Abstract
This study assessed vitamin D status in asymptomatic children and adolescents in Greece, with and without atopy, and possible changes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Serum levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) and total immunoglobulin E (IgE), and eosinophil count were measured in 340 asymptomatic children and adolescents (155 males, 185 females), mean age 8.6 ± 4.6 years, recruited over a period of 24 months (February 2019–January 2021). Atopy, defined by high level of IgE for age, was associated with vitamin D deficient status (p = 0.041). Subjects with and without atopy showed similar rates of insufficient and normal levels of 25(OH)D. The median level of 25(OH)D was significantly higher in subjects recruited during the pandemic, when home confinement rules were observed, than before the pandemic, and significantly more children had normal levels of 25(OH)D (p < 0.001), but no differences were noticed for IgE levels or eosinophil count. These results support a link between vitamin D and allergic and infectious inflammations, and specifically the association of vitamin D deficiency with asymptomatic atopy, defined as increased IgE level for age.
Highlights
Atopy is defined as either a personal, familial, or in combination, tendency, to have an immunological response after exposure to allergens, that are usually proteins, leading to differentiation of T helper cells (Th2), synthesis of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and allergic inflammation [1,2]
The present study showed a possible linkage between asymptomatic atopy and vitamin D status in children and adolescents in Greece
Measurement of serum total IgE is a cost-effective test that can be used as a first-line screening tool to identify the status of atopy, and certain health insurance systems require a serum level of total IgE of greater than 100 IU/mL to justify testing for specific IgE [21]
Summary
Atopy is defined as either a personal, familial, or in combination, tendency, to have an immunological response after exposure to allergens, that are usually proteins, leading to differentiation of T helper cells (Th2), synthesis of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and allergic inflammation [1,2]. Atopic status can be assessed by skin prick tests to aeroallergens, and serum levels of total and specific IgE [3]. A raised serum level of total IgE, despite certain well-established limitations, is included as a diagnostic marker for allergic disease [4]. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated association of various allergic diseases, like asthma and allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis, with an increase in the serum level of total IgE [5]. A high serum level of IgE is a good predictor of atopy and could be considered a marker of allergic airway inflammation in children with allergic disease [6]. Atopy may be asymptomatic [7], and studies have demonstrated airway inflammation in subjects with atopy without clinical manifestations, raising the hypothesis of subclinical inflammation in subjects with asymptomatic atopy [8,9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call