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Usefulness of neonatal eosinophil counts as a marker of atopy?
M Calbi1, B Scarpellino, L Giacchetti
1Department of Pediatrics, Villa Bianca Hospital, Naples, Italy.
Insights
Elevated eosinophil counts (EC) in newborns may indicate a higher risk for developing atopy. This study suggests EC is a potential marker for early allergy detection in infants with a family history of atopy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Family history of atopy (FHA) is a known risk factor for developing allergic diseases.
- Eosinophil count (EC) is a hematological parameter that has been investigated for its association with atopic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between eosinophil counts in newborns and the presence of a family history of atopy.
- To assess the predictive value of elevated eosinophil counts for the development of atopic diseases in early childhood.
Main Methods:
- Eosinophil counts were measured in 312 newborns with and 172 without a family history of atopy.
- A prospective study followed 103 newborns with a family history of atopy to track the development of atopic diseases up to 18 months.
- A cut-off level of 5 x 10(8) cells/l was used to determine elevated eosinophil counts.
Main Results:
- Newborns with a family history of atopy exhibited higher eosinophil counts compared to those without.
- Elevated eosinophil counts were observed in infants born to mothers sensitive to parietaria, particularly during the spring season.
- The predictive value of elevated eosinophil counts for atopic disease development was found to be 41% using the specified cut-off level.
Conclusions:
- Elevated eosinophil counts in newborns serve as a potential marker for atopy.
- Early identification of elevated EC may aid in predicting the risk of developing allergic diseases in infants.
Abstract:
Eosinophil count (EC) were obtained from 312 newborns with and 172 without family history of atopy (FHA). The EC were higher in infants with than without FHA. Elevated EC were recorded in babies of parietaria sensitive mothers born in the spring, as compared to other seasons. The predictive value of EC with regard to development of atopic diseases up to 18 months of age was prospectively studied in 103 newborns with FHA. Using 5 x 10(8) cells/l as cut-off level the predictive allergy value was 41%. Elevated EC appears to be a marker of atopy in newborns.