LAUSR

To assess the effect of maternal occupational tobacco handling (bidi rolling) on cord serum leptin levels. We enrolled 64 neonates born to women who were bidi-rollers, and 64 small for gestational age (SGA) neonates and 57 term appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates born to mothers with no tobacco exposure. Cord blood leptin levels between the groups were compared. Adjusted mean difference in leptin was calculated using regression model. Cord leptin showed moderate correlation with birthweight (r=0.16; P=0.027) across the groups. Mean (SD) cord serum leptin levels (ng/mL) of study group was 19.79 (13.32), in comparison to 21.4 (13.4) of SGA (P=0.497), and 27.70 (13.96) of term AGA (P=0.002). Maternal occupational tobacco exposure contributed to significant decrease in cord leptin (adjusted mean difference (95%CI): −4.5 ng/mL (−8.82, −0.19); P=0.041). Maternal occupational tobacco exposure causes significant reduction in fetal leptin levels.