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A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma
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A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma

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[Prevention of allergy in infants. A prospective study of 159 high-risk children]

S Halken1, A Høst, L G Hansen

  • 1Odense Sygehus, paediatrisk afdeling.

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|January 17, 1994
PubMed

Insights

This study found that early infant feeding and environmental interventions significantly reduced allergy symptoms in high-risk infants. These preventive measures lowered the incidence of atopic dermatitis and wheezing by 18 months.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Allergology
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Infant allergies pose a significant health concern.
  • Identifying high-risk infants is crucial for early intervention.
  • Previous studies suggested a link between early life exposures and allergy development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of a combined dietary and environmental prevention strategy for allergies in high-risk infants.
  • To compare allergy incidence in a prevention group versus a control group.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 105 high-risk infants from birth to 18 months.
  • Prevention group: breastfeeding and/or hypoallergenic formula, avoidance of solids for 6 months, and advice on environmental factors (tobacco smoke, pets, dust).
  • Control group: 54 high-risk infants with no specific dietary or environmental advice.

Main Results:

  • Significantly lower cumulative incidence of atopic symptoms in the prevention group (32%) compared to the control group (74%) at 18 months.
  • Reduced incidence of recurrent wheezing, atopic dermatitis, vomiting/diarrhea, and infantile colic in the prevention group.
  • Significantly lower cumulative incidence of food allergy in the prevention group (6% vs. 17%).
  • Daily tobacco smoking exposure increased the risk of recurrent wheezing in both groups.

Conclusions:

  • Combined dietary and environmental interventions are effective in preventing allergy symptoms in high-risk infants.
  • Early avoidance of allergens and irritants can significantly reduce the burden of allergic diseases.
  • Tobacco smoke exposure is a significant risk factor for wheezing in infants.

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