Perinatal Exposure to Heavy Metals and Trace Elements of Preterm Neonates in the NICU: A Toxicological Study Using Multiple Biomatrices.

ABSTRACT: In this study we aimed to investigate the levels of selected heavy metals and trace elements (Hg, Pb, Cd, As, Mn, Se, and Cu) in three different biomatrices-maternal urine (Mu), neonatal urine (Nu), and cord blood-of preterm newborns born at less than 35 weeks' gestation who were staying in the NICU and their mothers, and the relationships of these elements with maternal and neonatal characteristics. Cord Pb, As, and Hg were significantly lower than in Mu, whereas Se and Cu were higher (p < 0.001). All elements were excreted more in Mu than in Nu (p < 0.001). Nu levels of Cd, Mn, Se, and Cu were lower, while As and Hg were higher than in cord blood. Nu metal excretion increased significantly over time (p < 0.001). Positive correlations were found between MuCu and NuCu

SUBMITTER: Celik M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12568181 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature