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Association between maternal age at delivery and allergic rhinitis in schoolchildren: A population-based study
Hung-Yi Lu1, Chi-Wei Chiu2, Po-Hsiang Kao2
1Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Insights
Advanced maternal age increases the risk of allergic rhinitis in children. This association appears stronger in girls, highlighting a potential link between maternal age and offspring allergies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Reproductive Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Maternal age at delivery is linked to asthma and food allergy in offspring.
- The impact of maternal age on allergic rhinitis risk is not well understood.
- This study investigates the association between maternal age and allergic rhinitis in Asian children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between maternal age at delivery and allergic rhinitis in Asian children.
- To explore potential factors modifying this association.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 1344 children in the Longitudinal Investigation of Global Health in Taiwanese Schoolchildren (LIGHTS) cohort.
- Assessed allergic rhinitis via a modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire and physician interviews.
- Determined allergic sensitization using Phadiatop Infant and analyzed associations with logistic regression models.
Main Results:
- Physician-diagnosed allergic rhinitis was present in 59% of the children.
- Advanced maternal age (≥40 years) was significantly associated with increased odds of allergic rhinitis (AOR=4.58) and allergic sensitization (AOR=2.86).
- The association between advanced maternal age and allergic rhinitis was significant in female offspring (AOR=7.02) but not in males.
Conclusions:
- Advanced maternal age at delivery is linked to a higher risk of allergic rhinitis in Asian children.
- This risk appears to be more pronounced in girls.
- Findings suggest maternal age is a relevant factor in the development of allergic rhinitis.
Background:
Some studies have shown associations of maternal age at delivery with asthma and food allergy in offspring. However, the relationship between maternal age at delivery and allergic rhinitis is largely unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal age at delivery and allergic rhinitis in a population sample of Asian children, and to explore potential effect modifiers.
Methods:
A total of 1344 singleton-birth children (763 boys, 56.8%; mean age, 6.4 years) participating in the Longitudinal Investigation of Global Health in Taiwanese Schoolchildren (LIGHTS) cohort were evaluated by a modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire and interviewed by pediatricians. Allergic sensitization was determined by using Phadiatop Infant. Multiple logistic regression models with covariates adjustment were performed to investigate the association of maternal age at delivery with allergic rhinitis and allergic sensitization in offspring.
Results:
Among 1344 study children, 793 (59%) had physician-diagnosed allergic rhinitis. Advanced maternal age at delivery (≥40 years) was significantly associated with increased odds of allergic rhinitis (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.90-11.03) and allergic sensitization (AOR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.13-7.22) in offspring. A sex-stratified analysis revealed that the association of advanced maternal age with allergic rhinitis was statistically significant only in female offspring (AOR = 7.02, 95% CI: 1.89-26.14). Stratified analyses by birth order or environmental tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy did not reveal any significant differences.
Conclusion:
Advanced maternal age at delivery was associated with increased risk of allergic rhinitis in Asian children, probably more pronounced among girls.
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