Predictors of lung function in infants at high risk of atopy: effect of allergen avoidance

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Allergy and Immunology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Children with atopic parents have a higher risk of developing bronchial asthma.
• Early detection of lung function abnormalities in asthmatic children is now possible.
• Prevention strategies often focus on high-risk infant populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify predictors of lung function development in high-risk infants.
• To examine the impact of an allergy avoidance study on infant lung function.
• To correlate early inflammatory markers and growth parameters with later lung function.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 60 infants with atopic parents was studied.
• Measurements included upper airway inflammation (at 4 weeks), respiratory symptoms (6-12 months), and lung function (Vmax, FRC at 18 months) using rapid thoracoabdominal compression.
• Infants were divided into an allergen avoidance group (28) and a control group (32).

Main Results:

• No significant differences in Vmax or FRC were found between the intervention and control groups (P = 0.382).
• Multiple linear regression indicated that weight gain since birth (beta = -35.35 ml s(-1) kg(-1), P = 0.022) and eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) levels (beta = -0.95 ml s(-1) microl(-1), P = 0.044) were significant predictors of Vmax FRC.
• The allergy avoidance intervention was not a significant predictor of lung function.

Conclusions:

• Infant lung function at 18 months in high-risk children is associated with weight gain and nasal ECP levels.
• Allergen avoidance interventions did not significantly alter lung function outcomes in this cohort.
• Early growth and inflammatory markers may be more influential than allergen avoidance on early lung function development in infants of atopic parents.