Cord serum screening test and the newborns allergic status

To evaluate the predictive value of a cord serum screen test and possible subsequent development of allergic disease in infants.

Cohort study.

100 pregnant women were randomly recruited for the study.

The maternal serum and the cord serum of their matched newborn were analyzed for total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), gamma interferon (g IFN), house dust mite- Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen (Der p1) and Blomia tropicalis allergen (Blo t5) using immunoassay methods. All infants were followed up for one year.

Infants who had allergic diseases in the one year follow-up (n=45) had significantly (P < 0.001) elevated IgE, Der p1, Blo t5, and significantly low g IFN levels in cord serum as compared to the same parameters of infants who did not develop allergic disease in the one year follow-up (n=43).

In utero exposure to HDM allergens Der p1 and Blot5 is prevalent. We have successfully established a cord serum screening test for predicting allergic diseases in infancy with 93% specificity and sensitivity.