The significance of allergic family history and cord blood-immunoglobulin E as a predictor of the development of allergic diseases in later life

Abstract

Rationale The family history (FHx) of allergic disease(AD) and cord blood immunoglobulin E have been known to be most valuable predictors of the development of AD. The purpose of this study is to evaluate total eosinophil count (TEC) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in maternal, baby, and cord blood as well as the above two predictors could be a significant predictor for subsequent AD later in life. Methods Fifty pregnant women and their newborns with FHx and fifty other those without FHx were investigated. IgE, TEC, and ECP level in those blood were measured. We have conducted clinical follow-up study for AD in twenty three babies for 8 year. Results 1) Cord blood IgE of AD group was 0.45-3.09IU/ml and higher than that of non-AD group (0.06-1.20IU/ml)(p=0.07). 2) The differences of ECP and TEC in those blood between AD and non-AD group were not significant. Between positive and negative FHx group, there were no significant differences of IgE, ECP level, and TEC in those blood. 3) There was no significant correlation among cord, neonatal, and maternal blood IgE 4) In the group with positive FHx and high cord blood IgE, 67% of the cases showed AD until 8 year-old age. However, in the group with negative FHx and low cord blood IgE, only 22% of the cases showed AD for 8 years. Conclusions Cord blood IgE and family history are the most important factors to predict AD later in life but TECs and ECP levels in those blood were not significant for the prediction of it.