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Factors influencing serum immunoglobulin E levels in Greek children
E Petridou1, M Kanariou, M Liatsis
1Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Athens University, Medical School, Greece.
Insights
Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in Greek children increase significantly until age five. Allergic disease history and frequent infections are linked to higher IgE, with levels varying by geographic region.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels are crucial biomarkers in pediatric health.
- Understanding IgE variations in children is essential for diagnosing allergic and immune conditions.
- Geographic and environmental factors may influence IgE levels in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in a cohort of Greek infants and children.
- To investigate the association between age, allergic disease history, and frequent infections with serum IgE levels.
- To compare Greek pediatric IgE levels with those reported in other global regions.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme immunoassay was used to measure serum IgE levels in 414 healthy Greek children (1 month to 14 years).
- Multiple regression analysis, with logarithmic transformation of IgE values, was employed for statistical analysis.
- Children were recruited from a pediatric hospital for minor surgical corrections, ensuring general health.
Main Results:
- Serum IgE levels demonstrated a significant increase of approximately 80% per year up to age five, with no further significant age-related changes.
- A positive association was observed between a history of allergic disease and serum IgE levels in both younger (<5 years) and older children.
- Frequent infections showed a positive association with IgE levels, statistically significant in the older age group.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric IgE levels in Greece are higher than in Northern Europe but lower than in Southeast Asia, suggesting environmental influences.
- Age is a significant factor in IgE levels during early childhood, stabilizing after age five.
- Allergic history and infection frequency are key determinants of serum IgE levels in Greek children, highlighting the role of environmental exposures.
Abstract:
Serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) were determined by enzyme immunoassay in 414 Greek infants and children of both sexes, 1 month to 14 years old. The children were admitted to the "Aghia Sophia" Teaching Hospital for Children (Athens, Greece) for surgical corrections of minor anatomic abnormalities, but they were otherwise healthy. Statistical analysis was performed through multiple regression after logarithmic transformation of the immunoglobulin values. IgE levels increased significantly by about 80% per year up to the age of 5 years, without noticeable impact of age on these levels thereafter. History of allergic disease showed a significant positive association with serum levels of IgE in both younger (less than 5 years) and older children. History of frequent infections was positively associated with IgE levels, although the relation was statistically significant only in the older age group, IgE levels in Greek children appear to be higher than the corresponding levels of children living in northern Europe, but much lower than those of children in Southeast Asia, a fact that may reflect different exposure level during childhood to infections known to influence IgE levels.