Saudi Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SJMPS)
Volume-4 | Issue-11 | 1338-1342
Original Research Article
Determination of Blood Levels of Lead in Pregnant Women in Nnewi, Anambra State, South Eastern Nigeria
Job E.E, Ogbodo E.C, Ogbu I.S.I, Analike R.A, Onuora I.J, Obi-Ezeani C.N, Njoku-Oji N.N, Oguaka V.N, Amah A.K, Onyegbule O.A
Published : Nov. 30, 2018
Abstract
Lead is a well known environmental and reproductive toxicant. This study was designed to evaluate the blood lead levels in pregnant women in Nnewi, Anambra State, South Eastern Nigeria. A total of 100 apparently healthy subjects comprising of 75 pregnant women and 25 non-pregnant women (control) aged between 18 and 45 years were recruited for the study. Thereafter, 2mls of blood sample was collected into EDTA container for the estimation of lead concentration using atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. A structured questionnaire was used in obtaining relevant data for age, dietary and lifestyle patterns of subjects. The result showed a significantly higher lead level in pregnant women compared with control group (p=0.000). Also, the mean blood lead level differed significantly between the first and second trimester as well as between first and third trimesters of pregnancy (p<0.05), but values obtained were similar between second and third trimesters of gestation (p>0.05) respectively. This study further revealed significantly higher blood levels in pregnant women that consume caffeine, animals killed by ammunition, and food items as well as in pregnant women that smokes (p<0.05). Also, blood lead level was significantly elevated in pregnant women that used well and piped water respectively (p<0.05). Therefore, there is need to avoid avenues of lead exposures in pregnancy in order to sustain the low blood level recorded in this study and hence, limit the potential adverse implications of lead exposures.