Elements in maternal blood and amniotic fluid determined by ICP-MS

Abstract

Objective: Knowledge about levels of toxic and non-toxic elements in amniotic fluid is limited. The aims of this study were: (1) to measure levels of trace elements Cu, Fe, Zn, B, Sr and Co in amniotic fluid and maternal serum during second trimester of pregnancy; and (2) to determine what correlations exists between elements levels in amniotic fluid and maternal serum.

Methods: The levels of, iron, copper, zinc, cobalt, strontium and boron were measured in blood and amniotic fluid during genetic amniocentesis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Results: Concentrations of the elements: Fe, Cu, Zn, Co, Sr and B in amniotic fluid were significantly lower than in maternal blood. For iron, zinc, cobalt, strontium and boron there was a linear correlation between levels in amniotic fluid and maternal serum.

Conclusions: The concentration of trace elements in amniotic fluid was found to be lower than maternal serum and linearly correlated to its level.

• Amniotic fluid
• inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy
• trace elements

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.