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Higher adiposity in infancy associated with recurrent wheeze in a prospective cohort of children

Elsie M Taveras1, Sheryl L Rifas-Shiman, Carlos A Camargo

  • 1Obesity Prevention Program, Department of Ambulatory Care and Prevention, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Boston, MA 02215, USA. Elsie_Taveras@hphc.org

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|May 10, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Infants with higher weight-for-length (WFL) z scores at 6 months had increased odds of recurrent wheezing by age 3. Early interventions for infant adiposity may reduce asthma symptoms in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Limited prospective data exist on the link between early childhood adiposity and asthma symptoms.
  • Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern with potential long-term health implications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between weight-for-length (WFL) z scores at 6 months of age and the incidence of wheezing by age 3 years.
  • To explore the relationship between early adiposity and subsequent respiratory symptoms in infants.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study of 932 children was conducted.
  • Recurrent wheezing was defined as parental report of wheezing between 2-3 years plus wheezing in years 1 or 2.
  • Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of 6-month WFL z scores with wheezing outcomes.

Main Results:

  • A higher WFL z score at 6 months was associated with increased odds of recurrent wheezing (OR, 1.46) and any wheezing (OR, 1.23) by age 3.
  • Each 1-unit increase in 6-month WFL z score correlated with a 46% greater odds of recurrent wheezing.
  • A weaker association was observed between 6-month WFL z score and current asthma.

Conclusions:

  • Higher infant adiposity, indicated by WFL z scores at 6 months, is linked to a greater risk of recurrent wheezing by age 3.
  • Findings suggest that early interventions targeting infant adiposity may be beneficial in reducing the risk of asthma-related symptoms.
  • Further research is needed to understand the long-term implications for allergic asthma and persistent wheeze.
Abstract

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