Naslov
Spontaneous abortions in female populations occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation

Autori
Fučić, Aleksandra ; Merlo, Domenico ; Ceppi, Marcello ; Lucas Joe

Izvornik
International archives of occupational and environmental health (0340-0131) 81 (2008), 7; 873-879

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
occupational exposure; miscarriage; ionizing radiation

Sažetak
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. 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. 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. 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.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biologija

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