Maternal C-reactive protein levels in pregnancy are associated with wheezing and lower respiratory tract infections in the offspring

Abstract

We assessed whether maternal C-reactive protein (CRP) levels during pregnancy and CRP gene variations are associated with wheezing and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in offspring. Information on wheezing and LRTIs in the offspring at 6 and 14 months of age, and maternal CRP levels and genotype was obtained from a population-based birth cohort. A total of 63 children (12.5%) experienced recurrent wheezing and 61 (12.4%) a recurrent diagnosis of LRTIs. Children in the highest tertile of maternal CRP levels had a higher risk of experiencing recurrent wheezing (adjusted odds ratio, 2.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-6.71) and being diagnosed with recurrent LRTIs (odds ratio, 2.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-5.55), as compared with children in the lowest tertile. The rs1205 polymorphism influenced maternal serum CRP levels but not the risk of the offspring outcomes. Higher CRP levels in pregnancy are associated with wheezing and LRTIs in offspring. However, genetic variation in CRP influencing maternal levels is not related to these phenotypes.