Evaluation of Fetal Exposures to Metals and Metalloids through Meconium Analyses: A Review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#cadmium #cobalt #copper #humans #infant-newborn

Evaluation of Fetal Exposures to Metals and Metalloids through Meconium Analyses: A Review

Michelsen-Correa et al., 2021 | Int J Environ Res Public Health | Meta Analysis

Citation

Michelsen-Correa Stephani, Martin Clyde F, Kirk Andrea B. Evaluation of Fetal Exposures to Metals and Metalloids through Meconium Analyses: A Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021-Feb-18;18(4). doi:10.3390/ijerph18041975

Abstract

This paper surveys the existing scientific literature on metals concentrations in meconium. We examine some 32 papers that analyzed meconium for aluminum, arsenic, barium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, lithium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, lead, mercury, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, phosphorus, lead, antimony, selenium, tin, vanadium, and zinc. Because of the lack of detail in the statistics it is not possible to do a rigorous meta-analysis. What stands out is that almost every study had subjects with seemingly large amounts of at least one of the metals. The significance of metals in meconium is not clear beyond an indication of exposure although some studies have correlated metals in meconium to a number of adverse outcomes. A number of outstanding questions have been identified that, if resolved, would greatly increase the utility of meconium analysis for assessment of long-term gestational metals exposures. Among these are questions of the developmental and long-term significance of metals detected in meconium, the kinetics and interactions among metals in maternal and fetal compartments and questions on best methods for meconium analyses.

Key Findings

Among these are questions of the developmental and long-term significance of metals detected in meconium, the kinetics and interactions among metals in maternal and fetal compartments and questions on best methods for meconium analyses.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population seemingly large amounts of
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Cadmium
  • Cobalt
  • Copper
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Meconium
  • Metalloids
  • Zinc

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review
  • Vertical: chromium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09