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Intergenerational continuity of parent-child separation: implications for child allergies and total IgE in China
Kai Ma1,2,3, Xiuzhen Lu4, Anhui Zhang5
1Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
Insights
Parent-child separation (PCS) across generations increases allergy risk. Intergenerational continuity of PCS is linked to higher allergy rates and immunoglobulin E levels, especially with paternal transmission, highlighting a cycle of disadvantage.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Parent-child separation (PCS) is a significant pediatric concern.
- Limited research exists on the transgenerational effects of PCS.
- Understanding the cumulative impact of PCS across generations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between intergenerational parent-child separation and allergies.
- To examine the relationship between cumulative PCS and total immunoglobulin E (tIgE) levels.
- To explore the role of paternal versus maternal transmission in PCS-related health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A study of 2279 parent-offspring dyads was conducted.
- PCS was defined as separation from parents for >6 months/year early in life.
- Allergies were assessed via caregiver reports and ISAAC criteria; tIgE was measured from capillary blood.
Main Results:
- 20.9% of dyads showed intergenerational continuity of PCS.
- Intergenerational PCS continuity was associated with the highest allergy risk (OR=2.12) and tIgE levels (β=134.18).
- Paternal transmission of PCS showed a stronger association with allergies than maternal transmission.
Conclusions:
- Cumulative parent-child separation across generations is linked to increased allergy risk and tIgE.
- Intergenerational continuity of PCS presents a significant risk factor for allergies.
- Addressing the intergenerational cycle of disadvantage is essential for public health.
Background:
The effects of parent-child separation (PCS) are a hot topic in pediatrics, but studies involving the "double hit" of PCS across generations are scarce.
Methods:
Within 2279 parent-offspring dyads, the PCS was defined as separated from parents for > 6 months/year early in life, and the intergenerational continuity of PCS means the two generations both experienced PCS, whereas discontinuity refers to just one generation exposed only. Clinical diagnoses or ISAAC-based allergies were reported by caregivers. Capillary blood was collected from children to assess total immunoglobulin E (tIgE).
Results:
Among 2279 parent-offspring dyads, 477 (20.9%) experienced intergenerational continuity of PCS, and 1028 (42.9%) discontinuity. Allergies occurred in 38.0% of the preschoolers. Both intergenerational continuity and children-only exposure were associated with allergies (all P < 0.05). Intergenerational continuity of PCS, in particular, was associated with the highest risk of allergies (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.52-2.95) and the highest tIgE levels (β = 134.18, 95% CI: 8.11-260.25), compared with children without intergenerational PCS. Notably, paternal transmission appears to show a comparatively more substantial association than maternal transmission.
Conclusion:
The cumulative associations of PCS across generations with allergies and tIgE are consistent with the need to address the intergenerational cycle of disadvantage.
Impact:
Parent-child separation was associated with allergies. Parent-child separation may show cumulative patterns across generations, especially, intergenerational continuity of parent-child separation was associated with the highest risk of allergies and the highest levels of total immunoglobulin E. The association of paternal transmission appeared to be stronger than maternal. The clinicians may consider prioritizing allergy screening for children with the experience of intergenerational continuity of parent-child separation. The findings highlight the need to break the intergenerational cycle of disadvantage.
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