Maternal serum bisphenol A levels and risk of pre-eclampsia: a nested case-control study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Emerging evidence suggests potential adverse effects of maternal bisphenol A (BPA) exposure on pregnancy outcomes.
• Limited epidemiological data exists on the association between BPA exposure and pre-eclampsia risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between maternal serum bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations and the risk of developing pre-eclampsia.

Main Methods:

• A nested case-control study was conducted with 173 participants (74 pre-eclampsia cases, 99 controls).
• Maternal serum BPA levels were quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry from samples collected at 16-20 gestational weeks.
• Multivariate logistic regression models analyzed the association between BPA levels and pre-eclampsia risk, adjusting for covariates.

Main Results:

• Bisphenol A (BPA) was detected in 78.6% of maternal serum samples.
• Significantly higher BPA concentrations were observed in pre-eclampsia cases compared to controls (median 3.40 vs. 1.50 µg/l).
• High maternal serum BPA levels were associated with a substantially elevated odds of pre-eclampsia (adjusted OR = 16.46), even after adjusting for maternal age, parity, and BMI.

Conclusions:

• Maternal exposure to elevated levels of bisphenol A (BPA) is associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia.
• These findings underscore the potential role of BPA in pregnancy complications.
• Further research may explore mechanisms and preventative strategies.