Related Experiment Videos
Recurrent wheezing in relation to environmental risk factors in infancy. A prospective study of 276 infants
1Department of Paediatrics, Odense University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Insights
Infant wheezing is linked to passive tobacco smoke exposure and male sex. Breastfeeding may offer protection against recurrent wheezing episodes in early childhood.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Recurrent wheezing in infants is a common respiratory issue.
- Environmental factors are suspected contributors to infant wheezing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between environmental factors and recurrent wheezing in infants.
- To identify significant risk factors for wheezing episodes before 18 months of age.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 276 infants from birth to 18 months.
- Data collected via questionnaires at 6 and 12 months, and physical examination at 18 months.
- Linear logistic regression analysis used to assess environmental risk factors.
Main Results:
- 21% of infants experienced 2 or more wheezing episodes before 18 months.
- Male sex (OR 1.9) and daily passive tobacco smoke exposure (OR 2.4) were significant risk factors.
- Maternal tobacco smoking showed the highest risk; breastfeeding >= 3 months suggested a protective effect.
Conclusions:
- Passive tobacco smoke exposure and male sex are significant risk factors for infant wheezing.
- Maternal smoking poses the highest risk.
- Breastfeeding may have a protective role against recurrent wheezing.
Abstract:
Clinical course and environmental factors were recorded in a prospective study of 276 unselected infants followed from birth to the age of 18 months. The study was performed with a questionnaire at the age of 6 and 12 months and a physical examination at 18 months. Fifty-nine (21%) of the children had greater than or equal to 2 episodes of wheezing before they were 18 months old. A total of 58 (21%) of the children belonged to the lowest social class V, 182 (66%) were daily exposed to passive tobacco smoking at home and/or in daycare, 164 (59%) were breastfed greater than or equal to 3 months, 192 (70%) were in daycare, 62 (22%) lived in flats and 167 (61%) were in daily contact with furred pets at home and/or in daycare. In social class V a preponderance of children were exposed to passive tobacco smoking, a majority were living in flats and a minority were breastfed greater than or equal to 3 months. Linear logistic regression analysis was used for the purpose of assessing the causal effect of environmental risk factors on the risk of recurrent episodes of wheezing before the age of 18 months. The study demonstrated that male sex and daily exposure to passive tobacco smoking were significant risk factors with estimated odds ratios 1.9 and 2.4, respectively. Maternal tobacco smoking seemed to be associated with the highest risk. There was a tendency--though not significant--indicating that breastfeeding greater than or equal to 3 months had a protective effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)