation between foetal and maternal concentrations of alcuronium was demonstrated. Although alcuronium appears to cross the placenta rapidly and in reasonably high concentration, no apparent adverse effects on the neonates was evident as judged by measurement of Apgar scores.
Objective: Reports relating to maternal-fetal transport kinetics of chromium, an essential trace element in the human pregnancies are scanty. Hence, we thought it interesting to investigate the transport kinetics of this trace element in the human placenta in late gestation in vitro. Methods: Human placentae were collected immediately after delivery from normal uncomplicated pregnancies. Chromium chloride solution (GFS Chem Inc, Ohio, USA) at 10 times the physiological concentrations and antipyrine (Sigma Chem Co., St. Louis, USA) as internal reference marker was injected as a single bolus (100 ml) into the maternal arterial circulation of perfused placental lobules and perfusate samples were collected from maternal and fetal circulations over a study period of 5 minutes. National culture and Tissue collection medium, diluted with Earle's buffered salt solution was used as the perfusate. Serial perfusate samples were collected from fetal venous perfusate for a period of 30 minutes. Chromium concentration in perfusate samples was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and the concentration of reference marker, antipyrine was measured by spectrophotometry. Transport kinetics and transport parameters of study and reference markers were assessed using well-established parameters. Results: Differential transport rates of chromium and antipyrine in 10 perfusions differed significantly for 10 and 50% efflux fractions (ANOVA test, p < .05) while those of 25, 75, and 90% efflux fractions were not significantly different between the study and reference substances. Chromium transport fraction (TF) averaged 54.9% of bolus dose in 10 perfusions while that of antipyrine averaged 89% of bolus dose, representing 61.80% of reference marker TF. The difference observed in TF values of chromium and antipyrine was statistically significant (Student's t-test, p < .05). Pharmacokinetic parameters such as area under the curve, clearance, absorption rate, elimination rate of chromium compared to reference marker was significantly different (ANOVA test, p < .05) between the study and reference substances. Conclusions: Our studies report for the first time maternal-fetal transport kinetics of chromium in human placenta in vitro. Considering the restricted transfer of this essential trace element from maternal to fetal circulation despite its small molecular weight, we hypothesize an active transport of chromium across the human placental membrane. Further studies relating to placental transport kinetics of this trace element in various pregnancy-related disease states are in progress.
Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia, 1991
The transplacental transfer and the neonatal effects of atracurium 0.3 mg. kg -I (ED95) were compared with those of dtubocurarine at the usual clinical dose of O.3 rag. kg -J ( EDgo ) in 46patients undergoing elective Caesarean section. The atracurium group (25 patients) was similar to the d-tubocurarine group (21 patients) as far as age, parity and time intervals benveen precurarization, induction, skin incision, muscle relaxant administration, hysterotomy and birth. The transplacental tranffer of atracurium was lower than that of d-tubocurarine, with a feto-maternal ratio of 9 +-3%for atracurium and 12 +-5%for d-tubocurarine (P < 0.05). The transplacental transfer of laudanosine was" low at 14 +-5%, with blood levels of O.lOI +-0.032 txM. L -t in the umbilical vein. Newborns' in the two groups were comparable in terms of Apgar scores at one, five and ten minutes, as well as for NACS scores (neurological and adaptive capacity scoring test) at two and 24 hours after birth. However, at 15 rain after birth, only 55% of newborns in whom the mothers received atracurium had a normal NACS score (>--35/40) compared with 83% of newborns in whom the mothers" received d-tubocurarine (P < 0.05). Further analysis of the five variables related to active muscle tone revealed that the modal score for active extension of the neck of newborns from the atracurium group was lower than for newborns from the d-tubocurarine group (P < 0.01). This was compatible with the effect of residual curarization among newborns in whom the mothers received atracurium. However, this effect was transient since there was no difference found between the two groups at two and 24 hr after birth. Furthermore, no newborn had clinical signs of respiratory distress, in conclusion, atracurium given at a dose of O.3 rag. kg -I for Caesarean section may lead to partial residual curarization of neonates 15 rain after birth.
Journal of Environmental Monitoring, 2009
Drug and chemical toxicology, 2018
Preterm birth is a significant public reproductive health concern globally; Furthermore, preterm birth has long-lasting medical and pecuniary burdens on the society. Moreover, preterm birth is well-established as the underlying cause of low birth weight in infants as well as neonatal mortality. A growing body of literature suggests that the etiology of preterm delivery in women is elusive; however, countless environmental factors are considered responsible for preterm birth. Environmental contaminants that are toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury are familiar confounding factors for preterm birth globally. Recent studies have indicated that these toxic heavy metals induce oxidative stress in the trophoblastic placental tissue by producing reactive oxygen species that alter the mechanism of antioxidants possibly leading to preterm birth. Moreover, no obvious mechanism underlying metal-induced oxidative stress in the placenta has been identified until date. Consequ...
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1999
Objective: To investigate the trace element transfer from the mother to the newborn. Design: The concentrations of the eight essential elements calcium (Ca), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), tin (Sn), and zinc (Zn), and of the non-essential and toxic elements barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), bismuth (Bi), cadmium (Cd), cesium (Cs), lanthanum (La), lithium (Li), lead (Pb), rubidium (Rb), antimony (Sb), strontium (Sr), and thallium (Tl) were determined in umbilical cord (n 29) and corresponding maternal sera (n 29) as well as in colostrum (n 27). Results: Umbilical cord serum concentrations of Ca, Mn, and Zn were 120%, 150%, and 148% of the maternal value, respectively. Maternal sera had twice the Cu concentrations found in healthy adults and ®ve-times higher Cu than umbilical cord sera. Concentration ratios colostrumamaternal serum and colostrumaumbilical cord serum were approximately one for Co, 1.4 for Mg, two for Ca, Mn, and Sn, ®ve for Cu (maternal serum), eight for Mo, and ten for Zn. Concentrations of the toxic elements Cd and Pb decreased in the order colostrum (Pb 2.6 mgaL; Cd 0.6 mgaL), maternal sera (0.8 mgaL; 0.3 mgaL), umbilical cord sera (0.4 mgaL; 0.2 mgaL). Maternal serum Ba and Rb was 182% and 66% of the umbilical cord value. For Sr and Li, an almost perfect correlation between umbilical cord and maternal sera was found. For Ba, Co, Cu, Mn, Zn none, and for Ca, Cs, Mn, Mo, Rb only weak positive correlations between these two compartments could be established.
Background: 1.7 to 35.8% of deliveries complicated by meconium aspiration syndromes. meconium stained fluid is aspirated by the fetus before or during birth, meconium can obstruct the airways, cause inflammation, interfere with surfactant function and cause respiratory difficulties resulting in meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Transcervical infusion of saline into amniotic cavity or amnioinfusion has been proposed as a method to reduce the risk of the meconium aspiration syndrome. Methods: The study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and gynecology in S.N.Medical college,jodhpur. It was a prospective comparative evaluation of two groups of 100 women one group receiving amnioinfusion for meconium stained amniotic fluid and one receiving standard care (control. Both groups were compared in terms of fetal outcome. Data so obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using statistical package for Social Science Version 15.0. Results: About 44% patients in study group and 49% in control group had moderate meconium stained amniotic fluid where as 56% patients in study group and 51% patients in control group had thick meconuim stained amniotic fluid. Fetal heart rate abnormalities occurred in 20% in the study group and 39% cases in the control group.. Mode of delivery. a. In the ammioinfusion group (86%) had a vaginal delivery as compared to only 78% of control group patients. b. The incidence of caesarean section was 14% vs 22% in the study and control group. Analyzing primigravida and multigravida separately caesarean section for fetal distress was required in 12 of primigravida in the study group and 17% in the control group and in 2% and 5% of multigravida respectively Conclusions: The findings in present study indicates that aminoinfusion in a well-equipped tertiary care unit reduces the rate of caesarean section significantly while at the same time influences the neonatal outcome in terms of better Apgar score, reduced need of resuscitative measures and reduced neonatal morbidity.
Toxicology in Vitro, 2007
Pregnant women are daily exposed to a wide selection of foreign substances. Sources are as different as lifestyle factors (smoking, daily care products, alcohol consumption, etc.), maternal medication or occupational/environmental exposures. The placenta provides the link between mother and foetus, and though its main task is to act as a barrier and transport nutrients and oxygen to the foetus, many foreign compounds are transported across the placenta to some degree and may therefore influence the unborn child. Foetal exposures to environmental and medicinal products may have impact on the growth of the foetus (e.g. cigarette smoke) and development of the foetal organs (e.g. methylmercury and thalidomide). The scope of this review is to give insight to the placental anatomy, development and function. Furthermore, the compounds physical properties and the transfer mechanism across the placental barrier are evaluated. In order to determine the actual foetal risk from exposure to a chemical many studies regarding the topic are necessary, including means of transportation, toxicological targets and effects. For this purpose several in vivo and in vitro models including the placental perfusion system are models of choice.
Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2018
Environmental chemicals, toxic heavy metals, and trace elements are related to spontaneous abortions, premature births, congenital malformations, menstrual cycle disorders, fertility problems, and behavioral problems of offsprings. Early embryogenesis can be affected by these agents with DNA damage. Heavy metals and environmental chemicals can accumulate in organisms and reproductive systems. So that oogenesis, spermatogenesis, fertility, and embryogenesis can be affected by this mechanism [1-3]. While there are still unknown causes of congenital malformations and anomalies, genetic causes, environmental agents, maternal infections, and radiation are accused of fetal malformations. In this study the authors aimed to evaluate whether there any causal relationship between heavy metals-trace elements and fetal malformations of central nervous system (CNS). Materials and Methods Patients admitted to a tertiary university hospital (Yuzuncu Yil University) of an eastern region of Turkey in 2017 were included in the study. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles in Declaration of Helsinki. Before commencing the study, the ethics committee approval was included. All patients provided informed consent before enrollment in the study. The study initiated with 66 patients. The study group consisted of pregnancies with fetal congenital nervous system anomaly (anencephaly, acrania, neural tube defects, etc.) in 16-22 weeks (n=36). Pregnancies with the same weeks of gestation who underwent amniocentesis due to high risk in triple test with the result of normal karyotype. Amniotic fluid (AF) was taken to be sent to the genetic screening via amniocentesis procedure. An amount of AF sample not sent to the genetic screening was stored at-20 0 C until assays. Two milliliters of HNO3/H2O2 mixture (2:1) were added to 0.7 grams of the serum samples. The mixture was placed into the water bath at 70°C for30 minutes and stirred occasionally. Then, 1 mL of the same acid mixture was added, and the mixture was transferred into a Teflon vessel bomb for the microwave oven. The bomb was closed, and the solution was placed inside the microwave oven. Radiation was applied for three minutes at 450 W. After addition of 0.5 mL of the same acid mixture, radiation was repeated for three minutes. After cooling for five minutes, 2.0 mL of 0.1 mol/L HNO3 was added, and the solution was transferred to a Pyrex tube. After centrifugation, the clear solution was used to determine manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), cobalt (co), and zinc (Zn) levels. They were measured by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer technique with a UNICAM-929 spectrophotometer. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was used for all statistical analyses. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to test distribution of normality. Mann Whitney U test is performed to determine the differences between the groups. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians, 2018
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the most common malformations of the central nervous system (CNS). There is continuing research for the identification of risk factors and interventions for prevention of NTDs. The aim of this study was to investigate the maternal second trimester blood levels of selected heavy metals namely, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) and their possible relation with the occurrence of NTDs. Twenty-one healthy second trimester pregnant women with fetuses affected with NTD (cases) were matched with 21 healthy pregnant women with unaffected fetuses (controls) with respect to age, body mass index (BMI), and gestational age. Maternal blood levels of heavy metals were measured after an overnight fasting period. No significant differences were observed in terms of maternal blood levels of As, Cd, Hg, and Ni between NTD-affected and unaffected pregnancies. The blood Pb and Mn levels were found to be higher in pregnant ...
International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Engineering, 2012
This investigation focused on the validation o f the methodology used in determining the presence of specific elements in human blood. Concentrations of macro-and micronutrients in umbilical b lood (UCB) samples fro m 37 lactating volunteers who gave birth in the city of Taubaté , State of Sã o Paulo, Brazil. The determinations of Ca and Mg were carried out in a flame ato mic absorption spectrometer (FAAS) and those of Cr and Mn in a graphite furnace ato mic absorption spectrometer (GFAAS). A procedure for preparing samples was optimized and evaluated. Standard addition methods and determinations by ICP OES were used to validate the analytical procedures. An acetylene/air mixture was optimized at 2.0/17.0 L min-1 (Ca and Mg). Pyrolysis and atomizat ion temperatures for Cr were at 1400°C and 2100°C, respectively, for Mn at 1300°C and 1700°C, respectively. The most efficient chemical modifier was a solution containing 5 g of Pd + 3 g of Mg(NO3)2. Characteristic masses for Cr and Mn were 2.6 and 2.7 pg, respectively. The methods presented high analytical efficiency in the determination of Ca, Cr, Mg and Mn (recovery fro m 98.68% to 108.22 %). M inimal data variations in repeatability and reproducibility indicated significient precision and accuracy for the proposed methodology. The placenta did not block transport of elements fro m mother to fetus. The contents of the elements analyzed in the UCB were co mpared to those detected in maternal blood (M B). Most of the children exh ibited normal weight (fro m 2.5 to 3.0 kg) as per the Brazilian Min istry of Health standards. Such results indicate that the levels of concentrations of the elements in the UCB did not affect the weights of the neonates. activity is also reduced . These characteristics in neonates facilitate a h igher potential fo r the absorption of elements in contrast with adults. This greater absorption capacity is also applicable for various toxic elements .
Jinekoloji-Obstetrik ve Neonatoloji Tıp Dergisi, 2021
Aim: To measure maternal blood elements namely, antimony (Sb), aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), and zinc (Zn) in pregnant women complicated by preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes (pP-ROM) and to compare the results with healthy controls. Materials and Methods: Maternal blood concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, and Zn were evaluated in the pP-ROM group, which included fifty-five pregnant women complicated with pP-ROM and sixty healthy participants (control group) with respect to gestational weeks and maternal age. The maternal blood concentrations of these elements in both groups were measured using an ICP-MS and also compared. Results: No significant differences regarding gestational week, BMI, parity, gravidity, and maternal age were observed (p≥0.05). The meYan blood white blood cell concentration was higher in ...
… Klinikleri Journal of …, 2012
Objective: Prematurity is an important etiologic factor for perinatal mortality and morbidity. In our country, preterm births and complications of prematurity account for 26% of perinatal mortality. There are many maternal, fetal or placental, genetic and environmental etiologic ...
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
With the ever-growing concern for human health and wellbeing, the prenatal period of development requires special attention since fetuses can be exposed to various metals through the mother. Therefore, this study explored the status of selected toxic (Pb, Cd, Ni, As, Pt, Ce, Rb, Sr, U) and essential trace metals (Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se) in the umbilical cord (UC) sera, maternal sera, and placental tissue samples of 92 healthy women with normal pregnancies. A further aim focuses on the potential transplacental transfer of these trace metals. Based on the obtained levels of investigated elements in clinical samples, it was observed that all of the trace metals cross the placental barrier and reach the fetus. Furthermore, statistical analysis revealed significant differences in levels of toxic Ni, As, Cd, U, Sr, Rb, and essential Mn, Cu, and Zn between all three types of analyzed clinical samples. Correlation analysis highlighted As to be an element with levels that differed significantly ...
Metallomics, 2010
Aluminum (Al) is a nonessential element known to induce neurotoxic effects, such as dialysis dementia, in patients on hemodialysis, with compromised kidney function. The role of Al in the progression of some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), is controversial, and remains unclear. The effects of Al on other vulnerable populations, such as fetuses and infants, have been infrequently studied. In the present study, Al has been measured in human placenta samples, comprising ~160 each of placenta bodies, placenta membranes, and umbilical cords, using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) after atmospheric pressure digestion with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and ethylenediaminetetraacidic acid (EDTA). The sensitivity, or characteristic mass (m 0 ), for Al at the 309.3-nm line was found to be 30 ± 4 pg. The instrumental detection limit (IDL) (3s) for Al in solution was calculated as 0.72 μg L -1 , while the method detection limit (MDL) (3s) was 0.25 μg g -1 . Accuracy was assessed through analysis of quality control (QC) materials, including certified reference materials (CRMs), in-house reference materials (RMs), and spike recovery experiments, of varying matrices. Placental tissue analyses revealed geometric mean concentrations of approximately 0.5 μg g -1 Al in placenta bodies (n=165) and membranes (n=155), while Al concentrations in the umbilical cord (n=154) were about 0.3 μg g -1 . Al was detected in 95% of placenta bodies, and 81% of placenta membranes, but only in 46% of umbilical cords.
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Aluminum is used widely in antiacid drugs, food packaging and additives. Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) was known to cause maternal toxicity and embryolethality. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of maternal administration of aluminum chloride during the period of organogenesis on the developing fetus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty eight pregnant female albino rats (weighing between 180-200 gm) were used in this study. The pregnant females were divided into 2 groups (control and treated). The treated group was given 330mg/kg/b.wt. of Alcl3 dissolved in distilled water intragastrically from the 6th to the 15th day of gestation. Pregnancies were interrupted by sacrifice at the 20th day of gestation and the obtained fetuses were examined for any gross external abnormalities then the fetuses obtained from both groups were classified into three subgroups. In the first two subgroups, the fetuses were prepared separately and examined for skeletal and visceral abnormalities under stereoscope microscope. From the third subgroup, tissue specimens were obtained from the placenta and brain of the fetuses and prepared by the light microscope and the immunohistochemical technique (for the brain) and analyzing the results morphometrically and statistically. RESULTS: Results of this study revealed external morphological findings in the form of reduction in the implantation percentage, increase in the number of fetal resorption and dead fetuses, decrease in the mean fetal body weight and placental weight; decrease the fetal crown rump (C.R) length, subcutaneous haemorrhage and growth retardation in fetuses obtained from the treated mothers compared to those obtained from the control mothers. Also there were visceral malformations in the form of dilated nasal cavity, anophthalmia, shrunken brain and intrathoracic haemorrhage. Skeletal malformations recorded in this study were in the form of incomplete ossification of some bones of the skull and vertebrae, deformed ribs and absence of phalanges in the fore and hindlimbs. Light microscopic examination of the placenta showed areas of extensive haemorrhage and necrosis. Whereas, Light microscopic examination of cerebral cortex of rat fetuses obtained from the treated mothers showed shrinkage and degeneration of the cortical neurons. Morphometric and statistical analysis showed decrease in the total thickness of the cerebral cortex and also decreased immunoreactivity for GFAP when compared to the control one. CONCLUSION: exposure to aluminum chloride during gestation period causes serious malformations especially when given at high doses. RECOMMENDATIONS: Many alternatives should be developed to prevent exposure of the pregnant females to aluminum especially antiacid drugs. KEYWORRDS: Aluminum chloride, malformations, skeletal system, brain
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
The aim of the study was to investigate relationships between the concentrations of macroelements (Ca), microelements (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sn, Sr, V, Zn) and heavy metals (Ag, Cd, Pb) in the placenta, fetal membrane and umbilical cord. Furthermore, we examined relationships between the concentrations of these metals in the studied afterbirths and maternal age, gestational age, placenta parameters (breadth, length, weight) and newborn parameters (length, weight and Apgar score). This study confirms previously reported Zn-Cd, Pb-Cd and Ni-Pb interactions in the placenta. New types of interactions in the placenta, fetal membrane and umbilical cord were also noted. Analysis of the correlations between metal elements in the afterbirths (placenta, fetal membrane and umbilical cord) and biological parameters showed the following relationships: maternal age and Mn (in the fetal membrane); gestational age and Cr, Fe, Zn (in the fetal membrane), Ag and Cu (in the umbilical cord); newborn...
BJA: British Journal of Anaesthesia, 1975
Pancuronium bromide was used safely as the muscle relaxant for neonatal anaesthesia. No untoward effects were seen and the neuromuscular block was successfully reversed in all patients. The potency ratio of pancuronium as compared with tubocurarine ranged from 9:1 at birth to 6:1 at one month of age.
European review for medical and pharmacological sciences
tigated the exposure to HMs in order to evaluate the mechanism of placental transfer and the impact on fetuses and later children's health. In particular, the early exposure to Pb, Hg, and Cd was correlated to infant health effects, such as neurological, developmental, and endocrine disorders. The aim of this mini-review is to summarise the current state of knowledge about the interaction between HMs and placental barrier, considering possible implications on fetal health.
Pediatrics International, 2013
Background: There have been many studies that have investigated the risk factors of mortality in preterm infants, but none has shown an association between preterm mortality and exposure to heavy metals or trace elements. The aim of this study was therefore to measure the levels of toxic metals (lead, cadmium) and trace elements (zinc, iron, copper) in meconium samples and elucidate their association with preterm mortality. Methods: Metals and trace elements were measured in the meconium of 304 preterm infants using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: The level of heavy metals and trace elements in non-surviving infants was significantly higher than in surviving infants. Moreover, the level of heavy metals and trace elements in non-surviving infants whose gestational age was <30 weeks (n = 11) was significantly higher than in surviving infants (n = 12). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that gestational age and meconium lead level predicted early mortality in premature newborns. Furthermore, this curve analysis showed that, when comparing meconium lead level and gestational age, meconium lead level had a similar effect on mortality as gestational age. Conclusion: Meconium lead level and gestational age are associated with increased mortality risk in preterm neonates.
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 2021
The growth and development of the fetus is a complex phenomenon that can be influenced by several variables. High quantities of heavy metal ions in the amniotic fluid have been linked to poor health, especially in industrial, polluted and poor areas. The aim of the present study was to assess the differences in the concentration of these ions between preterm (weeks 15-37) and term pregnancies (starting at week 37). Another objective was to compare pregnancies from two cities with different industry levels. Two sample lots from two Romanian cities were analyzed. A total of 100 patients from Timisoara were compared with 60 from Petrosani, a heavy industry city in Romania. Demographic data were collected, and amniocentesis was performed on all women. Lead (Pb), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) concentrations were assessed. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test for non-parametric data and the Fisher's exact test for categorical data. In addition, categorical data was represented graphically. In the Timisoara cohort, the differences in heavy metal concentrations between preterm and term pregnancies were not statistically significant. In the Petrosani cohort, however, the concentrations of Zn (P=0.02606) and Cd (P=0.01512) were higher in preterm than in term pregnancies. When comparing the two cohorts as a whole, the concentration of Pb (P=0.04513), Cd (P=0.00002), As (P=0.03027) and Zn (P<0.00001) were higher in the patients from Petrosani than in those from Timisoara. Only Cu concentrations were higher in the Timisoara cohort (P<0.00001). The concentrations of Ni (P=0.78150) and Fe (P=0.44540) did not differ statistically. Thus, amniocentesis is an important diagnostic and exploratory tool in determining differences in the concentrations of elements such as heavy metal ions. Research over a longer period of time should be carried out to examine the relation between heavy metal ions concentration and possible postnatal health outcomes.
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