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Am J Perinatol 1999; 16(7): 373-378
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-993887
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1999 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Amniotic Fluid B12, Calcium, and Lead Levels Associated with Neural Tube Defects

Earl B. Dawson, Douglas R. Evans, William A. Harris, James W. Van Hook
  • Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
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Publication History

Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The group mean differences and relationships between folate, B12, calcium, lead, and methionine levels in amniotic fluid from 29 non-NTD and 11 NTD pregnancies (15-20 weeks' gestation age) were determined. The study population was predominantly Hispanic in both groups (48% in non-NTD and 36% in NTD group) with an average maternal age of 29 years in the non-NTD group and 24 years in the NTD group; and, an average gestation age of 18.5 weeks in the non-NTD and 17.5 weeks in the NTD group. The folate, B12, lead, calcium, and methionine levels of the two groups were compared by Student's t-test and by Pearson's correlation. The NTD levels were lower for calcium (p ≤ 0.0001), B12 (p ≤ 0.001), and methionine (P ≤ 0.001); but, the lead level was higher (p ≤ 0.0001). A negative correlation was observed between lead and both B12 (p ≤ 0.007) and methionine (p ≤ 0.02).

Keywords

Amniotic fluid - neural tube defects - lead

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