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Caesarean section and asthma in Malaysian children: a case-control study

Anna Marie Nathan1, Jessie de Bruyne, Farah Khalid

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. psr9900@hotmail.com

Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology
|November 20, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Caesarean section delivery was not linked to childhood asthma in Malaysian children. A family history of atopy and early introduction of solid foods were significant factors influencing asthma development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Epidemiology
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Background:

  • Previous studies suggest a correlation between caesarean section birth and increased asthma risk.
  • Understanding this association is crucial for public health initiatives and early intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between caesarean section delivery and the development of asthma in Malaysian children.
  • To identify other potential risk and protective factors for childhood asthma in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study was conducted with 156 Malaysian children (aged 3-15 years).
  • Seventy-eight children diagnosed with asthma (cases) were matched with 78 children without asthma (controls).
  • Data on delivery mode, family history of allergies, total serum IgE levels, and skin prick test results were collected.

Main Results:

  • No significant association was found between caesarean section delivery and childhood asthma (OR = 1.21, p = 0.596).
  • Children born via caesarean section did not exhibit higher IgE levels or increased aeroallergen sensitization.
  • A positive family history of atopy strongly predicted asthma (OR = 13.8, p < 0.001), while introducing semi-solid foods after 6 months showed a protective effect (OR = 0.97, p = 0.034).

Conclusions:

  • In Malaysian children, delivery by caesarean section is not a significant risk factor for developing asthma.
  • Family history of atopy and infant feeding practices are more critical determinants of childhood asthma.
Abstract

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