Environmental exposure to lithium during pregnancy and fetal size: A longitudinal study in the Argentinean Andes

摘要: Abstract Background Lithium, used for treating bipolar disease, crosses freely the placenta and is classified as teratogenic. It unclear to what extent environmental lithium exposure may affect fetal growth development. Objectives To elucidate potential effects of through drinking water during pregnancy on size. Methods We developed a prospective population-based mother–child cohort (N = 194) in an area with highly varying concentrations (5-1600 μg/L) northern Argentinean Andes. Blood urinary (sampled repeatedly pregnancy) were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. size by ultrasound second third trimesters, weight, length head circumference at birth. Multivariable models examine associations between (continuous tertiles) measures. Results Lithium maternal blood (median 25; range 1.9–145 μg/L) urine (1645; 105–4600 μg/L) was inversely associated (apparently linearly) all measures (body, femur) trimester, birth (β − 0.53 cm per 25 μg/L increase lithium, 95%CI − 1.0; − 0.052). An 100 μg/L 2 cm shorter newborns (about one standard deviation). Conclusions impaired this seemed be initiated early gestation. Further studies are warranted confirm causality understand mechanisms. If confirmed, these findings have public health relevance emphasize need more data water, including bottled water.