Association between recurrent miscarriages and organochlorine pesticide levels

ObjectivesRecurrent miscarriage (RM) is a challenging medical problem because of its unknown pathogenesis and etiology in most of the cases. Recent studies suggest the role of persistent environmental pollutants such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the etiology of RM. The present study was conducted to investigate possible associations of OCPs in the pathogenesis of RM.Design and methodsBlood OCP levels were analyzed in women with RM (cases) and women with normal full term delivery with live birth (controls) by using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector.ResultsA statistically significant association (p = 0.01) was observed between blood γ-HCH levels and women with recurrent miscarriages.ConclusionsThis study suggests that high blood levels of γ-HCH may be associated with risk of RM.