Neurodevelopment of infants with prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2011 Dec;87(6):643-8. doi: 10.1007/s00128-011-0422-9. Epub 2011 Sep 28.

Abstract

The study aimed to examine the impact of prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) on infant neurodevelopment. PBDEs levels in 36 cord blood samples were analyzed with a high-resolution-gas-chromatograph/high-resolution-mass-spectrometer and infant neurodevelopment was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition. The mean and median of Σ(11)PBDEs were 6.63 and 4.63 ng/g lipid, respectively. As compared to the lower PBDEs group (Σ(11)PBDEs < 4.63 ng/g lipid), the higher PBDEs group (Σ(11)PBDEs > 4.63 ng/g lipid) had a significantly higher actual odds ratio (OR = 1.13, p < 0.05) of the cognition score as well as a lower odds ratio (OR = 0.904, p < 0.01) of the adaptive behavior score, suggesting that prenatal PBDEs exposure may potentially affect infant neurodevelopment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child Development / drug effects*
  • Environmental Exposure / analysis*
  • Female
  • Fetal Blood / chemistry
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers / blood*
  • Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers / toxicity
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Logistic Models
  • Milk, Human / chemistry
  • Neurons / drug effects*
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Odds Ratio
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects*
  • Taiwan

Substances

  • Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers