Study of the Relationship between Blood Lead Level and Complete Blood Counts in Pregnant Women

Background: Lead exposure is one of the global health problems, especially among pregnant women. Objectives: In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate the correlation between blood lead and blood indicators in healthy pregnant women. Methods: This correlational study was conducted on 80 pregnant women hospitalized in Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan during 2015. After receiving informed consent, 3.5 mL of their blood samples were taken for measuring the blood lead and indicators. Then, Symex was used to analyze hematologic indicators, followed by utilizing potentiometric method and Ion3 to measure blood lead level. Finally, data were analyzed by SPSS software, (version 22) applying Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean blood lead of the subjects was 6.24±1.74 μg/dL. Based on the results, a significant correlation was found between blood lead and hemoglobin (Hb: r=-0.39, P<0.001), mean corpuscular volume (MCV: r=-0.26, P=0.02), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH: r=0.27, P=0.013), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC: r=-0.327, P=0.003), and platelet number (Plt: r=0.359, P= 0.001). However, no significant correlation was observed between blood lead and other platelet and blood indicators. Conclusion: Overall, blood lead affects blood indicators. Therefore, it is suggested to plan and implement strategies to reduce exposure to lead in the environment, especially for pregnant women.