Passive Smoking (passive + smoking)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Headache prevalence related to smoking and alcohol use.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 11 2006
The Head-HUNT Study
The aim of this study was to examine a possible association between smoking, alcohol and headache in a large population-based cross-sectional study. A total of 51 383 subjects completed a headache questionnaire and constituted the ,Head-HUNT' Study. Questionnaire-based information on smoking was available in 95% and on alcohol in 89% of the individuals. Associations were assessed in multivariate analyses, estimating prevalence odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Prevalence rates for headache were higher amongst smokers compared with never smokers, most evident for those under 40 years smoking more than 10 cigarettes per day (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3,1.6). Passive smoking was also associated with higher headache prevalence. For alcohol use, there was a tendency of decreasing prevalence of migraine with increasing amounts of alcohol consumption compared with alcohol abstinence. Only with regard to symptoms indicating alcohol overuse, a positive association with frequent headache was found. The association between headache and smoking found in the present study raises questions about a causal relationship, e.g. that smoking causes headache or that it allays stress induced by headache. The observed negative association between migraine and alcohol consumption is probably explained by the headache precipitating properties of alcohol. [source]


Renal, vascular and cardiac fibrosis in rats exposed to passive smoking and industrial dust fibre amosite

JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 11-12 2009
Peter Boor
Abstract Passive smoking is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Industrial fibrous dust, e.g. the asbestos group member, amosite, causes lung cancer and fibrosis. No data are available on renal involvement after inhalational exposure to these environmental pollutants or of their combination, or on cardiovascular and renal toxicity after exposure to amosite. Male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (n= 6): control and amosite group received initially two intratracheal instillations of saline and amosite solution, respectively. Smoking group was subjected to standardized daily exposure to tobacco smoke for 2 hrs in a concentration resembling human passive smoking. Combined group was exposed to both amosite and cigarette smoke. All rats were killed after 6 months. Rats exposed to either amosite or passive smoking developed significant glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Combination of both exposures had additive effects. Histomorphological changes preceded the clinical manifestation of kidney damage. In both groups with single exposures, marked perivascular and interstitial cardiac fibrosis was detected. The additive effect in the heart was less pronounced than in the kidney, apparent particularly in changes of vascular structure. Advanced oxidation protein products, the plasma marker of the myeloperoxidase reaction in activated monocytes/macrophages, were increased in all exposed groups, whereas the inflammatory cytokines did not differ between the groups. In rats, passive smoking or amosite instillation leads to renal, vascular and cardiac fibrosis potentially mediated via increased myeloperoxidase reaction. Combination of both pollutants shows additive effects. Our data should be confirmed in subjects exposed to these environmental pollutants, in particular if combined. [source]


Passive smoking is a major determinant of exhaled nitric oxide levels in allergic asthmatic children

ALLERGY, Issue 4 2010
Y. Laoudi
To cite this article: Laoudi Y, Nikasinovic L, Sahraoui F, Grimfeld A, Momas I, Just J. Passive smoking is a major determinant of exhaled nitric oxide levels in allergic asthmatic children. Allergy 2010; 65: 491,497. Abstract Background:, Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is considered, by some authors, to be a treatment follow-up parameter in allergic asthmatics. However, factors such as active smoking can influence NO production and must be taken into account in the interpretation of FeNO values. In children, the evidence in favour of an impact of passive smoking (PS) on FeNO values is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of chronic PS on FeNO in allergic asthmatic children. Methods:, Seventy nontreated allergic asthmatic children over 5 years of age, exposed and unexposed to PS, underwent measurement of FeNO, spirometry, and allergic tests (skin prick tests, total and specific serum IgE, and blood eosinophilia). Children were considered to be exposed to PS when at least 1 cigarette per day was declared to be smoked at home. Results:, Geometric mean FeNO value in 22 children exposed to PS was 26.3 ± 1.5 ppb vs 56.3 ± 1.7 ppb in 48 children unexposed (P < 0.001). After adjustment for age, blood eosinophilia, allergic sensitizations, total IgE, dust mite sensitization and asthma severity, multivariate analysis showed that PS exposure was negatively associated with FeNO values (P = 0.0001) and was the primary determinant of FeNO variations. Conclusion:, Passive smoking lowers FeNO, and might be a major determinant of FeNO levels in nontreated allergic asthmatic children. [source]


The influence of maternal cigarette smoking, snuff use and passive smoking on pregnancy outcomes: the Birth To Ten Study

PAEDIATRIC & PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 2 2006
Krisela Steyn
Summary Steyn K, de Wet T, Saloojee Y, Nel H, Yach D. The influence of maternal cigarette smoking, snuff use and passive smoking on pregnancy outcomes: the Birth To Ten Study. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2006; 20: 90,99. This article describes the patterns and effects of maternal snuff use, cigarette smoking and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke during pregnancy on birthweight and gestational age, in women living in Johannesburg and Soweto in 1990. A cohort of 1593 women with singleton live births provided information about their own and household members' usage of tobacco products during pregnancy. The women completed a questionnaire while attending antenatal services. Data on gestational age and birthweight were obtained from birth records. Women who smoked cigarettes or used snuff during pregnancy accounted for 6.1% and 7.5% of the study population respectively. The mean birthweight of non-tobacco users was 3148 g [95% CI 3123, 3173] and that of the smokers 2982 g [95% CI 2875, 3090], resulting in a significantly lower mean birthweight of 165 g for babies of smoking mothers (P = 0.005). In contrast, women using snuff gave birth to infants with a mean birthweight of 3118 g [95% CI 3043, 3192], which is a non-significant (P = 0.52) decrease (29.4 g) in their infants' birthweights compared with those not using tobacco. A linear regression analysis identified short gestational age, female infant, a mother without hypertension during pregnancy, coloured (mixed racial ancestry), and Asian infants compared with black infants, lower parity, less than 12 years of education and smoking cigarettes as significant predictors of low birthweight, while the use of snuff during pregnancy was not associated with low birthweight. The snuff users, however, had a significant shorter gestational age than the other two groups of women. The birthweight reduction adjusted for possible confounders was 137 g [95% CI 26.6, 247.3 (P = 0.015)] for cigarette smokers and 17.1 g [95% CI ,69.5, ,102.7, P = 0.69] for snuff users respectively, compared with the birthweight of non-tobacco users. Among women who did not smoke cigarettes or use snuff, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke did not result in significant effects on the birthweight of their infants. In conclusion, infants of cigarette smokers had significantly lower birthweights than those of non-tobacco users or snuff users who are exposed to nicotine during pregnancy. Passive smoking did not affect birthweight significantly in this population. [source]


Commentary on Sims et al. (2010): The decline in passive smoking

ADDICTION, Issue 3 2010
ALISTAIR WOODWARD
No abstract is available for this article. [source]


Significantly lower rate of smoking in female compared to male patients with lung adenocarcinoma

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE, Issue 3 2003
Y. AKAZAWA
To examine the relationship between smoking and lung adenocarcinoma in female patients, we performed a retrospective chart review for 470 patients with lung adenocarcinoma at our hospital. The proportions of non-smokers were higher in female patients than those of male patients. A significant difference in smoking history was found between female and male patients. Not only active smoking but also passive smoking may influence the development of female lung adenocarcinoma, which reinforces the need for effective programmes aimed refraining from smoking and cessation among men as well as women. [source]


The Prevalence of Headache and Its Association With Socioeconomic Status Among Schoolchildren in Istanbul, Turkey

HEADACHE, Issue 5 2009

Objective., The etiology and pathogenesis of migraine and other types of headache are still under discussion. An interaction of organic, psychological, and psychosocial factors is operative. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of headache and its association with socioeconomic status among schoolchildren. Study Design., A cross-sectional study was performed on 2669 schoolchildren via a parental questionnaire. Socioeconomic status was determined according to the Turkish socioeconomic status scale. Results., The mean age of the students was 8.2 ± 2.4 years. The headache prevalence was 46.2% (95% CI: 44.3-48.1). The prevalence of migraine was 3.4% (95% CI: 2.8-4.1), the prevalence of probable migraine was 8.7% (95% CI: 7.6-9.8), and that of non-migraine headache was 34.1% (95% CI: 32.3-35.9). Multivariate analysis revealed that older age, being a girl, having a family history of headache, and exposure to passive smoking at home were independently associated with headache. There was an inverse association between socioeconomic status and all 3 types of headaches after adjusting for age, sex, family history of headache, and presence of passive smoking. When the group with the lowest socioeconomic status was taken as the reference category, the odds ratios for the highest socioeconomic group were 0.33 (95% CI: 0.16-0.69, P = .003) for the migraine, 0.30 (95% CI: 0.11-0.89, P = .029) for the probable migraine, and 0.34 (95% CI: 0.16-0.72, P = 0.005) for the non-migraine headache. Conclusion., Headache is more common among children with lower socioeconomic groups. Social causation can play a role in the pathogenesis of headache. [source]


Parental lung cancer as predictor of cancer risks in offspring: Clues about multiple routes of harmful influence?

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 3 2006
Kari Hemminki
Abstract The carcinogenic effects of active smoking have been demonstrated for many sites, but the effects of passive smoking and exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding are less well documented. We examined whether 0,70-year-old offspring of parents with lung cancer are at a risk of cancer that cannot be explained by their smoking or familial risk. It was assumed that known target sites for tobacco carcinogenesis would be affected, if any. The nationwide Swedish Family-Cancer Database with cancers recorded from 1958 to 2002 was used to calculate age-specific standardized incidence ratios (SIRs). Among offspring of affected mothers, increased risks were observed for upper aerodigestive (SIR 1.45), nasal (2.93), lung (1.71) and bladder (1.52) cancers and for kidney cancer (6.41) in one age group. The risk of bladder cancer was found in younger age groups than that of lung cancer. Cancers at many of these sites, but not the kidney or the bladder, were in excess in offspring of affected fathers. Nasal cancer was even increased when either parent was diagnosed with lung cancer; the highest risk was for nasal adenoid cystic carcinoma (7.73). The data suggest that passive smoking during childhood is associated with an increase risk of nasal cancer. For bladder and kidney cancers, a contribution by tobacco carcinogens is implicated through breastfeeding and in utero exposure. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Renal, vascular and cardiac fibrosis in rats exposed to passive smoking and industrial dust fibre amosite

JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 11-12 2009
Peter Boor
Abstract Passive smoking is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Industrial fibrous dust, e.g. the asbestos group member, amosite, causes lung cancer and fibrosis. No data are available on renal involvement after inhalational exposure to these environmental pollutants or of their combination, or on cardiovascular and renal toxicity after exposure to amosite. Male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (n= 6): control and amosite group received initially two intratracheal instillations of saline and amosite solution, respectively. Smoking group was subjected to standardized daily exposure to tobacco smoke for 2 hrs in a concentration resembling human passive smoking. Combined group was exposed to both amosite and cigarette smoke. All rats were killed after 6 months. Rats exposed to either amosite or passive smoking developed significant glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Combination of both exposures had additive effects. Histomorphological changes preceded the clinical manifestation of kidney damage. In both groups with single exposures, marked perivascular and interstitial cardiac fibrosis was detected. The additive effect in the heart was less pronounced than in the kidney, apparent particularly in changes of vascular structure. Advanced oxidation protein products, the plasma marker of the myeloperoxidase reaction in activated monocytes/macrophages, were increased in all exposed groups, whereas the inflammatory cytokines did not differ between the groups. In rats, passive smoking or amosite instillation leads to renal, vascular and cardiac fibrosis potentially mediated via increased myeloperoxidase reaction. Combination of both pollutants shows additive effects. Our data should be confirmed in subjects exposed to these environmental pollutants, in particular if combined. [source]


Passive smoking is a major determinant of exhaled nitric oxide levels in allergic asthmatic children

ALLERGY, Issue 4 2010
Y. Laoudi
To cite this article: Laoudi Y, Nikasinovic L, Sahraoui F, Grimfeld A, Momas I, Just J. Passive smoking is a major determinant of exhaled nitric oxide levels in allergic asthmatic children. Allergy 2010; 65: 491,497. Abstract Background:, Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is considered, by some authors, to be a treatment follow-up parameter in allergic asthmatics. However, factors such as active smoking can influence NO production and must be taken into account in the interpretation of FeNO values. In children, the evidence in favour of an impact of passive smoking (PS) on FeNO values is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of chronic PS on FeNO in allergic asthmatic children. Methods:, Seventy nontreated allergic asthmatic children over 5 years of age, exposed and unexposed to PS, underwent measurement of FeNO, spirometry, and allergic tests (skin prick tests, total and specific serum IgE, and blood eosinophilia). Children were considered to be exposed to PS when at least 1 cigarette per day was declared to be smoked at home. Results:, Geometric mean FeNO value in 22 children exposed to PS was 26.3 ± 1.5 ppb vs 56.3 ± 1.7 ppb in 48 children unexposed (P < 0.001). After adjustment for age, blood eosinophilia, allergic sensitizations, total IgE, dust mite sensitization and asthma severity, multivariate analysis showed that PS exposure was negatively associated with FeNO values (P = 0.0001) and was the primary determinant of FeNO variations. Conclusion:, Passive smoking lowers FeNO, and might be a major determinant of FeNO levels in nontreated allergic asthmatic children. [source]


Maternal smoking increases risk of allergic sensitization and wheezing only in children with allergic predisposition: longitudinal analysis from birth to 10 years

ALLERGY, Issue 3 2009
T. Keil
Background:, The role of passive smoking for allergies and asthma in children above the age of 3 years remains unclear and possible interactive effects with parental allergies have not been formally evaluated in long-term studies. To examine the interaction of passive smoking and an allergic predisposition regarding allergic sensitization, allergic airway symptoms and respiratory infections during the first 10 years of life. Methods:, In a prospective multicenter birth cohort study with 1314 recruited children in Germany, we assessed serum immunoglobulin E against common allergens at seven time points, and parental smoking and respiratory symptoms annually by using questionnaires. Longitudinal analyses were performed using generalized estimating equation models (stratified by parental allergy status). Results:, During the first 10 years, 18% of the children were exposed to regular maternal smoking since pregnancy, 43% to irregular maternal or only paternal smoking. Among children with two allergic parents, a mother who smoked regularly significantly increased the odds for allergic sensitization (adjusted OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.3,18.2) and wheezing (adjusted OR 5.7, 95% CI 1.7,19.0) in her child compared with children who were never exposed. For those with only one allergic parent, the odds were doubled and also statistically significant, whereas in children without allergic parents maternal smoking had no effects. There was no association of maternal smoking with allergic rhinitis or respiratory infections. Conclusions:, Our results suggest that regular maternal smoking is a strong risk factor for allergic sensitization and asthma symptoms during the first 10 years of life, but only in children with allergic parents. [source]


Active and passive maternal smoking during pregnancy and the risks of low birthweight and preterm birth: the Generation R Study

PAEDIATRIC & PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 2 2008
Vincent W. V. Jaddoe
Summary The objective of this study was to examine the associations between active and passive smoking in different periods of pregnancy and changing smoking habits during pregnancy, with low birthweight and preterm birth. The study was embedded in the Generation R Study, a population-based prospective cohort study from early fetal life onwards in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Active and passive smoking were assessed by questionnaires in early, mid- and late pregnancy. Analyses were based on 7098 pregnant women and their children. Active smoking until pregnancy was ascertained and was not associated with low birthweight and preterm birth. Continued active smoking after pregnancy was also recorded and was associated with low birthweight (adjusted odds ratio 1.75 [95% CI 1.20, 2.56]) and preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio 1.36 [95% CI 1.04, 1.78]). The strongest associations were found for active maternal smoking in late pregnancy. Passive maternal smoking in late pregnancy was associated with continuously measured birthweight (P for trend <0.001). For all active smoking categories in early pregnancy, quitting smoking was associated with a higher birthweight than continuing to smoke. Tendencies towards smaller non-significant beneficial effects on mean birthweight were found for reducing the number of cigarettes without quitting completely. This study shows that active and passive smoking in late pregnancy are associated with adverse effects on weight and gestational age at birth. Smoking in early pregnancy only, seems not to affect fetal growth adversely. Health care strategies for pregnant women should be aimed at quitting smoking completely rather than reducing the number of cigarettes. [source]


Preterm delivery and exposure to active and passive smoking during pregnancy: a case,control study from Italy

PAEDIATRIC & PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 3 2007
Guglielmina Fantuzzi
Summary The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between preterm/early preterm delivery and active smoking as well as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure in a sample of pregnant Italian women. A case,control study was conducted in nine cities in Italy between October 1999 and September 2000. Cases of preterm birth were singleton babies born before the 37th gestational week; babies born before the 35th gestational week were considered early preterm births. Controls were babies with gestational ages , 37th week. A total of 299 preterm cases (including 105 early preterm) and 855 controls were analysed. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess active smoking and ETS exposure, as well as potential confounders. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a relationship between active smoking during pregnancy and preterm/early preterm delivery [adjusted ORs: 1.53; 95% CI 1.05, 2.21 and 2.00; 95% CI 1.16, 3.45, respectively]. A dose,response relationship was found for the number of cigarettes smoked daily. The adjusted ORs were 1.54 and 1.69 for preterm babies and 1.90 and 2.46 for early preterm babies for 1,10 and >10 cigarettes/day respectively. ETS exposure was associated with early preterm delivery [adjusted OR 1.56; 95% CI 0.99, 2.46] with a dose,response relationship with the number of smokers in the home. Smoking during pregnancy was strongly associated with preterm delivery with a dose,response effect. ETS exposure in non-smoking women was associated only with early preterm delivery. [source]


The influence of maternal cigarette smoking, snuff use and passive smoking on pregnancy outcomes: the Birth To Ten Study

PAEDIATRIC & PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 2 2006
Krisela Steyn
Summary Steyn K, de Wet T, Saloojee Y, Nel H, Yach D. The influence of maternal cigarette smoking, snuff use and passive smoking on pregnancy outcomes: the Birth To Ten Study. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2006; 20: 90,99. This article describes the patterns and effects of maternal snuff use, cigarette smoking and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke during pregnancy on birthweight and gestational age, in women living in Johannesburg and Soweto in 1990. A cohort of 1593 women with singleton live births provided information about their own and household members' usage of tobacco products during pregnancy. The women completed a questionnaire while attending antenatal services. Data on gestational age and birthweight were obtained from birth records. Women who smoked cigarettes or used snuff during pregnancy accounted for 6.1% and 7.5% of the study population respectively. The mean birthweight of non-tobacco users was 3148 g [95% CI 3123, 3173] and that of the smokers 2982 g [95% CI 2875, 3090], resulting in a significantly lower mean birthweight of 165 g for babies of smoking mothers (P = 0.005). In contrast, women using snuff gave birth to infants with a mean birthweight of 3118 g [95% CI 3043, 3192], which is a non-significant (P = 0.52) decrease (29.4 g) in their infants' birthweights compared with those not using tobacco. A linear regression analysis identified short gestational age, female infant, a mother without hypertension during pregnancy, coloured (mixed racial ancestry), and Asian infants compared with black infants, lower parity, less than 12 years of education and smoking cigarettes as significant predictors of low birthweight, while the use of snuff during pregnancy was not associated with low birthweight. The snuff users, however, had a significant shorter gestational age than the other two groups of women. The birthweight reduction adjusted for possible confounders was 137 g [95% CI 26.6, 247.3 (P = 0.015)] for cigarette smokers and 17.1 g [95% CI ,69.5, ,102.7, P = 0.69] for snuff users respectively, compared with the birthweight of non-tobacco users. Among women who did not smoke cigarettes or use snuff, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke did not result in significant effects on the birthweight of their infants. In conclusion, infants of cigarette smokers had significantly lower birthweights than those of non-tobacco users or snuff users who are exposed to nicotine during pregnancy. Passive smoking did not affect birthweight significantly in this population. [source]


Bimodal skin reactivity to histamine in atopic children in Singapore: influence of specific sensitizations

PEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 6 2004
Mona Iancovici Kidon
Histamine skin prick test (SPT) is used as the ,golden standard' for positive control in in vivo immediate type hypersensitivity testing. The skin reactivity to histamine can, however, be modulated by a bevy of extraneous factors. We aimed to define whether histamine skin reactivity in atopic children in Singapore is influenced by age, ethnic origin, gender, environmental exposure or specific sensitization patterns. A retrospective analysis of children, with specific aeroallergen sensitization (as measured by at least one allergen-specific SPT with a wheal size >3 mm compared with the negative control) from the outpatient speciality clinic of the KK Children's Hospital, during 06/2002,06/2003. A total of 315 patients were included, 235 (75%) were males, 252 (80%) were Chinese, age mean was 7.7 yr (range: 2,15). Patients were referred to the SPT with a diagnosis of one or more of: allergic rhinitis 287 (91%), asthma 112 (36%) or atopic dermatitis 60 (19%). The mean histamine response showed a bimodal distribution, independent of age, ethnic origin, gender or phenotypical expression of allergic disease. Histamine skin reactivity was higher in atopic patients with polysensitization (mean 5.0 mm vs. 2.9 mm in monosensitized patients, p < 0.001), and in patients with mould sensitization (mean 5.1 mm vs. 3.3 mm in patient not sensitized to moulds, p < 0.001). The presence of passive smoking increased the likelihood of a diminished histamine skin response. Histamine skin response data strongly suggested the presence of two heterogeneous subpopulations. Children with polysensitization and mould sensitization were more likely to show a large significant histamine response, whereas children with passive smoke exposure, showed a diminished skin reactivity to histamine. [source]


Risk factors of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in children with wheezing-associated respiratory infection

PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 1 2005
Sitthivuddhi Futrakul MD
Abstract The objectives of this study were to identify possible risk factors of bronchial hyperesponsiveness (BHR) in children up to 5 years of age with wheezing-associated respiratory infection (WARI), and to study the prevalence of BHR. Children up to 5 years of age with WARI were enrolled in the study. The parents or caregivers of children were asked about their demographic data and clinical histories. Physical examination and clinical score assessment were performed. Pulmonary function tests, i.e., tidal breathing flow volume (TBFV), were performed to measure tidal breathing parameters before and after salbutamol nebulization. If volume at peak tidal expiratory flow/expiratory tidal volume and time to peak expiratory flow/total expiratory time increased ,20%, or tidal expiratory flow at 25% of tidal volume/peak tidal expiratory flow increased ,20% after nebulization therapy, BHR was diagnosed. The number in the positive BHR group was used to calculate the prevalence of BHR, and clinical features were compared with those of the negative BHR group. Categorical data were analyzed for statistical significance (P,<,0.05) by chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, or Student's t -test, as appropriate. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for those with statistical significance. One hundred and six wheezing children underwent pulmonary function tests before and after salbutamol nebulization. With the aforementioned criteria, 41 cases (38.7%) were diagnosed with BHR. History of reactive airway disease, (OR, 6.31; 95% CI, 1.68,25), maternal history of asthma (OR, 3.45; 95% CI, 1.34,9), breastfeeding less than 3 months (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.26,8.12), and passive smoking (OR, 3; 95% CI, 1.15,7.62) were significant risk factors of BHR. The eosinophil count was significantly higher in the BHR (+) group particularly, in children 1,5 years of age (P,,,0.01). Patchy infiltrates were more commonly found in patients with negative BHR but not statistically significant. In conclusion, a history of reactive airway disease, maternal history, breastfeeding less than 3 months, and passive smoking were significant risk factors for BHR. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Population attributable fraction of smoking to low birth weight in Japan

PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2004
Toshiyuki Ojima
AbstractBackground:,The purpose of this study is to quantify the population attributable fraction of active and passive smoking for low birth weight in Japan. Methods:,A population-based case-control study was conducted by mailing self-report questionnaires. The cases were all singleton low birth weight babies who were born between 1 January 1998 and 30 June 1999 in Tochigi prefecture, Japan. The controls were randomly selected from all singleton babies who were born during the same period as cases in the prefecture. Results:,The number of cases and controls were 286 and 404, respectively. Population attributable fractions of active smoking during and before pregnancy were 7.0% and 8.8%, respectively. Population attributable fraction of passive smoking at home was 15.6% and at the workplace was 1.1%. Combined population attributable fraction of both active and passive smoking was 17.3%. Conclusion:,Public education to eliminate passive smoking for pregnant women and smoking prevention in adolescence is very important in order to reduce the risk of low birth weight. [source]


Hormone replacement therapy and lung cancer risk in Chinese

CANCER, Issue 8 2007
Kuan-Yu Chen MD
Abstract BACKGROUND. The association between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and a reduced lung cancer risk has been reported in previous studies. There is a high female to male ratio in Chinese lung cancer patients, and female patients have different clinicopathological characteristics compared with Western patient populations. The authors investigated whether HRT may reduce lung cancer risk in Taiwan. METHODS. The authors used a case-control study design to investigate 826 women with lung cancer and 531 healthy controls. Personal interviews based on a structured questionnaire were performed to collect information on HRT use of at least 3 months, age, ethnicity, active and passive smoking, exposure to air pollution, cooking or incense fumes, body mass index (BMI), menopause, and family history of cancers. RESULTS. HRT use was associated with reduced lung cancer risk with a multivariate, adjusted odds ratio of 0.70 (95% CI, 0.53,0.94; P = .019). HRT use was associated with reduced odds ratio of lung cancer in all subset analyses stratified by histology, active and passive cigarette smoking, BMI, history of incense burning, cooking, and motorcycle riding, as well as family history of certain cancers. CONCLUSIONS. This study confirmed that HRT is associated with a reduced lung cancer risk. The results appeared to be applicable to Chinese female population groups. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society. [source]


Increased prevalence of otitis media following respiratory syncytial virus infection

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 6 2010
S Kristjánsson
Abstract Aim:, The aim of this study was to analyse whether, during the 18 months following a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in infants, there were differences in the prevalence of common infections such as acute otitis media (AOM), compared with controls. We also wanted to see whether passive smoking could be a contributory factor. Methods:, In a longitudinal study, 33 children who attended the emergency room with an RSV infection (age ,7 months) were compared with 37 age-matched controls recruited from routine infant check-ups. The 18-month follow-up consisted of a questionnaire focusing on environmental factors and the child's health during the last 12 months. An allergy skin prick test (SPT) was performed and venous blood was obtained. Results:, The prevalence of AOM and the use of antibiotics were higher in the RSV group than in the controls (p = 0.009 and p = 0.027 respectively). The number of AOMs and the use of antibiotics correlated, r = 0.8. In the RSV group, one or both parents smoked in 52% compared with 14% in the controls (p < 0.001). There were no differences in allergy SPT results. Conclusion:, The infants with RSV infection had AOM and were prescribed antibiotics more frequently during the follow-up period. Furthermore, smoking was far more common among the parents of the RSV group. We speculate that passive smoking could be a contributory factor to the infections noted here. [source]


The effect of passive smoking and breast feeding on serum antioxidant vitamin (A, C, E) levels in infants

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 3 2009
Gonca Y, lmaz
Abstract Aim: Toxic substances in tobacco smoke are known to have negative effects on the antioxidant capacity of human body. In order to investigate the effect of passive smoking on serum antioxidant levels in infants, serum vitamin A, E, C levels and urinary cotinine/creatinine levels were measured in 254 infants at the age of 6 months. Methods: The information about infants' nutrition and exposure to tobacco smoke was obtained from the mothers by the help of a questionnaire. The infants were grouped according to both smoking status of mother and urinary cotinine/creatinine levels. Results: The mean serum vitamin A, C and E levels of infants of smoking mothers were significantly lower than those of non-smoking mothers (p < 0.05). Vitamin A, E and C levels were negatively correlated with urinary cotinine/creatinine levels (p < 0.05, r: ,0.61, ,0.42, ,0.53, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed independent factors determining the serum vitamin A, E and C levels of infants as maternal smoking and breast feeding (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Tobacco smoke exposure of infants significantly decreases their serum antioxidant vitamin A, C and E levels. However, breast feeding may help to prevent the decrement of antioxidant vitamin levels of passive smoking infants. [source]