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[How many newborn infants have an increased risk of atopic disease?]
G Kropf-Herwig1, S Lau, H Weitzel
1Kinderklinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum Charlottenburg, Freie Universität Berlin.
Insights
Newborns with atopic parents or high cord blood immunoglobulin E (IgE) have increased allergy risk. Preventive measures should be tested in high-risk infants before widespread allergy screening.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
Context:
- Atopic diseases are a growing concern in childhood.
- Identifying infants at high risk for atopy is crucial for early intervention.
- Cord blood immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and parental history are potential early indicators.
Purpose:
- To assess the risk factors for developing atopic symptoms in newborns.
- To investigate the correlation between cord blood IgE levels, parental atopy, and infant sex.
- To evaluate the prevalence of atopy risk factors in a neonatal cohort.
Summary:
- A study of 1203 newborns identified 3% with a biparental history of atopy and 9% with elevated cord blood IgE (>0.9 kU/l).
- Boys exhibited higher cord blood IgE concentrations than girls.
- No significant differences in IgE levels were observed between Turkish and German neonates.
Impact:
- Findings highlight the importance of identifying high-risk infants for targeted preventive strategies.
- Suggests that research into the effectiveness of preventive measures should focus on these defined high-risk groups.
- Recommends against general atopy screening until preventive measures are validated in at-risk populations.
Abstract:
Children of atopic parents as well as newborns with an increased cord blood IgE-level have a increased risk to develop atopic symptoms later in childhood under the influence of certain environmental factors. Out of 1203 newborns there were 3% with a biparental history of atopy and 9% with a cord blood IgE higher than 0.9 kU/l. Boys showed elevated cord blood IgE-concentrations more frequently than girls. There were no differences in IgE-levels between Turkish and German neonates. The effectiveness of preventive measures against atopic diseases should be studied in defined high risk groups, before a screening for atopy is considered.