Medical/biological Study (observational study)

Is newborn melatonin production influenced by magnetic fields produced by incubators? med./biol.

PubMed Entry

Journal web site

Aim of study (according to author)
To assess melatonin production in a group of newborns exposed to electromagnetic fields within incubators.
Background/further details:
The study group consisted of 28 babies who had spent at least 48 h in incubators. 6-hydroxymelatoninsulfate (6-OHMS) urine excretion (normalized to creatinine) was measured at the end of their stay in the incubators and 48 h later when they have been in cribs where electromagnetic fields were below the detectable limit.
The control group consisted of 27 babies who were not exposed to electromagnetic fields. Two urine samples were collected (taken 48 h apart from each other).

Endpoint

• endocrine changes: melatonin production

Exposure
General category: magnetic field, 50/60 Hz (AC), LF therapeutical/medical device

Field characteristics	Parameters
frequency not specified	magnetic flux density: 0.458 µT (center of the matress (at minimum engine power)) magnetic flux density: 0.45 µT (periphery of the matress (at minimum engine power)) magnetic flux density: 8.84 µT (center of the matress (at maximum engine power)) magnetic flux density: 0.97 µT (periphery of the matress (at maximum engine power))

Exposed system:
human
whole body exposure

Methods
Endpoint/Measurement parameters/Methodology

• endocrine changes: melatonin production (6-hydroxymelatoninsulfate (6-OHMS) urine excretion; ELISA)

Main outcome of study (according to author)
Mean 6-hydroxymelatoninsulfate values were increased 48 h after the exposed babies were removed from the incubators and put into the cribs. In the control group, mean 6-hydroxymelatoninsulfate values were not significantly different in the first and in the second sample and similar to the first value of the exposed babies in the incubator.
The authors conclude that the transient increase in melatonin production after removing newborns from incubators demonstrates a possible influence of electromagnetic fields on melatonin production in newborns.

(Study character: medical/biological study, observational study, full/main study)

Study funded by

• not stated/none

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• Crasson M et al. (2001): Daytime 50 Hz magnetic field exposure and plasma melatonin and urinary...
• Wood AW et al. (1998): Changes in human plasma melatonin profiles in response to 50 Hz magnetic field...
• Bullough J et al. (1996): Light and magnetic fields in a neonatal intensive care unit.