STILLBIRTH AFTER OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO N-METHYL-2-PYRROLIDONE - A CASE-REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone is a solvent that is increasingly used in a var iety of industries, including petroleum refining, microelectronics, pe sticide formulation, and veterinary medicine. animal studies have demo nstrated fetotoxic effects after maternal exposure to doses that have minimal to no adverse effect on the mothers. The fetotoxicity comprise s resorption, stillbirth, and low birthweight and delayed ossification in surviving young. We report a human case of intrauterine growth ret ardation followed by fetal demise at 31 weeks gestation. The mother wa s a laboratory worker with no other apparent risk factors, who sustain ed occupational exposure to N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone throughout the firs t trimester of pregnancy. Laboratory work and solvent exposure have bo th previously been associated with adverse reproductive outcomes. Labo ratories and other industries that use suspected reproductive toxins s hould have reproductive health policies in place that allow for decisi on-making based on toxicologic review, exposure assessment, and medica l evaluation. These policies should allow for voluntary removal of pro spective parents until environmental assessment and controls are insti tuted.