Select toxic metals status of pregnant women with history of pregnancy complications in Benin City, South-South Nigeria.

Toxic metals are part of the most important groups of environmental pollutants that can bind to vital cellular components and interfere with their functions via inhalation, foods, water etc. The serum levels of toxic metals (lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic) in pregnant women with history of pregnancy complications, pregnant women without history of pregnancy complication and non-pregnant women in Benin City, South – South Nigeria was investigated in this paper, with total of 135 healthy women comprising of 45 pregnant women with history of previous pregnancy complications, 45 pregnant women without history of pregnancy complications and 45 non-pregnant women without history of pregnancy complications (controls). Some demographic characteristics and 4ml of blood samples were obtained from each subject for the analysis of lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic by standard methods. Pregnant women with history of pregnancy complications recorded a highly significant increase in the toxic metal (lead) mean value of 25.81μg/dl as against 23.70μg/dl for pregnant women without history of pregnancy complications and 11.23μg/dl for non-pregnant (control) women without history of pregnancy complications as well as significant increases in the mean values of other toxic metals (mercury, cadmium and arsenic) compared with controls (p<0.001). The selected toxic metals (Pb, Hg, Cd and As) may be involved in the development of pregnancy complications among pregnant women in Benin City, South– South Nigeria. Lead in particular may pose threat to mothers and fetuses as its mean values in the two groups of pregnant women were well above normal.

Epidemiological features of patients with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate in Western Parana

Aim:To describe the clinical, demographic and environmental features associated with NSCL/P (nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate) patients born in western Parana state, Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional, observational, retrospective study included 188 patients attended at the Association of Carriers of Cleft Lip and Palate - APOFILAB, Cascavel-Parana, between 2012 and 2014. Information on demographic characteristics, medical and dental histories and life style factors were obtained from records and personal interviews. Results: Among the 188 patients, cleft lip and palate (CLP) was the most frequent subtype (55.8%), followed by cleft lip only (CLO, 25.0%) and cleft palate only (CPO, 19.2%). Caucasian males were the most affected, although no differences among types of cleft were observed. The otorhinolaryngologic and respiratory alterations were the most frequent systemic alterations in NSCL/P patients, and more than 80% of the NSCL/P mothers reported no vitamin supplements during the first trimester of pregnancy. Conclusions: This study revealed that the prevalence of nonsyndromic oral cleft types in this cohort was quite similar to previously reported prevalence rates. Systemic alterations were identified among 23.4% of the patients and patients with CLP were the most affected. History of maternal exposition to environmental factors related to nonsyndromic oral clefts was frequent and most mothers reported no vitamin supplements during the pregnancy. This study highlights the importance of identifying systemic alterations and risk factors associated with NSCL/P in the Brazilian population for planning comprehensive strategies and integrated actions for the development of preventive programs and treatment.

Conjoined twins in a monochorionic triplet pregnancy after in vitro fertilization: a case report

Background: Monozygotic monochorionic triplet pregnancy with conjoined twins is a very rare condition and is associated with many complications. Case: In this study, we describe a monochorionic–diamniotic triplet pregnancy after in vitro fertilization with an intracytoplasmic sperm injection. At a gestational age of 6 weeks and 4 days of pregnancy one gestational sac was observed, and at a gestational age of 12 weeks and 2 days, triplets with conjoined twins were diagnosed. After consulting with the parents, they chose fetal reduction of the conjoined twins. Selective feticide was successfully performed by radiofrequency ablation at 16 weeks of pregnancy. Unfortunately, the day after the procedure, the membrane ruptured, and 1 week later, all fetuses and placenta were spontaneously aborted. Conclusion: Monochorionic triplet pregnancy with conjoined twins is very rare. These pregnancies are associated with very serious complications. Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection increases the rate of monozygotic twinning and conjoined twins. Counseling with parents before IVF is very important.