Risk assessment of spontaneous abortion in Cairo: a case control study

ABSTRACT

There is an increased risk of spontaneous abortion with high level of chemicals exposures as shown for some occupational groups. Howevere, there are substantial gaps in our knowledge about whether exposure to environmental chemicals has an impact on spontaneous abortion for the general population. The study aimed to measure the blood lead level and investigate the risk factors of spontaneous abortion among married women in Cairo governorate. A case-control-hospital based study was carried out in four different types of hospitals at the emergency and outpatients clinics. The subjects composed of 2 groups, control group [a] normal pregnant females [232 subjects] attending the hospital after 28th week of gestation and spontaneous abortion group [b] 230 cases attended the emergency room of the studied hopitals. The researchers collected the required data through an interviewing questionnaire then blood samples from them were collected and analzed for blood lead level by the atomic absorption method. The study revealed that women at high risk of developing spontaneous abortion are those with smoker husbandss, low educational level, low income, living nearby chimney, irregular and painful menstruation. Also women with previous history of abortion[s], congenital anomalies, pelvis operation[s] and abortion investigations are at more risk for the development of spontaneous abortion than the normal pregnancy ones. We have recommended that women who are at the spontaneous abortion risk during pregnancy should have a more frequent antenatal care for monitoring and evaluation. Also, there is a great need for a well developed occupational health programs and studies in this arena