Blood lead level and correlation with pregnancy-associated anaemia

Abstract

Background The most common reason that leads to anaemia is related to the reduction in certain trace elements such as Fe. However, it has been found that an elevation in some other heavy metals such as Pb could also lead to anaemia. Aims This research aims to assess the Correlation between Pb blood levels and Fe, Haemoglobin levels during pregnancy among Jordanian women. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Northern area of Jordan. Venous blood samples collected from 167 pregnant women for the determination of haemoglobin (Hb), Fe and Pb levels of which 17 in the first trimester, 19 in second trimesters, 131 in third trimesters. Women were classified into two groups, the first group included cases with blood Pb Levels ≥10μg/dL (high blood Pb level group, n=118) and the second with blood Lead levels less than 10μg/dL (low blood Lead level group, n=49). Results About 71.4 per cent of women had anaemia (n=120; Hb>10.5g/dl) and 70.7 per cent of women had a high blood Pb level of ≥10μg/dL). Pb blood levels ranged from 6.45 to 28.0μg/dL. The mean (SD) of blood Pb level was 12.1 (4.1) μg/dL. The mean haemoglobin and Fe levels did not differ significantly between women with low and high levels of Pb. Blood Pb levels were not significantly correlated with haemoglobin levels (r=-0.025; P=0.747) nor with iron levels (r=0.099; P=0.241). After adjusting for important variables, Pb was not significantly associated with haemoglobin (P=0.223) and with iron (P=0.116). Conclusion The level of Pb in the blood of pregnant women has no any association with haemoglobin and Fe levels during pregnancy.