Changes in outcomes of pregnancies in Gaza from 2011 to 2016; relationship with environmental changes and load of heavy metals in mothers and newborns

Abstract

Methods: Surveillance at birth accompanied by chemical analysis of the load of heavy metals in mothers and newborns hair [2]: registration of sequential births at 3 time points (2011, 2015, 2016) following 3 military attacks (2008, 2012, 2014). We used international standard questionnaire expanded to include exposure to war events, sewage, garbage disposal, recycling of ruins, historical residence, nutrition, extended pedigree with regard to genetic diseases (first and second degree familiars of both parents)[3]. Correlation of phenotypes at birth with environmental exposures was analyzed statistically. Results: The level of contamination by heavy metals in mothers exposed to 2014 military attacks on Gaza during the first trimester of pregnancy (N= 502) and in the newborn they delivered is higher that for those not exposed and the outcome of these pregnancies show higher frequency of preterm and birth defects …