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Changes of airway obstruction parameters in healthy children caused by mother's smoking during pregnancy

S Nosal1, P Durdik, M Sutovska

  • 1Pediatric Clinic, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovakia. slavonosal@yahoo.com.

Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology : an Official Journal of the Polish Physiological Society
|February 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Maternal smoking during pregnancy negatively impacts infant respiratory health. Newborns exposed to smoking show altered airway obstruction parameters, particularly in infants under six months old.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Maternal smoking during pregnancy is a known risk factor for adverse child health outcomes.
  • Understanding the specific impact on early respiratory function is crucial for preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effect of maternal smoking during pregnancy on respiratory parameters in healthy children.
  • To investigate age-dependent differences in these effects.

Main Methods:

  • Non-calibrated respiratory inductive plethysmography was used to measure phase angle (phi) and T(me)/T(E) index.
  • 127 healthy children were divided into two age groups (<6 months and >6 months) and by maternal smoking status.

Main Results:

  • Statistically significant differences in phase angle (phi) and T(me)/T(E) were observed in infants under 6 months born to mothers who smoked compared to those born to non-smokers.
  • These differences were not significant in children over 6 months of age.
  • Within the smoking mother group, younger infants (<6 months) showed significant changes in phi and T(me)/T(E) compared to older infants (>6 months).

Conclusions:

  • Maternal smoking during pregnancy has a negative impact on infant airway obstruction parameters.
  • The effects are most pronounced in the youngest infants (under 6 months).
  • Early detection and intervention are vital for mitigating these respiratory risks.

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