CORRELATION OF COTININE LEVELS IN AMNIOTI C-FLUID, UMBILICAL ARTERY BLOOD AND MATERNAL BLOOD-SAMPLES

The aim of the present study was to determine the correlation of cotin ine levels in amniotic fluid and in fetal and corresponding maternal b lood samples. Amniotic fluid samples (N = 130) were taken during secon d trimester amniocentesis, umbilical artery blood samples (N = 75) at birth, both together with corresponding maternal blood samples. Self-r eported smokers showed maternal serum cotinine levels >15 ng/ml in 93 %, self-reported nonsmokers levels <15 ng/ml in 89 %. Correlation of c orresponding values for cotinine was 0.81-0.92. Cotinine values were i ncreased in fetal blood and amniotic fluid in comparison to maternal s erum levels. Despite the fact that pathophysiology is not fully unders tood, an accumulation of nicotine and its metabolites both in the fetu s and in the amniotic fluid appears to be evident.