152 - Early Lead Exposure is Associated with Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH)

Objectives: Our study aimed to determine the association of prenatal and early life exposure to lead and the presence of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) in a group of Mexican children.

Methods: A subset of participants of the Early Life Exposure in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENTS) cohort study was examined for the presence of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization using the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria. Prenatal lead exposure was assessed by K-ray fluorescence measurements of patella and tibia lead and by maternal blood lead levels by trimester and averaged over trimesters. Postnatal exposure was assessed by levels of maternal blood lead at delivery and child blood lead at 12 and 24 months.

Results: A subset of 506 subjects from the ELEMENT cohorts (9-18 years old) were examined for MIH.Among these study participants 87 subjects (17.2%) had MIH. Maternal blood lead levels in the third trimester [OR: 1.08; 95% CI: (1.02, 1.15)] and averaged over three trimesters [OR: 1.10; 95% CI: (1.02, 1.19)] were significantly associated with MIH status. None of the maternal bone lead or the child’s blood lead parameters was significantly associated with the presence of MIH (p >0.05).

Conclusions: The study documentsa significant association between prenatal lead exposure especially in late pregnancy and the odds of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization.