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Abstract
The association between lead and hypertension in adults was first identified in the early 1980’s and it has since been proposed that lead may also have a role in gestational hypertension (GH). This systematic review investigates whether lead may be associated with the development of GH or pre-eclampsia. MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science were searched from inception to August 2011, using the terms: blood lead levels, pregnancy, pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia. Nine papers were found. Positive associations between lead and GH or pre-eclampsia were found in six studies. The development of GH or pre-eclampsia may serve as a signal to assess blood lead concentrations in pregnant women, as even low lead concentrations have been shown to negatively impact the neurodevelopment and cognitive abilities of children. Adequate calcium intake throughout the pregnancy and lactation period may assist with reducing lead exposure levels.
Declaration of interest: Deborah Kennedy is supported by a career development grant from the Sickkids Foundation. Gideon Koren holds the Research Leadership for Better Pharmacotherapy During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding (The Hospital for Sick Children) and the Ivey Chair in Molecular Toxicology (University of Western Ontario). The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.
