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Tobacco smoking and twinning
J Olsen1, B Bønnelykke, J Nielsen
1Institute of Social Medicine, University of Aarhus, Denmark.
Acta Medica Scandinavica
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Mothers who smoke have a higher chance of having dizygotic twins. This study suggests smoking
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Epidemiology
- Obstetrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Maternal smoking is a known health risk.
- The etiology of dizygotic twinning is multifactorial.
- Hormonal treatments can influence twinning rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal smoking and dizygotic twinning.
- To explore potential biological mechanisms linking smoking and twinning.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study design.
- Inclusion of all live-born twins in Denmark (1984-1985) as cases.
- Selection of singleton mothers as controls (1.5% random sample).
- Exclusion of infants conceived via hormonal treatment.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant association was observed between maternal smoking habits and the frequency of dizygotic twinning.
- Mothers who smoked showed a higher incidence of dizygotic twins compared to non-smokers.
Conclusions:
- Maternal smoking is associated with an increased risk of dizygotic twinning.
- The anti-estrogen effect of smoking may contribute to this observed association.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms.
Keywords:
BehaviorBiologyControl GroupsDenmarkDeveloped CountriesEndocrine SystemEstrogens--changesEuropeFamily And HouseholdFamily CharacteristicsFamily RelationshipsFollicle Stimulating Hormone--changesGeneticsGenetics, PopulationGonadotropinsGonadotropins, PituitaryHormonesLuteinizing Hormone--changesMothersNorthern EuropeParentsPhysiologyPopulation StatisticsPregnancyPregnancy, MultipleQuestionnairesReproductionResearch MethodologyScandinaviaSmokingSurvey MethodologySurveys