title: Do the Levels of Maternal Plasma Trace Elements Affect Fetal Nuchal Translucency Thickness?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness is an important marker for prenatal screening; however, studies focusing on the correlation between maternal trace element levels and NT thickness are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal trace element levels during the first trimester and to investigate the association between maternal trace element levels and fetal NT thickness.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 113 samples were obtained from singleton pregnant women. Maternal plasma samples were collected in the first trimester of gestation. Plasma trace element levels were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Nuchal translucency thickness was measured using ultrasonography at 10-14 weeks of gestation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found that maternal plasma potassium (K) levels had a significant negative correlation with both NT (r = -0.230, p < 0.05) and NT Multiples of the Median (NT MoM) (r = -0.206, p < 0.05). After adjustment for potential confounders, log-transformed maternal plasma potassium levels in the first trimester were significantly associated with fetal NT (NT MoM: β = -0.68, p < 0.05; NT: β = -1.20, p < 0.01). Although not statistically significant, the As, Hg and Pb levels in maternal plasma were positively correlated with NT, and the Mg, Cu, Zn, Na and Ca levels were negatively correlated with NT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Maternal plasma K levels during the first trimester appeared to be associated with NT thickness. The essential elements tended to decrease NT thickness, and non-essential elements tended to increase it.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Kai-Wei
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Ming-Song
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.affiliation: Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chia-Huang
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Ling-Chu
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Chien
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: I-Fang
authors.initials: IF
authors.lastname: Mao
authors.affiliation: Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Yen-An
authors.initials: YA
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.affiliation: Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Mei-Lien
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D048208:Nuchal Translucency Measurement; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000097:blood*; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First / Q000097:blood*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D014131:Trace Elements