Neonatal Weight and Prenatal Exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyls: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: This research studied the relationship between maternal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls and neonatal birth weight through systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature. METHODS: We searched for all the studies published in MEDLINE / PUBMEDN / EMBASE (Medical Abstract Database) by June 2018, and seven studies had been selected. RESULTS: The results showed that there was significant correlation between birth weight reduction and PCBS exposure throughout pregnancy (β=-0.586g, 95%CI:-0.629,-0.543). There was a negative correlation between birth weight and PCBs exposure and umbilical cord serum (β=-0.833g) and maternal serum (β= -0.504g).Subgroup analyses showed significantly different effects of PCBs exposure on birth weight in different regions, stages of pregnancy and study designs. It was thought the heterogeneity was mainly caused by geographical regions, stages of pregnancy, and the assessment methods. CONCLUSION: The meta analysis revealed a negative correlation between PCBs exposure and birth weight but there was significant difference in the correlation between birth weight loss.