Neonatal effects of transplacental exposure to PCBs and DDE

J Pediatr. 1986 Aug;109(2):335-41. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3476(86)80397-3.

Abstract

Neonatal effects of transplacental exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethene (DDE) were examined in a study of 912 infants. Birth weight, head circumference, and neonatal jaundice showed no relationship to PCBs or DDE. We also administered the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scales, which are psychologic and neurologic tests designed for use in newborn infants. The results of these tests showed that higher PCB levels were associated with hypotonicity and hyporeflexia and that higher DDE levels were associated with hyporeflexia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Birth Weight
  • Breast Feeding
  • Child Development
  • Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Head / anatomy & histology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Jaundice, Neonatal / chemically induced
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange*
  • Muscle Tonus
  • North Carolina
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls / adverse effects*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prospective Studies
  • Reflex, Abnormal / chemically induced*
  • Risk

Substances

  • Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls