title: The relationship between cigarette smoking, endothelial function and intrauterine growth restriction in human pregnancy.
abstract: This study examined the relationship of cigarette smoking and endothelial function in pregnant women by comparing smokers with nonsmokers. Endothelial function was assessed at 28-32 weeks of gestation by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) using ultrasound of the brachial artery. The initial FMD was significantly different between the smoking group (n = 21) at 4.0 +/- 2.3, indicating endothelial dysfunction, and the nonsmoking group (n = 20) at 9.7 +/- 4.0 (P < 0.001). After smoking, this difference in the groups persisted. Babies who were growth restricted (<10th percentile) had mothers with a significantly lower FMD, that is endothelial dysfunction. This work demonstrates persistent endothelial dysfunction in smoking pregnant women.
authors: Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Sydney, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia. aquinton@med.usyd.edu.au
authors: A E
authors: AE
authors: Quinton
authors: C-M
authors: CM
authors: Cook
authors: M J
authors: MJ
authors: Peek
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000502:physiology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000502:physiology