Related Experiment Videos
The effects on fetal development of high alpha-fetoprotein and maternal smoking
S Heinonen1, M Ryynänen, P Kirkinen
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kuopio University Hospital, Finland. seppo.heinonen@kuh.fi
Objectives:
This study determined the risk of impaired fetal growth resulting from the interaction between maternal smoking during pregnancy and unexplained elevated concentrations of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP).
Methods:
This observational study involved 123 pregnant smokers with unexplained second-trimester elevated concentrations of MSAFP, 827 smokers with normal levels, and 471 nonsmokers with raised levels.
Results:
By logistic regression, coincident smoking and elevated MSAFP levels were found to be associated with increases in the low basic risks of prematurity, small-for-gestational-age births, low birthweight, and need for neonatal care.
Conclusions:
Maternal smoking has an adverse effect on fetal development in pregnancies with unexplained elevated MSAFP concentrations. Such pregnancies merit close surveillance.