Blastopathies and microcephaly in a Chornobyl impacted region of Ukraine

Abstract

This population-based descriptive epidemiology study demonstrates that rates of conjoined twins, teratomas, neural tube defects, microcephaly, and microphthalmia in the Rivne province of Ukraine are among the highest in Europe. The province is 200 km distant from the Chornobyl site and its northern half, a region known as Polissia, is significantly polluted by ionizing radiation. The rates of neural tube defects, microcephaly and microphthalmia in Polissia are statistically significantly higher than in the rest of the province. A survey of at-birth head size showed that values were statistically smaller in males and females born in one Polissia county than among neonates born in the capital city. These observations provide clues for confirmatory and cause-effect prospective investigations. The strength of this study stems from a reliance on international standards prevalent in Europe and a decade-long population-based surveillance of congenital malformations in two distinct large populations. The limitations of this study, as those of other descriptive epidemiology investigations, is that identified cause-effect associations require further assessment by specific prospective investigations designed to address specific teratogenic factors.

Elevated congenital anomaly rates and incorporated cesium‐137 in the Polissia region of Ukraine

“…We confirm our prior reports underscoring a persistently increased prevalence of females among individuals with NTD, M/M, teratomas, and conjoined twins (Wertelecki, ; Wertelecki et al, ). In this report, we note that the temporal rise of WBCs is driven solely by females residing in Polissia (Fig.…”

“…CA data and population rates are presented in Supplementary Tables S1 to S13. A concurrent investigation of teratogenic impacts of alcohol in Rivne and persisting female prevalence among individuals with NTD or M/M are described elsewhere (Arenson et al, ; Wertelecki et al, ). Temporal trends of other less frequent CAs under monitoring will be addressed by prospective analyses.…”

“…In 2010 and 2014, we reported that population rates in the Rivne province of Ukraine of conjoined twins, teratomas, neural tube defects (NTDs), and microcephaly/microphthalmia (M/M) were persistently among the highest in Europe. The elevated population rates of congenital anomalies (CAs) were highest in the Polissia region of Rivne, which was highly contaminated from the Chornobyl (Chernobyl in Russian) fallout (Wertelecki, ; Wertelecki W et al, ). This report concerns the results of an expanded analysis of population rates of NTDs and M/Ms and novel measurements of whole‐body counts of incorporated cesium‐137 (Cs‐137) (henceforth, WBCs) in ambulatory patients and pregnant women residing in Polissia and non‐Polissia regions and those residing in proximity to two nuclear power plants (NPPs).…”

A detailed characterization of congenital defects and mortality following moderate X‐ray doses during neurulation

“…In terms of physical factors, several studies already identified the risks of exposure to ionizing radiation during pregnancy and stipulated a causal link with several congenital malformations (reviewed in [De Santis et al, ; Jacquet, ; Verreet, Rangarajan et al, ; Verreet, Verslegers et al, ]). For example, in prenatally irradiated survivors of the Chernobyl disaster, the prevalence of both NTDs (e.g., exencephaly; exposed brain tissue) and EDs (e.g., microphthalmos; reduced eye size) was found to be increased (Burrow et al, ; Wertelecki, ; Wertelecki et al, ). NTDs (26.1/10 000) and microphthalmos (2.5/10 000) have a higher prevalence in the Polissia region (in the Rivne province) as compared to the rest of the Rivne province (respectively 16.4/10 000 and 0.8/10 000 between 2000 and 2009) that was less contaminated with radioisotopes after the Chernobyl disaster (European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies [EUROCAT] Final Activity Report 2002–2003; Wertelecki, ; Wertelecki et al, ).…”

There’s a World Going on Underground—Infant Mortality and Fracking in Pennsylvania

“…There is already evidence that exposures to low levels of NORM in drinking water causes increased levels of cancer, leukemia and birth defects [17] [18] [19] [20]. A recent example, the increases in heritable effects found in the post Chernobyl studies, particularly those of Wertelecki in the Ukraine, who carefully defined the contamination levels of the mothers by measurement, revealed significant effects at doses that were comparable with those considered by the EPA to be safe [41] [42]. Thus the legal limits of exposure currently believed to protect may now need to be revisited.…”