Abstract
BackgroundThe results of studies on the associations of childhood excessive weight/obesity and physical activity with atopic sensitization and atopic diseases are inconsistent. We studied the associations of anthropometry and physical activity in childhood with atopic sensitization and atopic diseases in late childhood.MethodsIn a cohort study including cases exposed to preeclampsia during pregnancy and controls, anthropometry and physical activity were assessed at several ages in 617 children. Associations with atopic sensitization and atopic diseases in late childhood were analysed using multiple logistic regression.ResultsBody mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS) at 1 year and low physical activity at 3–6 years were positively associated with atopic sensitization at 12.8 years [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.22; 95 % confidence interval (1.00, 1.49) and OR 2.36; (1.15, 4.81), respectively]. Change in BMI SDS from 1 to 4 years, BMI SDS at 4 years, and high physical activity at 6–10 years were positively associated with atopic dermatitis by 10.8 years [OR 1.46; (1.11, 1.92); OR 1.32; (1.06, 1.65) and OR 1.94; (1.16, 3.24); respectively]. Low physical activity at 3–6 and 6–10 years were positively associated with asthma by 10.8 years [OR 3.61; (1.56, 8.36) and OR 2.52; (1.24, 5.12), respectively].ConclusionsBMI and physical activity in early childhood were associated with atopic sensitization, atopic dermatitis and asthma in later childhood. Larger cohorts with repeated measurements of both predictors and outcomes are required to further elucidate this issue.Trial registration Our study was observational without any clinical intervention on the participants. Therefore, no trial registration number is availableElectronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13601-016-0124-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
The results of studies on the associations of childhood excessive weight/obesity and physical activity with atopic sensitization and atopic diseases are inconsistent
Atopic sensitization and atopic disease commonly start in early childhood [7], and associations between accelerated weight gain in early childhood and subsequent atopic sensitization, allergic rhinitis [8] and asthma [9], have been suggested, but not for atopic dermatitis
In the multiple fractional polynomial regression (MFPR) analyses, no non-straight-line associations were found for anthropometrics or physical activity with atopic sensitization or atopic diseases. In this cohort study of children followed from birth to 12.8 years, after adjusting for potential confounders, body mass index (BMI) in childhood was positively associated with atopic sensitization and atopic dermatitis in late childhood
Summary
The results of studies on the associations of childhood excessive weight/obesity and physical activity with atopic sensitization and atopic diseases are inconsistent. We studied the associations of anthropometry and physical activity in childhood with atopic sensitization and atopic diseases in late childhood. An association between obesity and asthma has been suggested both in early and late childhood [3], where obesity precedes asthma in prospective studies [4]; the association between obesity and allergy is inconsistent [5]. Atopic sensitization and atopic disease commonly start in early childhood [7], and associations between accelerated weight gain in early childhood and subsequent atopic sensitization, allergic rhinitis [8] and asthma [9], have been suggested, but not for atopic dermatitis. Physical activity during childhood may be associated with atopy, either directly or due to an influence on body composition [10].
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