Perfluoroalkyl substances in mid-pregnancy and preeclampsia in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study

Background: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widespread and persistent environmental pollutants detectable in the blood of most humans. A recent study panel (http://www.c8sciencepanel.org) described a probable link (implying causality) between perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and pregnancy-induced hypertension among relatively highly exposed women, raising questions about associations in populations that experience lower exposure levels, and associations between other PFASs and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Aim: To estimate associations between plasma concentrations of seven PFASs measured during pregnancy and validated preeclampsia diagnosis among Norwegian women. Methods: A case-cohort study was nested within the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Eligible pregnancies were singleton births to women who enrolled from 2003-2007, with no previous live births or stillbirths. We selected 307 preeclampsia cases, and 357 pregnancies without regard to case status (subcohort). Case diagnosis was...