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Updated: Jan 12, 2026

Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
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Pyrethroid Exposure in Premature Newborns: A Pilot Study on Materno-Fetal Transmission and Early Postnatal Evolution

Pauline Bressin1, Souleiman El Balkhi2,3, Chahrazed El Hamel1,4

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Limoges, Limoges, France.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
|November 3, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Pyrethroid metabolites were found in nearly all mothers and 70% of premature newborns, indicating significant maternal-fetal transmission. This highlights the need for early monitoring of pesticide exposure in vulnerable infant populations.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Neonatal Toxicology
  • Perinatal Exposure Science

Background:

  • Pyrethroids are common insecticides with potential health implications.
  • Understanding fetal and neonatal exposure is crucial for public health.
  • Premature infants may represent a particularly vulnerable population to environmental toxins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate pyrethroid metabolite (MetaPyr) presence in mothers and premature newborns.
  • To assess transplacental transmission of MetaPyr.
  • To evaluate MetaPyr evolution in early neonatal life.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 63 premature infants and 55 mothers (<34 weeks' gestation).
  • Urine samples collected for MetaPyr analysis.
  • Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry used for quantification.

Main Results:

  • MetaPyr detected in 98.2% of mothers and 70% of newborns within 3 days of birth.
  • Trans-DCCA and DBCA were the most common metabolites in newborns.
  • Newborn metabolites generally mirrored maternal presence, with some exceptions like FPBA.

Conclusions:

  • Evidence supports maternal-fetal pyrethroid metabolite transmission.
  • Metabolism and excretion of MetaPyr in neonates are complex.
  • Prenatal pyrethroid exposure is suggested, necessitating monitoring from birth in vulnerable groups.
Abstract

Keywords:
exposure at birthmetabolitesneonatespregnant womenpyrethroids

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