Maternal Smoking during Pregnancy and its effects on Neural Tube Defects.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Maternal smoking is a known teratogen, but its specific link to Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) requires clarification.
• Congenital malformations, including NTDs, represent a significant public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and investigate the association between parental smoking and the incidence of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs).

Main Methods:

• A systematic review adhering to PRISMA criteria was conducted from February 2015 to August 2022.
• Clinical articles were selected from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases.
• Data on NTDs, parental smoking habits, and related factors were extracted from included studies.

Main Results:

• Eight articles were included, revealing a significant association between parental smoking and increased NTD occurrence.
• Both maternal (active/passive) and paternal smoking were linked to higher NTD rates.
• Smoking impacts folic acid levels and other essential nutrients like zinc, crucial for neural tube closure.

Conclusions:

• Parental smoking is a potent teratogenic factor contributing to NTDs.
• Reducing NTD prevalence necessitates cessation of smoking by both mothers and fathers.
• Public health initiatives should focus on parental smoking cessation to prevent NTDs.