Fetal PCB syndrome: clinical features, intrauterine growth retardation and possible alteration in calcium metabolism

Journal Article · Fri Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1985 · Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3429872· OSTI ID:5321327

Yamashita, F; Hayashi, M

Pregnant mothers with Yusho in Fukuoka, Nagasaki and Kochi Prefectures delivered babies with a peculiar clinical manifestation which will be called fetal PCB syndrome (FPS). The birth rate incidences were 3.6% (Fukuoka Prefecture), 4% (Nagasaki Prefecture), 2.9% (Kochi Prefecture) and 3.9% (total). The manifestations consisted of dark brown pigmentation of the skin and the mucous membrane, gingival hyperplasia, exophthalmic edematous eye, dentition at birth, abnormal calcification of the skull as demonstrated by X-ray, rocker bottom heel and high incidence of light for date (low birth weight) babies. The authors suggest that there may be a possible alteration in calcium metabolism in these babies, related to the fragile egg shells observed in PCB-contaminated birds and to the female hormone-enhancing effect of PCB. The high incidence of low birth weight among these newborns and two other similar studies indicated that PCBs suppress fetal growth.

• Research Organization: Kurume Univ., Japan
• OSTI ID: 5321327
• Journal Information: Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States), Vol. 59
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
CALCIUM COMPOUNDS
METABOLISM
CHLORINATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
PRENATAL EXPOSURE
DISEASE INCIDENCE
EPIDEMIOLOGY
GROWTH
INFANTS
JAPAN
PIGMENTS
PREGNANCY
SKIN
SYMPTOMS
WOMEN
AGE GROUPS
ALKALINE EARTH METAL COMPOUNDS
ANIMALS
AROMATICS
ASIA
BODY
CHILDREN
FEMALES
HALOGENATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
MAMMALS
MAN
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
PRIMATES
VERTEBRATES
560306* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Man- (-1987)