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Nicotine patches for pregnant smokers: a randomized controlled study
K Wisborg1, T B Henriksen, L B Jespersen
1Perinatal Epidemiological Research Unit, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. skejkw@aau.dk
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|November 21, 2000
Summary
Nicotine patches did not improve smoking cessation rates in pregnant women. However, nicotine patches may increase birth weight compared to placebo.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Addiction Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Smoking during pregnancy is a significant public health concern, associated with adverse birth outcomes.
- Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a common smoking cessation aid, but its efficacy and safety in pregnant women require careful evaluation.
- Understanding the impact of nicotine on both cessation and fetal development is crucial for clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of nicotine patches in achieving smoking cessation among pregnant women.
- To determine the impact of nicotine patches on key birth outcomes, specifically birth weight and the rate of preterm delivery.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 250 pregnant women who smoked after the first trimester.
- Participants were assigned to receive either nicotine patches or placebo patches for a defined treatment period.
- Smoking cessation was validated using cotinine levels, and birth weight and preterm delivery rates were recorded.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in smoking cessation rates was observed between the nicotine patch group and the placebo group.
- Women in the nicotine patch group had a higher mean birth weight compared to the placebo group.
- There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of preterm delivery between the two groups.
Conclusions:
- Nicotine patches do not appear to enhance smoking cessation in pregnant women.
- Nicotine patches may have a beneficial effect on birth weight, warranting further investigation.
- The use of nicotine patches in pregnancy requires a balanced consideration of potential benefits for birth weight against their limited efficacy for smoking cessation.