Relationship between atopic manifestations, family history of atopic disease and cord blood IgE levels in children

Abstract

Background The incidence of atopic disease tends to increase over the past few decades and its morbidity interferes with the quality of life and health. Prediction of the disease is important for early prevention. Objective To evaluate the relationship between atopic manifestations, family history (FH) of atopic disease and cord blood IgE (CB-IgE) levels. Methods We conducted an analytic observational study with cohort retrospective design on children with an average age of 3 years whose CB-IgE had been measured at delivery in Kiaracondong Primary Health Care during October–December 2004. Manifestations of atopic disease were recorded using ISAAC questionaire for allergy. Chi-square, Mann-Whitney test, and logistic regression analysis were used for analysis. Results Cord blood IgE was measured on 124 children after birth. Only 94 children (76%) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Atopic disease was found in 17 children (18%), consisting of 8 children with atopic dermatitis, 4 with allergic rhinitis, and 5 suffered from both. There were significant differences in the mean value of CB- IgE (Z M-W =4.60; P<0.001) and FH (x 2 =19.059; P<0.001) between atopic and non atopic children. Cut off point of the CB- IgE concentration was 1.4 IU/mL (77.7%). The highest probability for atopic manifestations was found in children who had high CB-IgE and positive FH (P=45%). Relative risk of children with high CB-IgE level in positive FH group was 3.636 (95% CI 0.943;14.016). Conclusion CB-IgE level and family history of atopic disease are risk factors for the development of atopic manifestation.

Keywords

• atopic disease
• cord blood IgE
• family history