Mercury-induced oxidative stress may adversely affect pregnancy outcome among dental staff: a cohort study.

Author: El-Badry A, Rezk M, El-Sayed H.

Source: The International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Year: 2018

Comment:

Abstract / Excerpt:

BACKGROUND:
Dental staff may be at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome secondary to their chronic exposure to mercury.

OBJECTIVE:
To investigate obstetric outcome among dental staff and explore the oxidative stress induced by mercury exposure.

METHODS:
A cohort of 64 pregnant dental staff (exposed group) and 60 pregnant employees (non-exposed group) were studied. Urinary mercury level and blood antioxidant activity were measured. Participants were followed to assess their obstetric outcome.

RESULTS:
The exposed group had a higher mean urinary mercury level and a lower blood antioxidant activity during the three trimesters compared to non-exposed group (p<0.001). Women in the exposed group were experienced more frequently spontaneous abortion and pre-eclampsia (p<0.05). Babies born to the women in the exposed group tended to be smaller for gestational age compared to those of non-exposed group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION:
Pregnant dental staff suffered higher odds of developing spontaneous abortion and pre-eclampsia and giving birth to babies smaller for gestational age. This may be linked to oxidative stress induced by exposure to mercury.

Citation: El-Badry A, Rezk M, El-Sayed H. Mercury-induced oxidative stress may adversely affect pregnancy outcome among dental staff: a cohort study. The International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2018; 9(3 July):1181-3.