Insecticide Exposure of Mothers and Newborns in a Rural Agricultural Area

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1976 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 869-874
Author(s):  
A. Joseph D'Ercole ◽  
Robert D. Arthur ◽  
Jimmie D. Cain ◽  
Ben F. Barrentine

Pregnant women in a rural agricultural area were found to have levels of residues of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides in their serum which were comparable to those found in occupationally exposed men. Cord blood of offspring also had significant residue levels. Residues were higher in blacks and in mothers living in rural areas where exposure was more intense. In newborns no signs or symptoms compatible with acute chlorinated hydrocarbon poisoning were found. Despite the lack of DDT use during most of the study period, over 90% of the mothers, 84% of the black newborns, and 45% of the white newborns demonstrated evidence of recent DDT exposure.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
ISHIAQ OMOTOSHO ◽  
Olufunke Akinade

Abstract Background: Incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in children as a neurodevelopmental abnormality is growing. Compounded by equivocal deductions from several genetic and environmental studies aimed at establishing its aetiology, it is becoming a global medical challenge. This work investigated placental transfer of some micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Se) and toxic (Cd, Pb) metals in occupationally vulnerable pregnant mothers as possible basis of neurodevelopmental abnormalities in children with ASD. Method: 105 third trimester pregnant women comprising 50 occupationally exposed (cases) (27.68±5.57 years) and 55 non-occupationally exposed age-matched pregnant women (28.84±5.37 years) (controls) were recruited by convenient sampling method for this study. Blood (including cord blood) was collected from all participants. Trace and toxic elements levels were determined in the blood samples using Induction-Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy; anthropometric and sociodemographic data of the women along with the developmental milestone indices of the baby at infancy were also recorded.Results: Levels of trace elements were 328.02±109.99mg/L, 370.82±192.97umol/L, 8.61±0.89mg/dl, 1.52±0.26mg/dl and 10.17±1.22mg/L; 348.27±150.61mg/L, 416.80±276.73umol/L, 8.61±0.86mg/dl, 1.46±0.35mg/dl and 8.96±1.15 mg/L for Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg and Se in cases and controls respectively. The differences were not significant. Less than 10% of participants samples (maternal and cord blood) had detectable toxic metal levels. However, cord blood trace elements concentrations were 125.07±24.66mg/l, 525.38±45.86umol/L, 8.44±0.15mg/dl, 1.51±0.31mg/dl and 7.02±0.72mg/dl in cases and 91.05±13.27mg/l, 591.22±44.62umol/l, 1.63±0.15mg/dl and 8.19±0.78mg/L in control for Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg and Se respectively. Only cord blood Mg level was significantly different (p=0.013). Baby weight and head circumferences also correlated significantly with cord Zn and Cu levels (r=0.293, p=0.039), (r=0.478, p=0.010) respectively. Discussion: The observed downregulation of Mg and Se may have initiated a prooxidant reaction of the upregulated Cu in the foetus overwhelming the protective effects of Zn in scavenging the ROS produced by the combined effects of Cu and the toxic metals to which the cases were occupationally exposed. Our hypothesis is that given the role of Se, Cu and Mg in neurodevelopment, this may be the basis of the abnormal developmental milestones characteristic of ASD. Conclusion: The need to monitor environmental exposure in pregnancy may be an imperative step in stemming the growing incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders in this environment.


Author(s):  
Maria Szubert ◽  
Malwina Ilowiecka ◽  
Jacek Wilczynski ◽  
Monika Szpotanska-Sikorska ◽  
Cezary Wojtyla

The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge of umbilical cord blood (UBC) banking and prenatal genetic diagnosis among pregnant women from rural and urban areas, and how this knowledge changed within a five-year period. A survey by questionnaire was conducted between 2010 and 2012, and in 2017 in public hospitals; the study population comprised 6128 women, with 2797 patients from the years 2010–2012 and 3331 from the year 2017. 41% of the studied population declared that they were living in rural areas. In the 2010–2012 period, fewer women from rural areas knew about UBC banking. In 2017 that same relative difference in knowledge persisted, but the percentage of women who now knew about this procedure rose significantly in both studied groups. Prenatal diagnosis was more familiar for urban inhabitants both in 2010 and 2017 but as with the UBC data, a trend of growing awareness was also seen in pregnant women from rural areas. Knowledge of new techniques such as UBC banking and genetic tests has grown among pregnant women during the time frame of our study, but there is still a need to emphasize the benefits of these two possibilities to pregnant women, especially among rural inhabitants.


1981 ◽  
Vol 97 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.-A. Lamberg ◽  
E. Ikonen ◽  
K. Teramo ◽  
G. Wägar ◽  
K. Österlund ◽  
...  

Abstract. Eleven pregnant women with concomitant hyperthyroidism were treated with antithyroid drugs. At monthly intervals serum thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) were measured with radioimmunoassay, the Sephadex uptake of radioactive triiodothyronine (T3U) determined and the free T4 and T3 indices calculated (FT4I, FT3I). TSH-binding inhibiting immunoglobulins (TBII) were determined by the radiomembrane assay. Serum TSH and T4 were measured at delivery from cord blood and/or from the newborn infants some days after birth. Serum TSH was significantly elevated in one infant. There was an inadequate post-partal rise in serum T4 concentration in this child and in another who showed only a marginal elevation of TSH. The mothers of these infants were given carbimazole in doses of 30 and 25 mg/day, respectively, at the time of delivery. No significant changes were seen in other infants, the daily doses being 20 mg of carbimazole or less. There was no clinical indication of hypo- or hyperthyroidism in any of the newborn. The TBII were positive in most patients and there was a trend of normalization during treatment. No relationship between the dose of antithyroid drug and the level of TBII could be seen. During treatment the dose was adjusted according to the FT3I values. This seems to be an adequate laboratory test for this purpose.


2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tabeta Seeiso ◽  
Mamutle M. Todd-Maja

Antenatal care (ANC) literacy is particularly important for pregnant women who need to make appropriate decisions for care during their pregnancy and childbirth. The link between inadequate health literacy on the educational components of ANC and maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is undisputable. Yet, little is known about the ANC literacy of pregnant women in SSA, with most studies inadequately assessing the four critical components of ANC literacy recommended by the World Health Organization, namely danger signs in pregnancy; true signs of labour; nutrition; and preparedness for childbirth. Lesotho, a country with one of the highest maternal mortality rates in SSA, is also underexplored in this research area. This cross-sectional study explored the levels of ANC literacy and the associated factors in 451 purposively sampled women in two districts in Lesotho using a structured questionnaire, making recourse to statistical principles. Overall, 16.4 per cent of the participants had grossly inadequate ANC literacy, while 79.8 per cent had marginal levels of such knowledge. The geographic location and level of education were the most significant predictors of ANC literacy, with the latter variable further subjected to post hoc margins test with the Bonferroni correction. The participants had the lowest scores on knowledge of danger signs in pregnancy and true signs of labour. Adequate ANC literacy is critical to reducing maternal mortality in Lesotho. Improving access to ANC education, particularly in rural areas, is recommended. This study also provides important recommendations critical to informing the national midwifery curriculum.


Author(s):  
Shiren Ali Al Hamzawi

Estimates of Trichomonas vaginalis prevalence in pregnant women are variable with few studies in Iraq.T. vaginalis is a worldwide prevalent sexually transmitted infection,but fortunately,it is very treatable. Researchers believed that pregnancy is one of the effective factors for T. vaginalis infection in women.A cross-sectional study performed in Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Maternity and Children Teaching Hospital in Al-Diwaniya city on two hundred female pregnant patients between the ages of 16-45 years. These females had no intercourse for 2–3 days,not using drugs (antibiotics,antiprotozoal or steroids) for the last 15 days. Vaginal discharges of any type with or without itching,burning sensation or both were their main complaints. Vaginal swabs were taken from all participating patients for direct wet mount microscopy and culture for the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis infection. The study showed that twelve out of two hundred examined pregnant women (6%) presented with T. vaginalis infection. The infection was more in those with mothers’ age (26-35) years,housewives,low education,higher parity,and of rural residents. Other maternal variables were not significantly associated with T. vaginalis infection. The study showed a prevalence of (6%) of T. vaginalis infection in pregnant female attendees. Infection was more in those with mothers ’age (26-35) years,housewives,low educational level,higher parity,and living in rural areas.


Author(s):  
E. Heinonen ◽  
M. Blennow ◽  
M. Blomdahl-Wetterholm ◽  
M. Hovstadius ◽  
J. Nasiell ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is one of the most commonly used antidepressant during pregnancy. Plasma sertraline concentrations vary markedly between individuals, partly explained by variability in hepatic drug metabolizing cytochrome P450-enzyme activity. Our purpose was to study the variability in the plasma concentrations in pregnant women and the passage to their infants. Method Pregnant women with moderate untreated depression were recruited in 2016–2019 in Stockholm Region and randomized to treatment with sertraline or placebo. All received Internet-based cognitive behavior therapy as non-medical treatment. Sertraline plasma concentrations were measured around pregnancy weeks 21 and 30, at delivery, 1-month postpartum, in cord blood and at 48 h of age in the infant. The clinical course of the infants was followed. Results Nine mothers and 7 infants were included in the analysis. Median dose-adjusted sertraline concentration in second trimester was 0.15(ng/mL) /(mg/day), in third trimester and at delivery 0.19 and 1-month postpartum 0.25, with a 67% relative difference between second trimester and postpartum. The interindividual variation was 10-fold. Median concentrations in the infants were 33% and 25% of their mothers’, measured in cord blood, and infant plasma, respectively. Only mild and transient adverse effects were seen on the infants. Conclusion Placental passage of sertraline to the infant is low. However, the interindividual variation in maternal concentrations during pregnancy is huge, why therapeutic drug monitoring might assist in finding the poor metabolizers at risk for adversity and increase the safety of the treatment. Trial registration The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov July 9, 2014 with TRN: NCT02185547.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingming Cui ◽  
Xiao-Lin Lu ◽  
Yan-Yu Lyu ◽  
Fang Wang ◽  
Xiao-Lu Xie ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in China declined during 2000–2017 with periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation, which is effective in reducing the risk of birth defects. We aimed to assess the knowledge and actual use of FA among Chinese pregnant women and to explore factors associated with FA use before pregnancy. Methods All data were collected in face-to-face interviews during health visits among pregnant women. We collected information about knowledge and use of FA supplements and demographic, socioeconomic, and health status. One maternity and childcare hospital was chosen in each of four cities: Beijing, Huaibei, Kunming, and Haikou. In total, 435 pregnant women were randomly recruited for interviews conducted from June to December 2016. Results A total of 428 pregnant women were included in this survey. Of these, 82.0% (351/428) knew that FA can prevent NTDs, and 75.9% (325/428) knew the correct time to take FA. Overall, 65.9% (282/428) of women knew both that FA can prevent NTDs and the recommended time to take FA before pregnancy. Approximately 95.1% (407/428) of women reported having ever taken FA, only 46.3% (198/428) had begun to take FA supplementation before conception, and 64.5% (109/169) of women from rural areas failed to take FA before pregnancy. Women living in northern China (odds ratio [OR] = 1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18–2.77), those with unplanned pregnancy (OR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.30–3.04), and highly educated women (OR = 2.37, 95% CI 1.45–3.88) were more likely to know about FA. Women who were homemakers (OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.21–3.11) and had unplanned pregnancy (OR = 6.18, 95% CI 4.01–9.53) were less likely to begin taking FA before pregnancy. Conclusions Our survey showed that most pregnant women knew about FA. Although preconception intake of FA can help to reduce NTDs, improving the rate of FA intake before pregnancy is needed in urban areas of China, especially among homemakers and women from rural areas or with unplanned pregnancy. Campaigns are needed to increase awareness about FA and FA use before pregnancy among rural women, homemakers, and those with unplanned pregnancy and lower education levels.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. e002169
Author(s):  
Ngatho Samuel Mugo ◽  
Kyaw Swa Mya ◽  
Camille Raynes-Greenow

IntroductionEarly access to adequate antenatal care (ANC) from skilled providers is crucial for detecting and preventing obstetric complications of pregnancy. We aimed to assess factors associated with the utilisation of the new WHO ANC guidelines including the recommended number, on time initiation and adequate components of ANC contacts in Myanmar.MethodsWe examined data from 2943 mothers aged 15–49 years whose most recent birth occurred in the last 5 years prior to the 2015–2016 Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey. Factors associated with utilisation of the new WHO recommended ANC were explored using multinomial logistic regression and multivariate models. We used marginal standardisation methods to estimate the predicted probabilities of the factors significantly associated with the three measures of ANC.ResultsApproximately 18% of mothers met the new WHO recommended number of eight ANC contacts. About 58% of the mothers received adequate ANC components, and 47% initiated ANC within the first trimester of pregnancy. The predicted model shows that Myanmar could achieve 70% coverage of adequate components of ANC if all women were living in urban areas. Similarly, if ANC was through private health facilities, 63% would achieve adequate components of ANC. Pregnant women from urban areas (adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 4.86, 95% CI 2.44 to 9.68) were more than four times more likely to have adequate ANC components compared with women from rural areas. Pregnant women in the highest wealth quintile were three times more likely to receive eight or more ANC contacts (aRR: 3.20, 95% CI 1.61 to 6.36) relative to mothers from the lowest wealth quintile. On time initiation of the first ANC contact was fourfold for mothers aged 30–39 years relative to adolescent mothers (aRR: 4.07, 95% CI 1.53 to 10.84).ConclusionThe 2016 WHO ANC target is not yet being met by the majority of women in Myanmar. Our results highlight the need to address health access inequity for women who are from lower socioeconomic groups, or are younger, and those living in rural areas.


2011 ◽  
Vol 90 (9) ◽  
pp. 1005-1009 ◽  
Author(s):  
STEPHEN SIK HUNG SUEN ◽  
TERENCE T LAO ◽  
OI KA CHAN ◽  
THOMAS KAM ON KOU ◽  
SAMMY CHUNG SUM CHAN ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Cruz S. Sebastião ◽  
Joana Morais ◽  
Miguel Brito

The increase in HIV infection and drug-resistant strains is an important public health concern, especially in resource-limited settings. However, the identification of factors related to the propagation of infectious diseases represents a crucial target offering an opportunity to reduce health care costs as well as deepening the focus on preventing infection in high-risk groups. In this study, we investigate the factors related to drug resistance among HIV-infected pregnant women in Luanda, the capital city of Angola. This was a part of a cross-sectional study conducted with 42 HIV-positive pregnant women. A blood sample was collected, and HIV-1 genotyping was carried out using an in-house method. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine the interaction between sociodemographic characteristics and drug resistance. HIV drug resistance was detected in 44.1% of the studied population. High probabilities of drug resistance were observed for HIV-infected pregnant women living in rural areas (AOR: 2.73; 95% CI: 0.50–14.9) with high educational level (AOR: 6.27; 95% CI: 0.77–51.2) and comorbidities (AOR: 5.47; 95% CI: 0.28–106) and infected with a HIV-1 non-B subtype other than subtype C (AOR: 1.60; 95% CI: 0.25–10.3). The present study reports high HIV drug resistance. Furthermore, older-age, rural areas, high educational levels, unemployed status, having comorbidities, and HIV-1 subtypes were factors related to drug resistance. These factors impact on drug susceptibility and need to be urgently addressed in order to promote health education campaigns able to prevent the spread of drug-resistant HIV strains in Angola.


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