[Critical evaluation of the possibility of predicting atopy in the neonatal period]

On a sample of 35 healthy newborns the authors have determined the IgE in the blood of the umbilical cord, using the PRIST method. A geometric average of 1.152 +/- 0.117 was obtained. No statistically significant difference appeared between the two groups, which contained individuals with positive and negative allergic family anamnesis, respectively. Thus, the possibility of predicting neonatal atopy by IgE determination appears to be no better than can be deduced through an accurate family anamnesis. The observed differences in the IgE levels of the funicular blood might then be explained by physiological, paraphysiological and pathological motivations.