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Total serum IgE and outcome in infants with recurrent wheezing
F Rusconi1, M F Patria, G U Cislaghi
1Department of Paediatrics I, University of Milan, Via Commenda 9, 20122 Milan, Italy. franca.rusconi@unimi.it
Insights
Total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in early childhood do not predict persistent wheezing or allergic sensitization in children with frequent early wheezing. Early IgE measurements are not reliable indicators for predicting the long-term outcome in these cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Recurrent wheezing in infancy is common.
- Predicting the persistence of wheezing and development of atopy is clinically important.
- Early identification of children at risk for persistent allergic disease is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels measured at 0.5-3 years and 3-6 years of age.
- To determine the predictive value of these IgE levels for allergic sensitization and persistent wheezing up to 8 years of age in infants with recurrent wheezing and no initial signs of allergy.
Main Methods:
- A prospective follow-up study was conducted.
- The study included 45 infants presenting with highly recurrent wheezing, absence of allergic symptoms, and negative skin tests at baseline.
- Participants were monitored up to 8 years of age.
Main Results:
- At the final follow-up year, 15 children continued to experience wheezing.
- Allergic sensitization occurred in 9 children (5 previously wheeze-free, 4 with episodic wheezing).
- No significant association was found between IgE z-scores at 0.5-3 years and the recurrence of wheezing or atopic sensitization. IgE z-scores at 3-6 years were higher in children with positive skin tests (p=0.013) but did not predict wheezing recurrence.
Conclusions:
- In infants experiencing frequent early wheezing without initial signs of atopy, early total serum IgE measurements are not predictive of the long-term outcome.
- The predictive value of early serum IgE for persistent wheezing and allergic sensitization in this specific cohort is limited.
- Further research may be needed to identify more reliable biomarkers for predicting allergic outcomes in infants with recurrent wheezing.
Objective:
To investigate the relation between total serum IgE at 0.5-3 and 3-6 years, and the risk of allergic sensitisation and persistent wheezing up to 8 years of age.
Methods:
Prospective follow up study of 45 infants with highly recurrent wheezing, no allergic symptoms, and negative skin tests.
Results:
In the last follow up year, 15 children still suffered from wheezing. Five wheeze-free and four episodically wheezing children had become sensitised. No association was found between early (0.5-3 years) IgE z scores and the recurrence of wheezing during follow up, or atopic sensitisation. IgE z scores at 3-6 years were significantly higher in children with positive skin tests (p = 0.013), but were still not associated with recurrence of wheezing.
Conclusions:
In subjects with frequent early wheezing and no signs of atopy, early total serum IgE measurements are not predictive of outcome.