Association between recurrent miscarriages and organochlorine pesticide levels

Objectives: Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is a challenging medical problem because of its unknown pathogenesis and etiology in most of the cases. Recent studies suggest the role of persistent environmental pollutants such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the etiology of RM. The present study was conducted to investigate possible associations of OCPs in the pathogenesis of RM. Design and methods: Blood OCP levels were analyzed in women with RM (cases) and women with normal full term delivery with live birth (controls) by using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector. Results: A statistically significant association (p=0.01) was observed between blood gamma-HCH levels and women with recurrent miscarriages. Conclusions: This study suggests that high blood levels of gamma-HCH may be associated with risk of RM. (c) 2009 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.