Maternal smoking and COPD in children

Maternal smoking during pregnancy is a known risk factor for childhood COPD, but the mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this case-control study, researchers examined whether the increased risk of COPD associated with maternal smoking during pregnancy could be attributed to tobacco dependence. In total, the study involved 5,943 participants, 2,991 with COPD and 2,952 controls. Smoking rates were higher in the COPD group. The prevalence of tobacco dependence was also higher in this group. Associations were found between tobacco dependence, COPD and maternal smoking during pregnancy.