Dr. Ahmed M. Abbas, MD

ABSTRACT

Objectives: High blood lead and cadmium levels were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the relationship between blood lead and cadmium levels in pregnant females and preeclampsia. Methods: A total of 130 pregnant women were enrolled in the study; 80 of them were suffering from preeclampsia (preeclampsia group) and 50 healthy pregnant women taken as (control group). Results: There was significant increase in blood lead level among the preeclampsia group (p value=0.001) when compared with the control group. Also, cadmium level was significantly higher in the preeclampsia group (p value=0.017) when compared with the control group. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that high blood lead and cadmium levels were significant risk factors for development of preeclampsia