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Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
The Role of Sensitization to Allergen in Asthma Prediction and Prevention
Maria Moustaki1, Ioanna Loukou1, Sophia Tsabouri2
1Cystic Fibrosis Unit, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Insights
Atopic sensitization is a risk factor for childhood asthma, particularly in affluent Western countries. Identifying high-risk children is key for effective management and secondary prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Childhood asthma presents a significant global health burden, with varying prevalence across populations.
- Identifying predictors for asthma development and persistence is crucial for effective intervention.
- Atopic sensitization, an indicator of allergic response, is a key factor under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between atopic sensitization and childhood asthma.
- To explore factors predicting asthma development and persistence in children.
- To evaluate the role of allergen avoidance in primary asthma prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of cross-sectional studies, birth cohort studies (high-risk infants), and case-control studies.
- Analysis of data from diverse geographical and socioeconomic settings.
- Examination of evidence regarding allergen avoidance strategies.
Main Results:
- Cross-sectional studies show inconsistent correlations between atopic sensitization and asthma.
- Birth cohort and case-control studies indicate atopic sensitization is a risk factor for asthma in children over 6 years old.
- Stronger associations are generally observed in affluent Western countries; findings are more varied in less affluent regions.
- Family history of asthma and preschool wheezing are important predictors for school-age asthma.
- Allergen avoidance shows limited benefit for primary asthma prevention.
Conclusions:
- Atopic sensitization is a significant risk factor for childhood asthma, especially in Western populations.
- Accurate identification of at-risk children enables targeted management and secondary prevention.
- Further research may be needed to understand heterogeneous patterns in different global regions.
Abstract:
The burden of asthma in childhood is considerable worldwide, although some populations are much more affected than others. Many attempts have been made by different investigators to identify the factors that could predict asthma development or persistence in childhood. In this review, the relation between atopic sensitization as an indicator of allergy and asthma in childhood will be discussed. Cross sectional studies, carried out in different countries, failed to show any firm correlation between asthma and atopic sensitization. Birth cohort mainly of infants at high risk for asthma and case-control studies showed that atopic sensitization was a risk factor for current asthma in children older than 6 years. In general, clear relations are observed mostly in affluent Western countries, whereas in less affluent countries, the picture is more heterogeneous. For the prediction of asthma development or persistence in school age children, other prerequisites should also be fulfilled such as family history of asthma and wheezing episodes at preschool age. Despite the conductance of different studies regarding the potential role of allergen avoidance for the primary prevention of childhood asthma, it does not seem that this approach is of benefit for primary prevention purposes. However, the identification of children at risk for asthma is of benefit as these subjects could be provided with the best management practices and with the appropriate secondary prevention measures.
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