Fetal PCB syndrome: clinical features, intrauterine growth retardation and possible alteration in calcium metabolism.
Pregnant mothers with yusho in Fukuoka, Nagasaki and Kochi Prefectures delivered babies with a peculiar clinical manifestation which will be called fetal PCB syndrome (FPS). The birth rate incidences were 3.6% (Fukuoka Prefecture), 4% (Nagasaki Prefecture), 2.9% (Kochi Prefecture) and 3.9% (total). The manifestations consisted of dark brown pigmentation of the skin and the mucous membrane, gingival hyperplasia, exophthalmic edematous eye, dentition at birth, abnormal calcification of the skull as demonstrated by X-ray, rocker bottom heel and high incidence of light for date (low birth weight) babies. We suggest that there may be a possible alteration in calcium metabolism in these babies, related to the fragile egg shells observed in PCB-contaminated birds and to the female hormone-enhancing effect of PCB. The high incidence of low birth weight among these newborns and two other similar studies indicated that PCBs suppress fetal growth.
D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000139:chemically induced; D005506:Food Contamination; D005885:Gingival Hyperplasia / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000032:analysis; D009821:Oils / Q000506:poisoning; D012275:Oryza / Q000506:poisoning; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000032:analysis / Q000506:poisoning*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000139:chemically induced
D009821:Oils; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls; D002118:Calcium