The effects of prenatal cigarette and e-cigarette exposure on infant neurobehaviour: a comparison to a control group.

Introduction:
This article is a research paper that examines the effects of prenatal exposure to cigarettes and e-cigarettes on infant neurobehavior. The study compares the neurobehavioral outcomes of infants exposed to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and those not exposed to either, and also looks at birth outcomes such as birth weight, gestation, and head circumference. The study aims to contribute to the debate regarding the safety and use of e-cigarettes throughout pregnancy.

Key Points:

* The study involved 83 infants, who were exposed prenatally to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or not exposed to either.
* Both cigarette and e-cigarette exposed infants had a significantly greater number of abnormal reflexes.
* Cigarette exposed infants performed significantly worse in self-regulation and motor maturity, while e-cigarette exposed infants had decreased motor maturity and marginally decreased self-regulation.
* Birth outcomes, such as birthweight, gestation, and head circumference, did not differ for e-cigarette exposed infants compared with infants who were not prenatally exposed to nicotine.
* Cigarette exposed infants had a significantly lower birthweight and reduced head circumference compared to non-exposed infants.
* This is the first research study to assess a neurological outcome as a result of e-cigarette exposure, and the findings have potentially important implications for public health policies regarding the safety and use of e-cigarettes throughout pregnancy.

Main Message:
The main message of this article is that prenatal exposure to e-cigarettes, like cigarettes, can have negative effects on infant neurobehavior. The study found that e-cigarette exposed infants had a greater number of abnormal reflexes and decreased self-regulation and motor maturity abilities, similar to prenatally cigarette exposed infants. This highlights the need for further research on the safety of e-cigarettes during pregnancy and the potential impact of nicotine exposure on the developing fetus. additionally, the study did not find any difference in birth outcomes between e-cigarette exposed infants and non-exposed infants, which may suggest that the negative effects of e-cigarettes on infant neurobehavior are not related to changes in birth outcomes. Overall, this study adds to the current debate regarding e-cigarette use as a method of harm reduction and highlights the need for caution when using e-cigarettes during pregnancy.

Froggatt S, Reissland N, Covey J. The effects of prenatal cigarette and e-cigarette exposure on infant neurobehaviour: a comparison to a control group. EClinicalMedicine. 2020;28:100602. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100602