Plasma cotinine indicates an increased risk of preeclampsia in previous and passive smokers

Self-reported tobacco smoking in pregnancy has been consistently associated with a decreased risk of developing preeclampsia, but the evidence has been limited and inconsistent for previous and passive smokers. Misclassifications and inaccuracies of self-reported tobacco exposure may disguise the true relationship. This study aimed to assess the association of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia with maternal smoking status as ascertained by plasma cotinine.

This was a prospective study of 605 pregnant women without chronic hypertension. Maternal smoking status at 24-26 weeks' gestation was defined by plasma cotinine: >3.0 ng/mL "current smokers," 0.20-3.00 ng/mL "previous and passive smokers," and <0.20 ng/mL "nonsmokers."

Compared to nonsmokers, the risk of developing preeclampsia did not change significantly for current smokers, but increased significantly (adjusted odds ratio, 6.06; 95% confidence interval, 2.32-15.85; P < .001) for previous and passive smokers. There were no significant differences in the risk of developing gestational hypertension only.

Previous and passive smoking may increase the risk of preeclampsia. Avoidance of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in pregnancy may decrease the risk of preeclampsia.