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Prediction of allergy in infancy
N I Kjellman1, S Croner, K Fälth-Magnusson
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden.
Allergy Proceedings : the Official Journal of Regional and State Allergy Societies
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Accurate allergy prediction in infants remains elusive. Current best practices combine family history with early infant blood tests for immunoglobulin E (IgE), emphasizing contamination control for reliable allergy screening.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy
- Immunology
- Diagnostic Testing
Background:
- Predicting infant allergies with perfect accuracy is currently not possible.
- Early identification of at-risk infants is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline current best practices for allergy prediction in infancy.
- To highlight the importance of reliable screening methods and prophylactic measures.
Main Methods:
- Combining detailed family history with sensitive immunoglobulin E (IgE) blood tests.
- Performing tests during the first week of life for optimal predictive value.
- Implementing strict protocols to avoid maternal blood contamination in cord blood samples.
Main Results:
- Current methods offer practical, though not 100% accurate, allergy prediction.
- Careful sample handling, especially for IgE testing, is vital for accurate results.
- High IgE levels necessitate checks for potential maternal blood contamination.
Conclusions:
- The combination of family history and infant IgE testing is the most effective current approach.
- Predictive allergy tests are only valuable when linked to available prophylactic strategies.
- Ongoing research aims to develop ideal screening and prophylactic methods for infant allergies.