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Food allergy in preterm infants fed human milk
M de Martino1, G P Donzelli, L Galli
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Florence, Italy.
Insights
Preterm infants fed human milk show similar rates of atopic diseases and food allergies compared to full-term infants. Early antigen absorption via the immature gut does not appear to increase the risk of IgE sensitization to foods.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Allergy and Immunology
- Neonatology
Background:
- Preterm infants may have an immature gastrointestinal tract, raising concerns about increased antigen absorption and subsequent allergy development.
- Human milk is known to have immunomodulatory properties, potentially offering protection against allergic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the frequency of atopic diseases and allergen sensitization in preterm versus full-term infants.
- To investigate whether early antigen exposure in preterm infants increases the risk of food allergy and related conditions.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 80 preterm infants and 80 matched full-term infants (aged 9-24 months) were assessed.
- Skin prick tests were performed for 8 food and 6 inhalant allergens.
- The prevalence of atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, was determined in both groups.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in the overall percentage of subjects with positive skin tests or atopic diseases between preterm and full-term infants.
- Frequencies of positive skin tests to foods and atopic dermatitis were comparable in both groups.
- Specifically, food allergy and atopic dermatitis prevalence were similar, suggesting no increased risk in preterm infants.
Conclusions:
- Preterm infants fed human milk do not appear to be at a higher risk for developing food allergy or other atopic diseases.
- Antigen absorption through the immature intestine in preterm infants does not seem to promote IgE sensitization to foods.
Abstract:
In 80 preterms aged 9-24 months (mean age: 15.9) and in 80 sex- and age-matched full-terms the frequency of atopic diseases and of positive skin tests to 8 food and 6 inhalant allergens was determined. The two groups did not differ as to overall percentages of cutipositive subjects and patients with atopic diseases. In particular, frequencies of positive skin tests to foods and of atopic dermatitis (the peak prevalence of which occurs early in infancy) were similar in preterm (16.2 and 7.5%, respectively) and full-term (13.7 and 5.0%, respectively) infants. We suggest that preterm infants fed human milk are not at increased risk of developing food allergy and related diseases and that the absorption of antigens through the immature intestine does not seem to favor the development of an IgE sensitization to foods.