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Lead, erythrocyte protoporphyrin, and ferritin levels in cord blood
Insights
Newborns in NYC had lower lead (Pb) levels than in prior studies. Further monitoring of infants with elevated Pb and erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP) is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neonatal Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Lead (Pb) exposure is a significant public health concern, particularly in urban environments.
- Cord blood analysis provides a crucial window into fetal exposure to environmental toxins.
- Understanding baseline levels of lead and related biomarkers in newborns is essential for assessing population health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess lead (Pb), erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP), ferritin (FRT), and hemoglobin (Hb) levels in cord blood of newborns in New York City.
- To compare current Pb levels with historical data and identify trends.
- To explore correlations between biomarkers and identify potential public health interventions.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study conducted in 1979-1980 involving approximately 300 newborns from two NYC hospitals.
- Analysis of cord blood samples for lead (Pb), erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP), ferritin (FRT), and hemoglobin (Hb).
- Statistical analysis including calculation of means, standard deviations, geometric means, and correlation analyses.
Main Results:
- Mean cord blood lead (Pb) level was 8 ± 4 µg/dL, showing a significant decrease from previous studies.
- Erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP) and ferritin (FRT) levels exhibited bimodal distributions.
- A significant negative correlation was found between blood EP and plasma FRT levels (p=0.03%).
Conclusions:
- Cord blood lead levels in NYC newborns have decreased compared to earlier reports.
- Recommendations include follow-up for newborns with mildly elevated Pb and EP levels.
- Maternal Pb screening during early pregnancy is advised, especially in urban areas with known environmental Pb hazards.
Abstract:
A pilot study was initiated to examine cord blood from approximately 300 newborns of various ethnic groups from two New York City hospitals for lead (Pb), erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP), ferritin (FRT), and hemoglobin (Hb) levels during 1979 and 1980. Results showed an overall mean Pb level of 8 +/- 4 micrograms/dl, EP level of 61 +/- 26 micrograms/dl [geometric mean (GM) = 66.36], FRT level of 165 +/- 107 ng/ml (GM = 135.99), and a distribution frequency of Hb with nearly 69% between 13.5 and 16.9 g % (mean +/- standard deviation = 15 +/- 1), 20% below 13.4 g % (12 +/- 2 g %), and 11% at or above 17.0 g % (18 +/- 1 g %). Both EP and FRT showed a bimodal distribution. There was a negative correlation between blood EP and plasma FRT levels that was significant at the .03% level. The study also showed that a significant drop in mean cord blood Pb levels occurred compared with earlier studies. Follow up of newborns with mildly elevated Pb and EP levels should be made and screening of mothers for Pb levels during early pregnancy should constitute a part of prenatal care, particularly for those from urban areas with previously demonstrated environmental Pb hazard.