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Preeclampsia and toxic metals: a case-control study in Kinshasa, DR Congo
Jean-Pierre Elongi Moyene1,2, Hans Scheers3, Barthélémy Tandu-Umba4
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Kinshasa, and General Hospital of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. elongi2002@yahoo.fr.
Environmental Health : a Global Access Science Source
|April 6, 2016
Summary
Preeclampsia in Kinshasa is linked to higher toxic metal excretion, particularly lead, which varies seasonally. This suggests environmental metal exposure may explain the condition's high incidence and seasonal patterns.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Obstetrics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Preeclampsia is a prevalent condition in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
- High incidence of preeclampsia is observed, particularly during the dry season.
- Potential association between preeclampsia and environmental metal exposure was investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if preeclampsia is associated with environmental metal exposure in Kinshasa.
- To investigate the role of seasonal variation in metal exposure and preeclampsia incidence.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study included 88 women with preeclampsia and 88 healthy pregnant controls.
- 24-hour urine samples were analyzed for 24 elements using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
- Urinary metal excretion was compared between cases and controls, with season as a covariate.
Main Results:
- Urinary concentrations of most elements in controls exceeded reference values from industrialized countries.
- 14 metals, including lead, showed significantly higher urinary excretion in women with preeclampsia compared to controls.
- A significant interaction between season and preeclampsia was observed; higher metal excretion in preeclamptic women was noted during the dry season only.
Conclusions:
- Women with preeclampsia excrete elevated levels of several toxic metals, notably lead.
- The seasonal variation in metal excretion may explain the seasonal incidence of preeclampsia in Kinshasa.
- Findings highlight the need to mitigate environmental exposure to lead and other toxic metals.
