Mercury-induced Oxidative Stress May Adversely Affect Pregnancy Outcome among Dental Staff: A Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND

Dental staff may be at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome secondary to their chronic exposure to mercury.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate obstetric outcome among dental staff and explore the oxidative stress induced by mercury exposure.

METHODS

A cohort of 64 pregnant dental staff (exposed group) and 60 pregnant employees (non-exposed group) were studied. Urinary mercury level and blood antioxidant activity were measured. Participants were followed to assess their obstetric outcome.

RESULTS

The exposed group had a higher mean urinary mercury level and a lower blood antioxidant activity during the three trimesters compared to non-exposed group (p<0.001). Women in the exposed group were experienced more frequently spontaneous abortion and pre-eclampsia (p<0.05). Babies born to the women in the exposed group tended to be smaller for gestational age compared to those of non-exposed group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Pregnant dental staff suffered higher odds of developing spontaneous abortion and pre-eclampsia and giving birth to babies smaller for gestational age. This may be linked to oxidative stress induced by exposure to mercury.