Amniotic fluid B12, calcium, and lead levels associated with neural tube defects.
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< or =0.0001), B12 (p< or =0.001), and methionine (P< or =0.001); but, the lead level was higher (p< or =0.0001). A negative correlation was observed between lead and both B12 (p< or =0.007) and methionine (p< or =0.02).
Dawson
E B
EB
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 77555-0587, USA.
Evans
D R
DR
Harris
W A
WA
Van Hook
J W
JW
D000328:Adult; D000649:Amniocentesis; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D005865:Gestational Age; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis*; D008423:Maternal Age; D008715:Methionine / Q000032:analysis; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000032:analysis*
D007854:Lead; D005492:Folic Acid; D008715:Methionine; D014805:Vitamin B 12; D002118:Calcium