Umbilical CORD S100B levels in active and passive smoker women.

OBJECTIVES In utero fetal exposure to tobacco smoke has been found to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcome and increased maternal and fetal risks. The aim of this study was to compare umbilical cord blood S100B levels of infants of active smoker, passive smoker and non-smoker mothers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A total of 82 women, 26 habitual smokers, 27 passive smokers and 29 controls, who were admitted for repeat elective cesarean delivery with uncomplicated term gestations were included in the study. The age, gravidity, parity and gestational week at delivery were recorded on admission for the delivery. Ultrasonographic evaluation was routinely done on admission and birth weights of the newborns were measured immediately upon delivery. Umbilical cord blood was collected following delivery of the infants and serum S100B levels were analyzed at the end of the study period. The groups were compared according to S100B levels. RESULTS No significant difference was found between the three groups regarding age, gravidity, gestational week at delivery or birth weight of the infants (p > 0.05). Biparietal diameter of the fetuses of active smoker mothers were significantly smaller than passive smokers and controls (90.3 ± 1.8 vs 94.2 ± 2.8 and 93.8 ± 2.5, respectively). Mean S100B level in the umbilical cord blood of active smokers was lower than passive smokers and controls (768.9 ± 446.9 vs 1050.1 ± 383.2 and 1035.3 ± 405.2) (p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS Fetuses of active smoker mothers had lower cord blood S100B levels, suggesting a possible injury of glial cells.