Maternal Tobacco Use During Pregnancy (MTDP)…
Puga TB, et al. Maternal Tobacco Use During Pregnancy (MTDP) and Child Neurocognitive Development
JAMA Netw Open.13 Feb 2024;7(2):e2355952. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.55952
Conclusions: This cohort study found that MTDP was associated with decreased cognitive function at waves 1 and 2 of the ABDCD study. These results suggest that children have poorer language processing skills and episodic memory associated with MTDP. Intervention strategies involving expanded prenatal and perinatal health availability and tobacco control policies are needed.
This study included nicotine exposures from multiple nicotine products including e-cigarettes. It points out that,”Nicotine exposure affects nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain by upregulating their expression. Furthermore, it could inhibit DNA synthesis, disrupt brain cell growth, and dysregulate neurotransmitter systems. Children who initiate tobacco use demonstrate blunted longitudinal neurocognitive development.12 These children also have blunted language abilities and damage to language processing structures.12 Language perception and processing skills are necessary for progression of a child’s education and reading abilities.“
Additional evidence of neurological harm to children from tobacco use listed as reference 12 above: Dai HD, et al. Longitudinal assessments of neurocognitive performance and brain structure associated with initiation of tobacco use in children, 2016 to 2021. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(8):e2225991. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.25991
Stephen Hamann
