Women with high plasma levels of PBDE-47 are at increased risk of preterm birth

Abstract Objectives Nearly 100% of North American women have detectable levels flame retardants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in their plasma. These molecules structural homology to thyroid hormones and may function endocrine disruptors. Thyroid dysfunction has previously been associated with increased risk for preterm birth. Therefore, we conducted a multi-center, case-cohort study evaluate if high plasma concentrations common PBDE congener the first trimester increases birth its subtypes. Methods Pregnant were recruited at onset initiation prenatal care Kaiser-Permanente Southern California (KPSC)-West Los Angeles KPSC-San Diego medical centers. Plasma samples from whose pregnancies ended random subset those delivering term assayed PBDE-47 thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) by immunoassay. Quartile cutoffs calculated patients used determine exposures 4th quartile are using logistic regression. Results We found that significantly odds both indicated (adjusted ratio, adjOR=2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31, 4.21) spontaneous (adjOR=1.76, CI: 1.02, 3.03) Regardless pregnancy outcome, TSH did not differ between low PBDE-47. Conclusions results suggest trimester,