WIP 60 - Per- and Poly-FluoroAlkyl Substances (PFAS), Inflammatory Profiles, and Perinatal Outcomes in a Population with Substance Use Disorder

Publication Number: WIP 60.7558

Courtney L. Kantzler, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States; Hong Huang, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States; Luke Jones, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States; Erin N. Haynes, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States; Peter J.. Giannone, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States; Mina Hanna, University of Kentucky - - Lexington, KY, Lexington, KY, United States; John A. Bauer, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States

Background: Gestational exposure to environmental toxicants pose risks to women and infant’s health during and after pregnancy and high-risk pregnancies may be especially vulnerable. Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also referred to as “forever chemicals”, lower the surface tension of water far beyond that attainable by hydrocarbons thereby making them excellent surface protectants/repellants. PFAS are widely used in industry, are extremely stable molecules, and recent research has shown PFAS to be ubiquitous in our bodies and the environment. Additionally, PFAS have been increasingly linked with adverse health outcomes including certain cancers, liver damage, thyroid disorders, fertility issues, pregnancy induced hypertension/pre-eclampsia, and low birthweight. Here we investigated the prevalence of PFAS in mother-infant dyads experiencing substance-use disorder.

Objective: Investigate maternal and infant cord blood levels of various measured PFAS analytes at birth and relate these levels to perinatal clinical variables.

Design/Methods: PFAS levels in 66 mother-baby dyads, participating in an ongoing substance-use disorder study, were measured in both maternal and cord blood using an EPA specified assay, through a commercial laboratory (Eurofins). C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured via ELISA in our research laboratory. Clinical outcomes were extracted from the electronic medical record. Data analyses include unpaired t-tests, Chi-square tests, and Pearson’s correlations. Data analysis is ongoing and will be complete by the April 1, 2025 deadline. This study was approved by the IRB at the University of Kentucky.