Associations of Impulsivity and Risky Decision-Making with E-Cigarette-Related Outcomes Among Adolescents with Congenital Heart Disease: Variable- and Person-Oriented Approaches.

Adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) have elevated risk for acquired cardiovascular complications, increasing their vulnerability to e-cigarette-related health harms. Impulsivity and risky decision-making have been associated with adolescent substance use, but the relationships between these factors and e-cigarette-related outcomes among cardiovascular at-risk adolescents with CHD are unknown. This cross-sectional study aimed to (a) determine the associations of impulsivity and risky decision-making with e-cigarette-related outcomes (i.e. susceptibility, ever use, perceptions of harm and addictiveness) via variable-oriented analysis (logistic regression), (b) identify groups of adolescents with similar profiles of impulsivity and risky decision-making via exploratory person-oriented analysis (latent profile analysis; LPA), and (c) examine differences on e-cigarette-related outcomes between profile groups. Adolescents aged 12 to 18 years with CHD (N = 98) completed a survey assessing impulsivity facets (Short UPPS-P) and e-cigarette-related outcomes and were administered a risky decision-making task (Iowa Gambling Task, Version 2; IGT2). In variable-oriented analyses, impulsivity facets (negative urgency, positive urgency, lack of premeditation) but not risky decision-making were associated with e-cigarette susceptibility and ever use. The exploratory LPA identified two groups with similar patterns of responding on the Short UPPS-P and IGT2 labeled "Low Impulsivity" and "High Impulsivity," which were primarily characterized by significant differences in negative and positive urgency. Adolescents in the High Impulsivity group had increased odds of e-cigarette susceptibility but not ever use compared to the Low Impulsivity group. This work indicates that strategies to prevent e-cigarette use among adolescents with CHD may be enhanced by addressing impulsivity, particularly negative and positive urgency.

Patterns and perceptions of nicotine use among U.S. adolescents and young adults receiving medication treatment for opioid use disorder.

Nicotine use among U.S. youth is cause for concern, as previous studies have shown that nicotine use in adolescence increases the risk of developing substance use disorders later in life. This exploratory study aimed to understand patterns of nicotine use and perceptions of various nicotine products among adolescents and young adults (AYA) receiving medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD). We administered an adapted version of the National Youth Tobacco Survey via REDCap to AYA (n = 32) receiving outpatient care in the Medication-Assisted Treatment of Addiction at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A. Thirty (97%) participants had tried a combustible cigarette and 27 (90%) had tried an electronic cigarette. By age 13, nineteen (61%) participants had tried combustible cigarettes and eight (25%) had tried opioids. Twenty-two (71%) participants reported smoking combustible cigarettes every day for the past 30 days, and 15 (48%) reported smoking more than 10 cigarettes per day on average. Only ten (32%) participants reported e-cigarette use in the last 30 days. Participants universally agreed that tobacco products are dangerous, and twenty (67%) current tobacco users reported that they planned to quit in the next year. Nicotine use patterns among AYA receiving MOUD differ from that previously shown in the general population, primarily by high prevalence of nicotine use in early adolescence and high current combustible cigarette use. Interventions such as universal screening for nicotine use before age 13 and tailored smoking cessation programs for AYA with OUD may help optimize care for these individuals.

The Association of Global and Disease-Related Stress With Susceptibility to and Use of E-Cigarettes and Marijuana Among Adolescents With Congenital Heart Disease.

OBJECTIVE: Adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) are exposed to disease-related stressors and have elevated risk for cardiovascular and cognitive complications that are exacerbated by e-cigarettes and marijuana. The aims of this cross-sectional study are to: (1) identify the association between perceived global and disease-related stress and susceptibility to e-cigarettes and marijuana, (2) determine if the association between stress and susceptibility differs by gender, and (3) explore the association between stress and ever use of e-cigarettes and marijuana among adolescents with CHD. METHODS: Adolescents with CHD (N = 98; aged 12-18 years) completed self-report measures of susceptibility to/ever use of e-cigarettes and marijuana and global and disease-related stress. RESULTS: Susceptibility to e-cigarettes and marijuana was reported by 31.3% and 40.2% of adolescents, respectively. Ever use of e-cigarettes and marijuana was reported by 15.3% and 14.3% of adolescents, respectively. Global stress was associated with susceptibility to and ever use of e-cigarettes and marijuana. Disease-related stress was associated with susceptibility to marijuana. Females reported more global and disease-related stress than males, but the association of stress with susceptibility to e-cigarettes and marijuana did not differ by gender. CONCLUSIONS: Susceptibility to e-cigarettes and marijuana is common among adolescents with CHD and is associated with stress. Future work to examine the longitudinal associations between susceptibility, stress, and use of e-cigarettes and marijuana is warranted. Global stress may be an important consideration in the development of strategies to prevent these risky health behaviors among adolescents with CHD.

Prenatal and Childhood Tobacco Smoke Exposure Are Associated With Sleep-Disordered Breathing Throughout Early Childhood.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether prenatal and childhood tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) are each independently associated with mild sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) symptoms throughout early childhood, and whether the association between childhood TSE and SDB differs according to the level of prenatal exposure. METHODS: Longitudinal cohort study, using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a population-based birth cohort from the United Kingdom. Primary exposures were repeated measures of mother-reported prenatal and childhood TSE through age 7 years. Outcomes were mother-reported measures of mild SDB symptoms, including snoring, mouth breathing, and witnessed apnea, repeated annually through age 7 years. RESULTS: A total of 12,030 children were followed for a median duration of 7 years. About 24.2% were exposed to prenatal tobacco smoke, 46.2% were exposed at least once in childhood, and 20.6% were exposed during both periods. Both prenatal and childhood TSE were associated with SDB symptoms throughout early childhood (adjusted OR [aOR] for any prenatal TSE 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08, 1.40; aOR for any childhood TSE 1.17; 95% CI 1.06, 1.29). We observed a dose-response effect between TSE and SBD symptoms, and found evidence of effect modification for those exposed during both time periods (combined high level exposure both prenatally and during childhood: aOR snoring 2.43 [95% CI 1.50, 3.93], aOR apnea 2.65 [95% CI 1.46, 4.82]). CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal and childhood TSE were both independently associated with mild SDB symptoms throughout early childhood in a dose-dependent manner, further supporting the critical importance of maintaining a tobacco-free environment throughout gestation and childhood.

Metabolomics profiling of tobacco exposure in children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation is integral to early disease progression in children with CF. The effect of modifiable environmental factors on infection and inflammation in persons with CF is poorly understood. Our prior studies determined that secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) is highly prevalent in young children with CF. SHSe is associated with increased inflammation, heightened bacterial burden, and worsened clinical outcomes. However, the specific metabolite and signaling pathways that regulate responses to SHSe in CF are relatively unknown. METHODS: High-resolution metabolomics was performed on plasma samples from infants (n = 25) and children (n = 40) with CF compared to non-CF controls (n = 15). CF groups were stratified according to infant or child age and SHSe status. RESULTS: Global metabolomic profiles segregated by age and SHSe status. SHSe in CF was associated with changes in pathways related to steroid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, cysteine metabolism, and oxidative stress. CF infants with SHSe demonstrated enrichment for altered metabolite localization to the small intestine, liver, and striatum. CF children with SHSe demonstrated metabolite enrichment for organs/tissues associated with oxidative stress including mitochondria, peroxisomes, and the endoplasmic reticulum. In a confirmatory analysis, SHSe was associated with changes in biomarkers of oxidative stress and cellular adhesion including MMP-9, MPO, and ICAM-1. CONCLUSIONS: SHSe in young children and infants with CF is associated with altered global metabolomics profiles and specific biochemical pathways, including enhanced oxidative stress. SHSe remains an important but understudied modifiable variable in early CF disease.

Age and environmental exposures influence the fecal bacteriome of young children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Mechanisms that facilitate early infection and inflammation in cystic fibrosis (CF) are unclear. We previously showed that young CF children with secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) have increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. We aimed to define the impact of SHSe and other external factors upon the fecal bacteriome in early CF. METHODS: Twenty CF infants and children were enrolled, clinical data recorded, and hair nicotine measured as an objective surrogate of SHSe. Fecal samples were collected at clinic visits and bacteriome 16S rRNA gene sequencing performed. RESULTS: SHSe was associated with increased alpha diversity and increased relative abundance of Acinetobacter and Akkermansia, along with decreased Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Recent antibiotic exposure predicted bacterial population structure in children less than 2 years of age and was associated with decreased Bacteroides relative abundance. Age was the strongest predictor of overall fecal bacterial composition and positively associated with Blautia and Parabacteroides. Weight for length was negatively associated with Staphylococcus relative abundance. CONCLUSIONS: SHSe and other external factors such as antibiotics appear to alter fecal bacterial composition in young CF children, but the strongest predictor of overall composition was age. These findings have implications for understanding the intestinal microbiome in young CF children.

The Effects of Nicotine on Development.

Recently, there has been a significant increase in the use of noncombustible nicotine-containing products, including electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). Of increasing popularity are e-cigarettes that can deliver high doses of nicotine over short periods of time. These devices have led to a rise in nicotine addiction in adolescent users who were nonsmokers. Use of noncombustible nicotine products by pregnant mothers is also increasing and can expose the developing fetus to nicotine, a known teratogen. In addition, young children are frequently exposed to secondhand and thirdhand nicotine aerosols generated by e-cigarettes, with little understanding of the effects these exposures can have on health. With the advent of these new nicotine-delivery systems, many concerns have arisen regarding the short- and long-term health effects of nicotine on childhood health during all stages of development. Although health studies on nicotine exposure alone are limited, educating policy makers and health care providers on the potential health effects of noncombustible nicotine is needed because public acceptance of these products has become so widespread. Most studies evaluating the effects of nicotine on health have been undertaken in the context of smoke exposure. Nevertheless, in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies strongly indicate that nicotine exposure alone can adversely affect the nervous, respiratory, immune, and cardiovascular systems, particularly when exposure occurs during critical developmental periods. In this review, we have included both preclinical and clinical studies to identify age-related health effects of nicotine exposure alone, examining the mechanisms underlying these effects.

Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Sleep-Related Breathing Problems in Toddlers.

BACKGROUND: Adequate sleep during childhood is an important component of overall health and wellbeing for children. Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure has been linked to a greater risk of sleep-disordered breathing. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate relationships between SHS exposure and sleep-related breathing problems in healthy toddlers aged 2 to 5 years. We hypothesized that there is an independent relationship between objectively measured SHS exposure and presence of sleep-related breathing problems by parental report. METHODS: A convenience sample of 149 healthy children ages 2 to 5 years was recruited from an academic pediatric primary care center for this cross-sectional study; 138 had complete data that were analyzed. Current SHS exposure was determined by hair nicotine level. Presence of sleep-related breathing problems was assessed by 1 survey item. Inflammation was determined by serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Analysis in Stata 15 included a series of multivariate logistic regression models, controlling for individual-level demographics and body mass index z scores according to mediation analysis procedures for dichotomous outcomes. RESULTS: Approximately 24% of parents reported their child snored, gasped, or had difficulty breathing at night sometimes, most of the time, or almost always. Regression models with mediation analysis indicate that SHS exposure significantly increased the odds of reporting the child had sleep-related breathing problems, and 18% of this relationship is explained by log serum CRP levels. CONCLUSIONS: Although the cross-sectional nature of this study limits causality, evidence suggests a relationship exists between SHS exposure, as measured by log hair nicotine and sleep-related breathing problems at night.

Secondhand smoke alters arachidonic acid metabolism and inflammation in infants and children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Mechanisms that facilitate early infection and inflammation in cystic fibrosis (CF) are unclear. We previously demonstrated that children with CF and parental-reported secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) have increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. SHSe hinders arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites that mediate immune function in patients without CF, and may influence CF immune dysfunction. We aimed to define SHSe's impact on inflammation mediators and infection in children with CF. METHODS: Seventy-seven children with CF <10 years of age (35 infants <1 year; 42 children 1-10 years) were enrolled and hair nicotine concentrations measured as an objective surrogate of SHSe. AA signalling by serum and macrophage lipidomics, inflammation using blood transcriptional profiles and in vitro macrophage responses to bacterial infection after SHSe were assessed. RESULTS: Hair nicotine concentrations were elevated in 63% of patients. Of the AA metabolites measured by plasma lipidomics, prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) concentrations were decreased in children with CF exposed to SHSe, and associated with more frequent hospitalisations (p=0.007) and worsened weight z scores (p=0.008). Children with CF exposed to SHSe demonstrated decreased expression of the prostaglandin genes PTGES3 and PTGR2 and overexpression of inflammatory pathways. These findings were confirmed using an in vitro model, where SHSe was associated with a dose-dependent decrease in PGD2 and increased methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus survival in human CF macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: Infants and young children with CF and SHSe have altered AA metabolism and dysregulated inflammatory gene expression resulting in impaired bacterial clearance. Our findings identified potential therapeutic targets to halt early disease progression associated with SHSe in the young population with CF.

Assessing pediatric tobacco exposure using parent report: comparison with hair nicotine.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between screening questions for secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and biomarker results using hair nicotine levels. Our ultimate goal was to develop sensitive and valid screening tools in pediatric clinical settings for SHS exposure. METHODS: Investigators developed a core set of questions regarding exposure. Data from two separate ongoing studies of well children and those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) were used to assess the concordance between responses and hair nicotine levels. Sensitivity, a positive predictive value, and accuracy were examined. RESULTS: There was no single question with similar sensitivity in both populations. The question with the highest positive predictive value (90.8% well-cohort and 84.6% BPD cohort) for both the groups was whether the child had been exposed to in-home smoking in the last 7 days. The question with the highest accuracy for both groups was the number of smokers at home (0 vs ≥ 1), with an accuracy of 72.4% for well children and 79.0% for the BPD cohort. CONCLUSIONS: There was a wide variability in the performance of specific questions. These data demonstrate that a "one-size-fits-all" approach to screening for secondhand tobacco smoke exposure may not be appropriate for all pediatric populations.

Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Preclinical Markers of Cardiovascular Risk in Toddlers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate relationships between secondhand smoke exposure in young children and several preclinical markers of cardiovascular risk that have been established as relevant to adult populations. STUDY DESIGN: There were 139 children, 2-5 years of age, enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Secondhand smoke exposure was objectively determined by hair nicotine level; a comprehensive panel of clinical markers (morning blood pressure, fasting glucose and insulin, lipid profiles, inflammation) and research markers (markers of oxidation, endothelial stress, and endothelial repair) of cardiovascular risk status were assessed. Univariate and multivariate linear regression were used to evaluate relationships between secondhand smoke exposure and cardiovascular risk markers. RESULTS: Hair nicotine levels were correlated directly with blood pressure and serum C-reactive protein, and inversely correlated with serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and endothelial cell progenitor cell prevalence. In multivariate analyses, these relationships remained when controlled for age, sex, body mass index z-score, maternal education, and method of payment. Additionally, in multivariate analyses, hair nicotine level was significantly negatively correlated with total antioxidant capacity. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the view that secondhand smoke exposure in the very young has a detectable relationship with several markers of cardiovascular risk, long before the emergence of clinical disease. Further studies to define mechanisms and strategies to prevent and mitigate these risks early in life are warranted.

Adolescents with at-risk eating and lifestyle behaviors are affected by after school schedules across the clinical weight spectrum.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate adolescent lifestyle patterns to develop more effective health promotion programs. METHODS: An interview approach was employed to gain in-depth understanding of eating and activity behaviors. Adolescents aged 13-18 years (n=43) from clinically normal and obese weight categories were enrolled. Nutrient intake and food group servings were obtained from a food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: Four participant subgroups were identified and labeled: "Idle, Engaged, Balanced and Working." "Idle" adolescents were sedentary, sometimes napped, and often snacked after dinner. "Engaged" adolescents participated in extra-curricular activities for the majority of their after school hours. "Balanced" adolescents participated in a single after-school activity followed by sedentary time; they consumed meals consistently and often snacked after dinner. "Working" adolescents were the least sedentary with limited sleep duration and inconsistent meals; they often substituted a meal with a snack. Weight status did not differentiate subgroups effectively. CONCLUSIONS: Each group demonstrated at-risk behaviors for obesity. Future programs should consider after-school schedules and use activity and meal pattern assessments, not simply weight status, for program tailoring. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Pediatric health care providers could identify at-risk behaviors through routine assessment of diet and activity patterns in combination with weight monitoring.

Implementation of the Asthma Control Test in a Large Primary Care Network.

INTRODUCTION: Achieving control in asthma is a primary goal of pediatric care, and assessing the degree of control is a principal step in management. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement the Asthma Control Test (ACT) and the Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) in a large primary care network as a means to reliably and consistently assess asthma control at all visit types. METHODS: A prospective design was used to measure provider documentation of the ACT or C-ACT. Patients (or caregivers) 4 years of age or older with a known diagnosis of asthma were administered the ACT (ages 12 and older) or the C-ACT (ages, 4-11). The quality improvement project, which involved multiple interventions, took place at 11 centers of the Primary Care Network of Nationwide Children's Hospital from November 2013 to December 2014. A goal was set for a 70% completion rate of the ACT/C-ACT at any visit type for patients 4 years of age or older with asthma. RESULTS: Six months after the introduction of the questionnaires, the 70% completion rate was reached. Rates of ACT/C-ACT completion have consistently exceeded 70% through December 2016. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that the ACT/C-ACT can be integrated into a busy primary care network. It is imperative to work toward better asthma care; consistent assessment of asthma control can be the critical first step.

The Impact of Secondhand Smoke Exposure on Children with Cystic Fibrosis: A Review.

Secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) has multiple adverse effects on lung function and growth, nutrition, and immune function in children; it is increasingly being recognized as an important modifier of disease severity for children with chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF). This review examines what is known regarding the prevalence of SHSe in CF, with the majority of reviewed studies utilizing parental-reporting of SHSe without an objective biomarker of exposure. A wide range of SHSe is reported in children with CF, but under-reporting is common in studies involving both reported and measured SHSe. Additionally, the impact of SHSe on respiratory and nutritional health is discussed, with potential decreases in long-term lung function, linear growth, and weight gain noted in CF children with SHSe. Immunologic function in children with CF and SHSe remains unknown. The impact of SHSe on cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) function is also examined, as reduced CFTR function may be a pathophysiologic consequence of SHSe in CF and could modulate therapeutic interventions. Finally, potential interventions for ongoing SHSe are delineated along with recommended future areas of study.

Oxidative Stress in Youth and Adolescents With Elevated Body Mass Index Exposed to Secondhand Smoke.

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to investigate the relationships between secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and oxidative stress in a group of youth and adolescents with elevated body mass index. METHODS: Participants in this cross sectional study were healthy nonsmoking youth and adolescents ages 9 to 18 years old. Three-quarters of the participants were either overweight or obese. SHS exposure was determined by survey and hair nicotine level. Markers of oxidation were total antioxidant capacity and protein malondialdehyde adducts (MDA). RESULTS: Ninety subjects were studied; adequate hair samples were available for 86. The mean hair nicotine level was 0.75ng/mg, the median was 0.58ng/mg and the range was 0.09-2.88ng/mg. There was a significant relationship between MDA and the three survey questions regarding smoke exposure ([mother smokes, r = 0.29, P = .006], [smoker lives in the home, r = 0.31, P = .004], and [number of smokers in the home, r = 0.36, P = .002]). There was a significant positive relationship between log-hair nicotine and MDA (Pearson r = 0.233, P = .031), which remained significant after controlling for age, sex, race, and method of insurance. No relationship was found between log-hair nicotine and total antioxidant capacity. However, there was a significant relationship between number of smokers in the home (r = 0.24, P = .042) and total antioxidant capacity. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated a significant positive relationship hair nicotine level and MDA in a group of youth with a high proportion of overweight/obese subjects. IMPLICATIONS: We have shown a significant relationship between objectively measured SHS exposure and one marker of oxidative stress in a sample of youth and adolescents with a high proportion of overweight/obese subjects, and who were nonsmokers with relatively low tobacco exposure. This finding remains significant after controlling for age, sex, race, and type of medical insurance. Since the cardiovascular effects of SHS exposure are related to oxidative stress, this finding adds to our knowledge that the sequence of deleterious effects of tobacco exposure on the cardiovascular system begins long before clinical disease is evident.

Public Policy to Protect Children From Tobacco, Nicotine, and Tobacco Smoke.

Tobacco use and tobacco smoke exposure are among the most important health threats to children, adolescents, and adults. There is no safe level of tobacco smoke exposure. The developing brains of children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the development of tobacco and nicotine dependence. Tobacco is unique among consumer products in that it causes disease and death when used exactly as intended. Tobacco continues to be heavily promoted to children and young adults. Flavored and alternative tobacco products, including little cigars, chewing tobacco, and electronic nicotine delivery systems are gaining popularity among youth. This statement describes important evidence-based public policy actions that, when implemented, will reduce tobacco product use and tobacco smoke exposure among youth and, by doing so, improve the health of children and young adults.

Clinical Practice Policy to Protect Children From Tobacco, Nicotine, and Tobacco Smoke.

Tobacco dependence starts in childhood. Tobacco exposure of children is common and causes illness and premature death in children and adults, with adverse effects starting in the womb. There is no safe level of tobacco smoke exposure. Pediatricians should screen for use of tobacco and other nicotine delivery devices and provide anticipatory guidance to prevent smoking initiation and reduce tobacco smoke exposure. Pediatricians need to be aware of the different nicotine delivery systems marketed and available.Parents and caregivers are important sources of children's tobacco smoke exposure. Because tobacco dependence is a severe addiction, to protect children's health, caregiver tobacco dependence treatment should be offered or referral for treatment should be provided (such as referral to the national smoker's quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW). If the source of tobacco exposure cannot be eliminated, counseling about reducing exposure to children should be provided.Health care delivery systems should facilitate the effective prevention, identification, and treatment of tobacco dependence in children and adolescents, their parents, and other caregivers. Health care facilities should protect children from tobacco smoke exposure and tobacco promotion. Tobacco dependence prevention and treatment should be part of medical education, with knowledge assessed as part of board certification examinations.

Recruitment and retention strategies in clinical studies with low-income and minority populations: Progress from 2004-2014.

More than 20years have passed since the NIH 1993 Act was initiated, and while progress has been made toward better representation of minorities and women in clinical research studies, as this review will show, there is still tremendous room for improvement. The purpose of this review was to identify the current state of literature on recruitment and retention strategies in clinical studies of low-income and minority populations. We identified 165 studies published in English between 2004 and 2014. Data extracted included information on the study type (descriptive or analytical), study design, study focus (recruitment, retention, both recruitment and retention), health outcome, specific minority group, special population or age group, if specific recruitment/retention techniques were tested, and key research findings. Particular attention was given to articles that statistically analyzed the effectiveness of recruitment and retention strategies on enrollment/retention rates. Effective recruitment and retention strategies for low-income and minority groups, differential effectiveness across groups, and implications for future research are discussed.

Secondhand smoke exposure and endothelial stress in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: Links between secondhand smoke exposure and cardiovascular disease in adults are well established. Little is known about the impact of this exposure on cardiovascular status during childhood. The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between secondhand smoke exposure in children and adolescents and cardiovascular disease risk--systemic inflammation, endothelial stress, and endothelial repair. METHODS: A total of 145 subjects, aged 9 to 18 years, were studied. Tobacco smoke exposure was determined by hair nicotine level. Cardiovascular risk was assessed by markers of systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP] and adiponectin); by soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (s-ICAM1), which measures endothelial activation after surface vascular injury; and by endothelial repair. This was measured by prevalence of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which are bone marrow-derived cells that home preferentially to sites of vascular damage. RESULTS: Hair nicotine was directly correlated with s-ICAM1 (r = 0.4090, P < .0001) and negatively correlated with EPC prevalence (r = -0.2002, P = .0195). There was no relationship between hair nicotine and CRP, and a trend toward a weak relationship with adiponectin. Hair nicotine and body mass index were independent variables in a multivariate model predicting s-ICAM1; hair nicotine was the only significant variable in a model predicting EPC prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Secondhand smoke exposure during childhood and adolescence is detrimental to vascular health because s-ICAM1 is a marker for endothelial activation and stress after vascular surface injury, and EPCs contribute to vascular repair. The fact that body mass index is also a factor in the model predicting s-ICAM1 is concerning, in that 2 risk factors may both contribute to endothelial stress.