Maternal blood lead levels and low birth weight: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Prenatal lead (Pb) exposure is a growing concern in low- and middle-income countries due to its potential impact on fetal development. Lead readily crosses the placental barrier, potentially contributing to low birth weight (LBW) and impaired neonatal outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal blood lead levels and the incidence of low birth weight among pregnant women in Makassar, Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 third-trimester pregnant women in Makassar. Blood samples were collected to measure lead concentration using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and hemoglobin levels were assessed using the cyanmethemoglobin method. Socio-demographic data were obtained through structured questionnaires. Statistical analyses included Spearman correlation and Mann–Whitney tests, with a significance level of p < 0.05. The average maternal blood lead concentration was 4.01 µg/dL (SD: 0.07), with 42% of participants exceeding the 5 µg/dL threshold. The incidence of LBW was 10% (n = 5). Although higher blood lead levels were observed in LBW cases, the association was not statistically significant (r = 0.079, p = 0.586). No significant associations were found between hemoglobin levels, maternal age, occupation, and LBW. This study found no statistically significant association between maternal blood lead levels and low birth weight. However, the presence of elevated lead levels in a substantial proportion of participants warrants further investigation in larger cohorts.

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