OBJECTIVE:

To determine the association between exposure to PM10 and carbon monoxide vehicle emissions and preeclampsia in Manizales, Colombia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was a relational, retrospective, case-control study in patients with pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia, residents of Manizales-Colombia between July 2014 and July 2015. The place of residence was used to estimate exposure and the concentration of pollutants through an instrument for determining exposure to PM10 and CO emissions (tons per year for every 250 square meters). Two definitions of exposure were used: upper quartile (Q4) vs the remaining quartiles (Q1-Q3) and another: comparison of the four quartiles taking the first quartile (Q1) as a reference. Logistic regression models were fitted in order to explore the effect of exposure.

RESULTS:

222 patients were included, 74 cases and 148 controls. No relationship was observed between the concentration of PM10 in the mother's area of residence and the probability of presenting preeclampsia with both the first definition of exposure (OR of 1.013 (95%CI: 0.35 to 2.97) p = 0.981) as with the second (Q2 (p=0.562), Q3 (p = 0.347), Q4 (p = 0.887)). In the case of OC, no statistical relationship was found in the two definitions (OR: 0.829 (95%CI: 0.29 to 2.39) p = 0.729).

CONCLUSIONS:

No association was observed between the levels of exposure to PM10 and CO and the appearance of preeclampsia in pregnant women during the times described.