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Cord blood IgE. I. IgE screening in 2814 newborn children
1Department of Pediatrics, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
Insights
Elevated cord blood immunoglobulin E (IgE) was found in 13.2% of newborns, predominantly boys. Cord blood IgE levels showed seasonal variation but no correlation with birth weight or gestational age.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal Health
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Cord blood immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a marker for early immune development and potential allergy risk.
- Understanding baseline IgE levels in newborns is crucial for identifying infants at higher risk of allergic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze total IgE levels in cord blood samples from two Danish birth cohorts.
- To investigate factors influencing cord blood IgE, including sex, season, birth weight, and gestational age.
Main Methods:
- Screening of total IgE using Phadebas IgE PRIST assay in 2814 cord blood samples from 1983-1986.
- Analysis of cord blood IgE levels in relation to sex, birth weight, gestational age, and season of birth.
- Assessment of cord blood IgA to evaluate potential maternal blood contamination.
Main Results:
- 13.2% of neonates had elevated cord blood IgE (≥0.5 kU/l), with a higher prevalence in boys.
- Geometric mean cord blood IgE was significantly higher in boys.
- A seasonal variation was observed, with the lowest IgE levels in autumn.
- No correlation was found between cord blood IgE and birth weight or gestational age.
- Low cord blood IgA levels suggested minimal maternal blood contamination.
Conclusions:
- Elevated cord blood IgE is present in a notable proportion of newborns, particularly boys.
- Cord blood IgE levels are influenced by sex and season, but not by birth weight or gestational age.
- These findings contribute to understanding early immune markers for allergy risk assessment.
Abstract:
Screening of total IgE in 2814 cord blood samples was analysed by Phadebas IgE PRIST in 2 1-year birth cohorts (1983-1984 and 1985-1986) in Denmark (n = 1189 + 1625). 48.6% of the sera contained less IgE than the detection limit 0.1 kU/l. Cord blood IgE values greater than or equal to 0.5 kU/l were regarded as elevated. 13.2% of the sera contained at least 0.5 kU/l of IgE, with a significant preponderance in boys. Geometric mean cord blood IgE was 0.13 kU/l and 0.12 kU/l, respectively. Geometric mean cord blood IgE was significantly higher in boys. A significant seasonal variation with lowest IgE values in the autumn was found. No correlation between cord blood IgE and birth weight or gestational age was demonstrated. Only few newborns had cord blood IgA values greater than 0.014 g/l, calculated as geometric mean cord blood IgA + 2 SD among children with no detectable cord blood IgE, indicating infrequent contamination with maternal blood.