The scientific work is devoted to the research of the topical issue of modern pediatrics and neonatology - substantiation of the etiopathogenetic concept of microelementosis development in premature infants on the basis of determining the content and balance of microelements in the mother-placenta-fetus system.
We studied the content and balance of trace (Fe, Cu, Co, Zn, Mg, Mn) and toxic microelements (Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni) in placenta of women which born prematurely at different stages of gestation. Placenta provides high tension and dynamism of functioning in relation to trace microelements. The content of Fe, Cu and Zn in placenta reached maximum values at 29-31 weeks of gestation, and Mn - at 32-36 weeks. Co level increased, while Mg, in contrast, decreased during pregnancy. Placenta has been shown to act as a barrier to toxic elements. Chromium and cadmium accumulate up to 36 week of gestation, then they are transported to the fetus. Lead accumulates up to 29-31 week, then placenta maintains its constant level.
We analyzed peculiarities of microelement balance in the hair of mothers and their children born with low, very low and extremely low birth weight. A significant role of cobalt, zinc and manganese in the homeostasis of essential trace elements in the body of mothers has been established. Higher Cr levels were found in mothers which gave birth earlier in gestation. Hair of newborns with ELBW was dominated by iron due to its high needs in the early stages of fetal development.
Based on the study of the ratios in pairs of essential trace elements in the hair of the fetus, it was found that an important role in maintaining of their homeostasis is played by reducing of cobalt and increasing of copper and manganese.
Cr and Ni levels are much higher in women and their children born earlier in gestation. In children with ELBW, the highest level of toxic elements in the hair (Cr, Cd, Ni) was determined. This is the evidence of imperfect barrier function of the placenta against them in the early stages of gestation.
We proved the role of microelement imbalance in the pathogenesis of IUGR. Mg and Mn deficiency has been reported in women which born newborns with IUGR. The high ratios in Cu/Mn and Zn/Mn pairs indicate the ability of manganese deficiency to affect the balance of other trace elements. In the hair of children with IUGR there is an increasing of Fe level and decreasing of Co and Mn.
The normative indicators of essential microelements (Fe, Cu, Co, Zn, Mg, Mn) in placenta, hair of mothers and their healthy full-term newborns in case of physiological course of pregnancy are offered for use.
Key words: trace elements, toxic elements, premature birth, hair, fetus, premature newborn
