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Published on: June 13, 2021
Maternal depression related to infant's wheezing
Françoise Lefevre1, David Moreau, Elodie Sémon
1Centre de l'Asthme et des Allergies, Groupe Hospitalier Trousseau-La Roche Guyon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris6, Paris, France.
Summary
Maternal depression is linked to infant wheezing and its severity. This study highlights the importance of assessing maternal mental health in infants with asthma.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Maternal Mental Health
- Childhood Respiratory Diseases
Background:
- Infant wheezing is a significant health concern with multifactorial causes.
- Maternal psychological status, particularly depression, is increasingly recognized as a potential contributing factor to infant health outcomes.
- Existing research suggests a possible association between maternal mental health and infant respiratory symptoms, but further investigation is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between maternal psychological status and the occurrence of infant wheezing.
- To determine if maternal depressive symptoms are associated with the severity of infant wheezing.
- To explore the potential influence of maternal depression on allergic sensitization and treatment in infants with wheezing.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted with infants diagnosed with wheezing and matched healthy controls.
- Mothers completed standardized questionnaires assessing their psychological status, including the Beck Depression Inventory and State Trait Anxiety Inventory.
- Propensity score analysis was employed to control for potential confounders and selection bias.
Main Results:
- Maternal depressive symptoms, assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory, were significantly more prevalent in infants with wheezing compared to controls (p < 0.01).
- A positive correlation was observed between the severity of maternal depression and the severity of infant asthma (OR = 4.25).
- No significant association was found between maternal depressive symptoms and infant allergic sensitization, hypereosinophilia, or inhaled corticosteroid use.
Conclusions:
- Maternal depression is associated with an increased risk of infant wheezing and its severity, independent of allergic status.
- These findings underscore the importance of evaluating maternal depressive symptoms in the management of infants with asthma.
- Early identification and intervention for maternal depression may play a role in improving infant respiratory health outcomes.
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