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Season of birth as predictor of atopic manifestations
L Nilsson1, B Björkstén, G Hattevig
1Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
Insights
Birth month influences allergy development. Spring births may reduce pollen allergies, while autumn/winter births are linked to increased food sensitivities and atopic disease in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Epidemiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Seasonal variations in birth timing may impact immune system development.
- Understanding birth month's role in allergies is crucial for public health.
- Atopic diseases, including allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and food sensitivities, affect a significant pediatric population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between month of birth and the development of allergic sensitization and atopic disease manifestations.
- To determine if birth timing influences the likelihood of developing specific allergies like allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and food sensitivities.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal cohort study of 209 children followed from birth to 12-15 years.
- Assessed allergic sensitization through IgE antibody testing (pollen, food, animal dander) and clinical manifestations (allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic disease).
- Analyzed data based on birth season, comparing children born during tree pollen season versus the rest of the year, and autumn/winter versus spring/summer.
Main Results:
- Children born during the tree pollen season showed significantly lower odds of developing allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (OR 0.28), IgE antibodies to pollen (OR 0.41), and positive IgE screening tests (OR 0.35).
- Infants born between September and February had a higher prevalence of IgE antibodies to food (e.g., egg 20% vs. 6%, milk 10% vs. 2%) and atopic disease compared to those born in spring/summer.
- Pollen sensitization and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis were least common in children born in spring.
Conclusions:
- Birth month is a significant factor in the development of allergic diseases.
- Spring births appear protective against pollen-related allergies and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
- Births from September to February are associated with an increased risk of food sensitization and general atopic disease in children.
Abstract:
The relation between month of birth, sensitisation, and manifestations of atopy was assessed in 209 children who were followed from birth to 12-15 years. Children born during the tree pollen season were less likely to develop allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, IgE antibodies to pollen, or a positive screening test for IgE antibodies (odds ratio 0.28, 0.41, 0.35, respectively) than children born during the rest of the year. The prevalence of IgE antibodies to food and animal dander at 9 months and to atopic disease was higher in children born in the autumn and winter, that is, September to February, compared to the spring and summer (egg 20% v 6%; milk 10% v 2%). Thus sensitisation to pollen and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is least common in children born in the spring, while birth in September to February is associated with an increased incidence of sensitisation to food and of atopic disease.