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Identifier

000434726

Title

Exposure to environmental pollutants in association with blood pressure in pregnant women

Alternative Title

Έκθεση σε περιβαλλοντικούς ρύπους και αρτηριακή πίεση κατά την διάρκεια της εγκυμοσύνης

Author

Σβεντζούρη, Αικατερίνη

Thesis advisor

Λιονής, Χρήστος
Βαφειάδη, Μαρίνα
Πλουμπίδης, Γιώργος

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal exposure to environmental pollutants during pregnancy has been associated with blood pressure and consequently, preeclampsia. Several studies have investigated the possible relationship between maternal exposure to particulate matter and minerals with blood pressure and pregnancy complications. However, so far, few studies have shown the impact of these exposures in pregnancy. Hypothesis: If mother’s exposure to several environmental pollutants affects blood pressure during pregnancy. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the possible association of exposure to environmental pollutants during pregnancy, with blood pressure during pregnancy. Methods: The present study is part of the prospective “Rhea” mother-child cohort. In this analysis 1332 pregnant women with information on blood pressure in early and/or late pregnancy were included. From this sample, 91,8% had also information for at least one of the selected exposures. Exposure to environmental chemical contaminants was assessed through determination of concentrations in serum and urine samples collected from the mother (1st trimester of pregnancy) and includes organochlorine compounds (polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs] and organochlorine pesticides), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), metals, phthalate metabolites, phenols, and organophosphate pesticide metabolites. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured using a standardized protocol. Hypertension was 5Public Health-Primary Health Care-Health Services School of Medicine–University of Crete defined, based on these measurements (SBP>130 OR DBP>85).Women reported doctor diagnosed hypertension during early (around 12 weeks of pregnancy) or late (around 30 weeks) pregnancy. Associations between biomarkers of exposure and blood pressure were investigated using linear or logistic regression analyses for continuous and categorical outcomes, respectively, and adjusted for potential confounders. Results: This research showed that exposure to 1 phthalate metabolite (mBzP) was associated with a decrease in systolic BP and also, exposure to 1 organophosphate pesticide metabolite was associated with a decrease in diastolic BP. Moreover, exposure to specific OCs was associated with a decrease in self-reported blood pressure in late and total pregnancy and exposure to DAPs was associated with decrease in self reported total pregnancy blood pressure. Conclusion: Our findings showed an association between exposure to pollutants and hypertension during pregnancy, but more research is needed to show how this interaction is.

Language

English

Subject

Hypertension

Pregnancy

Self -reported blood pressure

Issue date

2020-12-17

Collection

School/Department--School of Medicine--Department of Medicine--Post-graduate theses

Type of Work--Post-graduate theses

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