Prediction of Allergy by Total Serum IgE Measurements in Infancy: A 10-Year Follow-up

Abstract

Asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis are multifactorial disorders influenced by various familial and environmental factors. Cord blood IgE levels may be predictive for subsequent allergy onset. Serum IgE assessment has been rarely investigated. This study is aimed at evaluating serum IgE levels during the first year of life and relating to subsequent allergies. Total serum IgE levels were assessed in 102 newborns in the first days of life (2–3) and then again at 3, 5, 6, 11 and 12 months of age. After ten years, paediatricians and general practitioners caring for these children were tracked through the Local Healthcare Agency (LHA) database and asked about possible allergy of their patients, including transient ones. F Serum IgE increased in allergic infants at 1 year of life. The predictive model was significant. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that serum IgE may be predictive of subsequent allergy onset, preferably if assessed at 1 year of age.