[Influence of maternal smoking on cord serum IgE levels in newborns]
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A Flores D'Arcais1, D De Biase, P Riva
1Clinica Pediatrica III, Università degli Studi di Milano.
Insights
Newborns with a family history of allergies or born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy show higher cord serum IgE levels. Maternal smoking significantly elevates fetal IgE, indicating increased allergy risk.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Allergic diseases are prevalent in childhood, affecting 14% of children.
- Immunoglobulin E (IgE) production is a key factor in allergic disease pathogenesis.
- Cord serum IgE measurement aids in early detection of at-risk newborns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess fetal IgE production in newborns with a family history of atopy.
- To evaluate the impact of maternal smoking during pregnancy on fetal IgE levels.
- To identify risk factors for childhood allergies.
Main Methods:
- Measured cord serum IgE in 215 term newborns.
- Collected detailed maternal and family history regarding allergies and smoking.
- Categorized newborns into three groups: control, family history of allergy, and maternal smoking.
Main Results:
- Newborns with a family history of allergy and those born to smoking mothers had significantly higher cord serum IgE levels compared to controls.
- A positive correlation was found between the number of cigarettes smoked during pregnancy and cord serum IgE levels.
- Both genetic predisposition (family history) and environmental factors (maternal smoking) influence fetal IgE production.
Conclusions:
- Maternal smoking during pregnancy is a significant environmental factor contributing to elevated fetal IgE.
- Early detection of at-risk newborns can be enhanced by considering family history and maternal smoking status.
- Combined genetic and environmental factors play a crucial role in the development of allergic diseases.
Abstract:
Allergic diseases are among the most common diseases in childhood and their prevalence is 14%. One of the most important pathogenetic factors is the ability to produce IgE and the measurement of cord serum IgE seems to be very important for early detection of newborns at risk. Besides, cigarette smoke, among the environmental factors, has been demonstrated to influence the immunologic system, inducing an increase in IgE production. The aim of this study is to evaluate fetal production of IgE in newborns with a family history of atopy and whose mother has been smoking during pregnancy. The measurement of cord serum IgE has been performed in 215 at term newborns (weight at birth > 2500 g, Apgar score at 5' > 7). A careful history has been obtained with particular regard at the presence of familiarity for allergies and a cigarette smoking during pregnancy. According to the history, children have been divided in 3 groups: Group 1: 126 newborns without familiar history of allergy and born from no smoking mothers (control group); Group 2: 46 newborns with familiar history for allergy and born from no smoking mothers; Group 3: 43 newborns without familiar history for allergy born from smoking mothers. The II and III groups of newborns present total IgE levels on cord serum significantly higher than the control group. Besides a positive correlation between the number of cigarettes smoked during pregnancy and the value of cord serum IgE has been detected. It is well known that both genetic and environmental factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)