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Early-life weight gain is associated with non-atopic asthma in childhood

Chia-Hua Ho1,2, Chun-Chun Gau1,3, Wan-Fang Lee1

  • 1Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

The World Allergy Organization Journal
|August 19, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Extremely rapid early-life weight gain significantly increases the risk of non-atopic asthma, particularly in boys. This association was observed consistently during the first 6 to 18 months of life.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Previous research indicates a link between early-life weight gain and asthma development.
  • However, the specific association with atopic versus non-atopic asthma remains unclear.
  • This study investigates this relationship in a Taiwanese cohort.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if early-life weight gain is associated with atopic or non-atopic asthma.
  • To explore potential sex differences in this association.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 1343 Taiwanese children (Longitudinal Investigation of Global Health in Taiwanese Schoolchildren - LIGHTS) was analyzed.
  • Weight gain z-scores were categorized into four groups (slow, on track, rapid, extremely rapid) for the first 6, 12, and 18 months of life.
  • Asthma and atopy were assessed using questionnaires, physician diagnoses, and infant allergy tests.

Main Results:

  • Extremely rapid weight gain in early life was significantly associated with an increased risk of non-atopic asthma (AOR 2.14-3.26).
  • No significant association was found between early-life weight gain and atopic asthma.
  • The association between rapid weight gain and non-atopic asthma was more pronounced in boys.

Conclusions:

  • Extremely rapid weight gain in the first 6-18 months of life is a significant risk factor for developing non-atopic asthma.
  • This risk is elevated by 2.1 to 3.3-fold compared to children with 'on track' weight gain.
  • The findings highlight a sex-specific vulnerability, with boys exhibiting a stronger association.
Abstract

Keywords:
AsthmaAtopyChildrenCohort studyWeight gain

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