Objective: To determine the relationship between cord blood cotinine levels and some markers of perinatal hypoxia such as cord blood erythropoietin levels, parameters of umbilical arterial blood gas analysis and Apgar scores.
Methods: 150 women with uncomplicated, healthy singleton pregnancies were assessed by means of a patient questionnaire. Neonates born by the examined pregnant women were divided into 3 groups according to recorded maternal smoking status--active smoking: n = 51, passive smoking: n = 49, non smoking: n = 50. Immediately after birth umbilical venous (for cotinine and erythropoietin levels) and arterial blood (for pH, pO2, pCO2, BE) were collected.
Results: Cotinine levels were significantly higher (p < 0.00001) in active smoking group (Me = 19.3 ng/ml) than in passive smoking (Me = 0.75 ng/ml) and non smoking (Me = 0.72 ng/ml) ones. Cord blood erythropoietin, pH values and 1, 3 and 5-minute Apgar scores did not differ significantly between the study groups. No significant correlation between cotinine and erythropoietin, pH and Apgar scores results in all study material and in the compared groups was found.
Conclusion: No correlation between cord blood cotinine and erythropoietin levels was detected. Cord blood cotinine concentration does not influence the condition of the newborn assessed by Apgar scores and umbilical arterial blood gas analysis.