OBJECTIVE: Exposure to radioisotopes of metals and halogen elements occurring in medical practice may cause spontaneous abortions. The potential role of occupational exposure to X-rays and internal radioisotopes on pregnancy outcome in childbearing age women employed in hospital departments were analyzed in order to estimate miscarriage risk. METHODS: Over a period of 16 years, the occurrence of miscarriages in 61 women exposed to radioisotopes was compared to that reported in 170 X-ray exposed women. Chromosomal aberrations (CA) were measured in both radiation-exposed groups and in 53 non-exposed women. RESULTS: Women exposed to radioisotopes experienced at least a threefold higher rate of spontaneous abortions than those exposed to X-ray (OR = 3.68, 95% CI = 1.39-9.74, P < 0.01). Although X-ray and radioisotopes exposed women had significantly higher levels of chromosome type frequency (0.51 +/- 0.82, and 0.63 +/- 0.99, respectively) than referents (0.17 +/- 0.34), there was no clear difference between radiation-exposed women. CONCLUSIONS: For exposure levels within standard recommended guidelines, radioisotopes are far more likely to play a role in the occurrence of spontaneous abortions than X-rays. Such biological effect is not detectable by deviations in CA frequency.
OBJECTIVE: Exposure to radioisotopes of metals and halogen elements occurring in medical practice may cause spontaneous abortions. The potential role of occupational exposure to X-rays and internal radioisotopes on pregnancy outcome in childbearing age women employed in hospital departments were analyzed in order to estimate miscarriage risk. METHODS: Over a period of 16 years, the occurrence of miscarriages in 61 women exposed to radioisotopes was compared to that reported in 170 X-ray exposed women. Chromosomal aberrations (CA) were measured in both radiation-exposed groups and in 53 non-exposed women. RESULTS:Women exposed to radioisotopes experienced at least a threefold higher rate of spontaneous abortions than those exposed to X-ray (OR = 3.68, 95% CI = 1.39-9.74, P < 0.01). Although X-ray and radioisotopes exposed women had significantly higher levels of chromosome type frequency (0.51 +/- 0.82, and 0.63 +/- 0.99, respectively) than referents (0.17 +/- 0.34), there was no clear difference between radiation-exposed women. CONCLUSIONS: For exposure levels within standard recommended guidelines, radioisotopes are far more likely to play a role in the occurrence of spontaneous abortions than X-rays. Such biological effect is not detectable by deviations in CA frequency.
Authors: F J S Dantas; J C P de Mattos; M O Moraes; M E Viana; C A S Lage; J B Cabral-Neto; A C Leitão; M Bernardo-Filho; R J A C Bezerraa; J J Carvalho; A Caldeira-de-Araújo Journal: Food Chem Toxicol Date: 2002-10 Impact factor: 6.023
Authors: L Chatenoud; F Parazzini; E di Cintio; G Zanconato; G Benzi; R Bortolus; C La Vecchia Journal: Ann Epidemiol Date: 1998-11 Impact factor: 3.797
Authors: A Gambelunghe; R Piccinini; M Ambrogi; M Villarini; M Moretti; C Marchetti; G Abbritti; G Muzi Journal: Toxicology Date: 2003-06-30 Impact factor: 4.221
Authors: Christina C Lawson; Carissa M Rocheleau; Elizabeth A Whelan; Eileen N Lividoti Hibert; Barbara Grajewski; Donna Spiegelman; Janet W Rich-Edwards Journal: Am J Obstet Gynecol Date: 2011-12-30 Impact factor: 8.661