TRACE-METALS IN THE HAIR OF MOTHER-NEONATE PAIRS

This study was performed to investigate the metabolic Trace Element (T E) status of mother-neonate pairs at delivery. Hair concentrations of Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se and Br, in 18 full-term and 24 pattern newborn infants and their mothers were determined by PIXE technique. No differ ence was detected between preterm and full-term neonates for all measu red elements. Mean Cdr, Mn and Fe levels in the hair of newborns were significantly greater than in mothers. Although differences did occur between mother groups, the Cu and Zn concentrations were similar in fu ll-term and preterm neonates. No correlation in hair TE concentration was found between neonates and their mothers. The result of this study indicates that for trace metals the placenta plays an active role in the maternal-fetal transfer.