Cord blood T-cell determination: a further useful parameter for atopy screening of the newborn?

In a prospective study, the total CB IgE and T-cell subpopulations in cord blood of 200 newborn children were determined by means of monoclonal antibodies (CD3, CD4, and CD8). There is no correlation between raised cord blood IgE and reduced T-cell ratio in the cord blood or with a positive family history. In a follow-up study carried out at the age of 12 to 14 months, 21% of atopic children had a positive family history and, simultaneously, a reduced total cord blood T-cell rate (CD3). Only 3% of nonatopic children had a positive family history and a reduced cord blood CD3 ratio. Statistically speaking, this distinction is significant (p less than 0.01).