Allergic Diseases In Children Research Articles

Relative impact of meteorological factors and air pollutants on childhood allergic diseases in Shanghai, China

BackgroundNon-optimal weather conditions and air pollution pose a significant threat to children's health. However, the relative impact of different environmental exposures on childhood allergic diseases remains unclear. ObjectivesThis study aimed to quantify the relative impact of meteorological factors and air pollutants on childhood allergic diseases in Shanghai, China. MethodsData on clinical visits due to childhood asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR) and atopic dermatitis (AD) from 2007 to 2017 in Shanghai were collected from Shanghai Children's Medical Center and Xinhua Hospital. The meteorological data (i.e. daily mean temperature, temperature difference, air pressure, air pressure difference, precipitation, relative humidity, sunshine and wind speed) for the same period were obtained from the Shanghai Meteorological Center. Air pollution data (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2 and O3) were provided by the Shanghai Environmental Protection Agency. Quasi-Poisson regression with distributed lag non-linear models and Poisson regression combined with generalized linear models were used to assess the relative impact of meteorological factors and air pollutants on childhood allergic diseases. ResultsThere were a total of 2,410,392 cases of childhood allergic diseases, including 975,771 asthma, 646,975 AR and 787,646 AD. Most of environmental factors were significantly associated with childhood allergic diseases. Daily mean temperature (standard β: −0.076 (95% confidence interval (CI): −0.086, −0.067)) and air pressure (standard β: 0.075 (95% CI: 0.068, 0.082)) seemed to play more important roles than other environmental factors in the occurrence of these allergic diseases. The numbers of these allergic diseases attributable to an interquartile range (IQR) change in meteorological factors also appeared to be greater than those attributable to an IQR change in air pollutants. ConclusionsBoth climatic variation and air pollution were associated with childhood allergic diseases, but the former appeared to play a more important role in the occurrence of these diseases. These findings may have significant implications for the development of tailored strategies to prevent these rapidly-increasing diseases worldwide.

Early life exposure to air pollution and incidence of childhood asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema.

RationaleThere is growing evidence that air pollution may contribute to the development of childhood asthma and other allergic diseases. In this follow-up of the Toronto Child Health Evaluation Questionnaire (T-CHEQ) study, we examined associations between early life exposures to air pollution and incidence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema from birth through adolescence.Methods1286 T-CHEQ participants were followed from birth until outcome (March 31, 2016) or loss to follow-up, with a mean of 17 years of follow-up. Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3) and particulate matter with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 µm (PM2.5) from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2012 were assigned to participants based on their postal codes at birth using ground observations, chemical/meteorological models, remote sensing and land-use regression models. Study outcomes included incidence of physician-diagnosed asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios per interquartile range of exposures and outcomes, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsHazard ratios of 1.17 (95% CI 1.05–1.31) for asthma and 1.07 (95% CI 0.99–1.15) for eczema were observed for total oxidants (O3 and NO2) at birth. No significant increase in risk was found for PM2.5.ConclusionsExposures to oxidant air pollutants (O3 and NO2) but not PM2.5 were associated with an increased risk of incident asthma and eczema in children. This suggests that improving air quality may contribute to the prevention of asthma and other allergic disease in childhood and adolescence.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of whether cesarean section contributes to the incidence of allergic diseases in children: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis.

Background:As abundant evidence shows the composition of gut flora in children born by caesarean section is different from that of vaginal delivery children, studies on whether caesarean section would increase the offspring's risk of developing allergic disease attract extensive attention. However, the results of different researches are inconsistent. Therefore we conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the relationship between caesarean section and childhood allergic disease.Methods:The protocol followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols. Cohort studies for investigating the relationship between caesarean section and the risk of childhood allergic disease will be searched in 4 main databases (PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and the web of science). In addition, a manual search of the references of relevant published studies will also be considered. Four common allergic outcomes will be included: asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergy, and atopic dermatitis. Studies selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment will be conducted by 2 independent reviewers. The primary outcome is the incidence of 4 allergic diseases.Results:The results will provide useful information on whether caesarean section contributes to the increase of allergic disease in children.Conclusion:The findings of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.PROSPERO registration number:CRD42019135196.

Prenatal and neonatal factors involved in the development of childhood allergic diseases in Guangzhou primary and middle school students

BackgroundAllergic diseases, such as asthma, dermatitis, rhinitis, and eczema, are highly prevalent in Chinese school children. Environmental factors, including air pollution and automobile exhaust, play an important role in the etiology of these diseases. However, prenatal and neonatal factors, such as gender, maternal diseases during pregnancy, and premature birth, may also be associated with allergic disease occurrence. The objective of this study was to explore prenatal and neonatal factors that are involved in the development of allergic diseases among primary and middle school students in Guangzhou, China.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was launched by the Health Promotion Centre for Primary and Secondary Schools of the Guangzhou Municipality in October 2017. All primary and middle school students in Guangzhou were notified to participate in the questionnaire online under the direction of their parents. The results of the physical examination were reported by the schools’ medical department. The results of the questionnaire were collected and analyzed by the researchers. The prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic dermatitis, and eczema was identified.ResultsBased on reported 183,449 questionnaires and medical records, the data indicate that the sex, birth weight, neonatal feeding type, delivery mode, and students’ father smoking status were significantly associated with the prevalence of all four allergic diseases in primary and middle school children. In further stratified analyses of the children with normal birth weight (2500–4000 g) and without any maternal diseases during pregnancy, the factors of male sex, high birth weight, cesarean delivery, and father smoking status all increased the risk of asthma, dermatitis, rhinitis, and eczema. Also, unlike exclusive breastfeeding, breast plus formula feeding increased these risks, but pure formula feeding had the opposite effect.ConclusionPrenatal and neonatal factors, including male sex, high birth weight, cesarean delivery, only child, and father smoking status are associated with the risks of allergic diseases in school children.

Influence of residential land cover on childhood allergic and respiratory symptoms and diseases: Evidence from 9 European cohorts

IntroductionRecent research focused on the interaction between land cover and the development of allergic and respiratory disease has provided conflicting results and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In particular, green space, which confers an overall positive impact on general health, may be significantly contributing to adverse respiratory health outcomes. This study evaluates associations between surrounding residential land cover (green, grey, agricultural and blue space), including type of forest cover (deciduous, coniferous and mixed), and childhood allergic and respiratory diseases. MethodsData from 8063 children, aged 3–14 years, were obtained from nine European population-based studies participating in the HEALS project. Land-cover exposures within a 500 m buffer centred on each child's residential address were computed using data from the Coordination of Information on the Environment (CORINE) program. The associations of allergic and respiratory symptoms (wheeze, asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema) with land coverage were estimated for each study using logistic regression models, adjusted for sex, age, body mass index, maternal education, parental smoking, and parental history of allergy. Finally, the pooled effects across studies were estimated using meta-analyses. ResultsIn the pooled analyses, a 10% increase in green space coverage was significantly associated with a 5.9%–13.0% increase in the odds of wheezing, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, but not eczema. A trend of an inverse relationship between agricultural space and respiratory symptoms was observed, but did not reach statistical significance. In secondary analyses, children living in areas with surrounding coniferous forests had significantly greater odds of reporting wheezing, asthma and allergic rhinitis. ConclusionOur results provide further evidence that exposure to green space is associated with increased respiratory disease in children. Additionally, our findings suggest that coniferous forests might be associated with wheezing, asthma and allergic rhinitis. Additional studies evaluating both the type of green space and its use in relation to respiratory conditions should be conducted in order to clarify the underlying mechanisms behind associated adverse impacts.

Technology of low allergenic milk with whey proteins hydrolysate

In recent years, there has been a steady increase in the number of various allergic diseases in children and adults. Clinical manifestations of allergic reactions can be observed almost from infancy, which is often associated with nutrition specificity. It is proved that one of the strongest milk allergens are the main whey fractions β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin. One way to reduce allergies is to remove or completely replace whey proteins. Another way to reduce allergenicity is to use whey protein hydrolysates. In most cases, hydrolysates are obtained using cheap active proteolytic preparations. They usually have wide specificity, and the hydrolysates formed by them include short peptides with low allergenicity. Numerous biologically active peptides which have a positive effect on the organism are either lost or the possibility of their formation is reduced in such cases. A valuable source of such biologically active peptides is whey protein-precursors. Therefore, the purpose of the research is to develop a technology of low-allergenic milk with the preservation of natural biologically active peptides from whey proteins. The concentrate of natural casein was obtained in the result of the «milk-pectin-water» system dividing for creating a low-allergenic product. The fractional composition of the casein complex and milk whey proteins was analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Whey protein concentrate was used as the substrate to obtain the hydrolysate. Proteolysis was performed with pancreatin at 37 °C and pH 7.9. The composition of the obtained hydrolysate was analyzed by gel filtration on Sephadex G-25. The peptides and polypeptides composition of hydrolysate was characterizated with the help of express electrophoresis. The technology of the proposed dairy product includes addition to a liquid concentrate of natural casein the whey protein hydrolysate obtained in physiological conditions. The results of electrophoretic and chromatographic researches indicate about the absence of main proteins allergens from milk whey in the product. This allows recommending it for the nutrition of people allergic to whey proteins.

Holistic integrative medicine for childhood allergic diseases

The prevalence of allergic diseases in children have increased year by year recently.Although the clinical manifestations of childhood allergic diseases are various, their pathogenesis is nearly the same.In the meantime, childhood allergic diseases are combined with nutritional, psychological, spiritual and family social problems, which if not solved properly will affect the allergic diseases themselves.Therefore, it is necessary to apply the concept of holistic integrated medicine and integrate multiple related departments to solve the problem of allergy, which is patient-oriented.This article introduces the necessity and approaches for integration of childhood allergic diseases. Key words: Child; Allergy; Holistic integrated medicine; Necessity; Approach

Effects of environmental exposure on allergic diseases in children

The prevalence of allergic diseases is rising in children as a result of complex gene-environment interactions.Environmental exposures can dramatically influence the phenotype of allergic diseases, including atopic eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis.Environmental factors associated with allergic diseases include chemical pollutants and allergens in the air, as well as other environmental exposures such as the microbiome.Indoor and outdoor air pollutants and allergens play an important role in the inflammatory response and clinical manifestations of allergic reactions caused by allergens.Strengthening environmental control and controlling environmental exposure is an important way to prevent allergic diseases. Key words: Allergy; Air pollution; Allergens; Asthma; Atopic dermatitis; Environmental exposures; Micro-biome; Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis and asthma assessment of risk factors in pediatric patients: A systematic review

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most prevalent allergic disease in children and can be associated with asthma (A); this association can have significant effect on child's quality of life. The objective of this work was to systematically review existing literature on the risk factors of AR and A in children to better understand the link between these two diseases. We performed a literature search over the last 25 years in PubMed and Medline. Inclusion criteria comprised English language papers containing original human data with greater than 30 subjects and papers that statistically analyze the relationship between AR and A and the risk factor(s), in children population. A statistically significant correlation was found between children with AR and A and ambient Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons exposure, live in an industrialized city with elevated traffic, dampness and moulds exposure, electric cooking, male gender, single nucleotide polymorphisms in PTNP22 gene and CTLA-4 gene, fast food and margarine products consumption, use of paracetamol in last year, history of tuberculosis, parental atopy, high total serum IgE, antibiotics in uterus and infections in uterus exposure, history of formula feeding and caesarian section. A strong and complex link between AR and A was accounted: A represents a major risk factor for the onset of AR, that correlates with more severe asthmatic symptoms. Even the onset of A in a child with AR worsen it. The interaction of genetic and environmental risk factors and the consequent epigenetic, microbiota and immunological changes, were found to led to the development of AR and A in children, with both atopic and non-atopic pathways. Close monitoring of evidenced risk factors may help with an early recognize and treat A in patients with AR.

Prenatal pet keeping and caregiver-reported attention deficit hyperactivity disorder through preadolescence in a United States birth cohort

BackgroundWhile the keeping of pets has been shown to protect against childhood allergic disease and obesity, less is known regarding potential associations of prenatal pet keeping and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We sought to examine the associations between prenatal dog or cat keeping with caregiver-reported ADHD in preadolescents in the Wayne County Health, Environment, Allergy and Asthma Longitudinal Study (WHEALS) birth cohort (N = 1258).MethodsAt an interview with the caregiver at child age 10–12 years, caregivers reported if the WHEALS child had ever been diagnosed with ADHD. Similarly, during an interview with the mother prenatally, pet keeping (defined as dog or cat kept inside ≥1 h/day) was ascertained. Logistic regression models were fit to examine the association of prenatal pet keeping (dog keeping and cat keeping, separately) with ADHD.ResultsA subset of 627 children were included in the analyses: 93 who had ADHD and 534 with neurotypical development. After accounting for confounders and loss to follow-up, maternal prenatal dog exposure was associated with 2.23 times (95% CI: 1.15, 4.31; p = 0.017) greater odds of ADHD among boys. Prenatal dog keeping was not statistically significantly associated with ADHD in girls (odds ratio = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.06, 1.12; p = 0.070). Prenatal cat keeping was not associated with ADHD.ConclusionsIn boys, but not girls, maternal prenatal dog keeping was positively associated with ADHD. Further study to confirm these findings and to identify potential mechanisms of this association (e.g., modification of the gut microbiome, exposure to environmental toxicants or pet-related medications) is needed.

Benefits of influenza vaccination on the associations between ambient air pollution and allergic respiratory diseases in children and adolescents: New insights from the Seven Northeastern Cities study in China

BackgroundLittle information exists on interaction effects between air pollution and influenza vaccination on allergic respiratory diseases. We conducted a large population-based study to evaluate the interaction effects between influenza vaccination and long-term exposure to ambient air pollution on allergic respiratory diseases in children and adolescents. MethodsA cross-sectional study was investigated during 2012–2013 in 94 schools from Seven Northeastern Cities (SNEC) in China. Questionnaires surveys were obtained from 56 137 children and adolescents aged 2–17 years. Influenza vaccination was defined as receipt of the influenza vaccine. We estimated air pollutants exposure [nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤1 μm (PM1), ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ≤10 μm (PM10)] using machine learning methods. We employed two-level generalized linear mix effects model to examine interactive effects between influenza vaccination and air pollution exposure on allergic respiratory diseases (asthma, asthma-related symptoms and allergic rhinitis), after controlling for important covariates. ResultsWe found statistically significant interactions between influenza vaccination and air pollutants on allergic respiratory diseases and related symptoms (doctor-diagnosed asthma, current wheeze, wheeze, persistent phlegm and allergic rhinitis). The adjusted ORs for doctor-diagnosed asthma, current wheeze and allergic rhinitis among the unvaccinated group per interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM1 and PM2.5 were significantly higher than the corresponding ORs among the vaccinated group [For PM1, doctor-diagnosed asthma: OR: 1.89 (95%CI: 1.57–2.27) vs 1.65 (95%CI: 1.36–2.00); current wheeze: OR: 1.50 (95%CI: 1.22–1.85) vs 1.10 (95%CI: 0.89–1.37); allergic rhinitis: OR: 1.38 (95%CI: 1.15–1.66) vs 1.21 (95%CI: 1.00–1.46). For PM2.5, doctor-diagnosed asthma: OR: 1.81 (95%CI: 1.52–2.14) vs 1.57 (95%CI: 1.32–1.88); current wheeze: OR: 1.46 (95%CI: 1.21–1.76) vs 1.11 (95%CI: 0.91–1.35); allergic rhinitis: OR: 1.35 (95%CI: 1.14–1.60) vs 1.19 (95%CI: 1.00–1.42)]. The similar patterns were observed for wheeze and persistent phlegm. The corresponding p values for interactions were less than 0.05, respectively. We assessed the risks of PM1-related and PM2.5-related current wheeze were decreased by 26.67% (95%CI: 1.04%–45.66%) and 23.97% (95%CI: 0.21%–42.08%) respectively, which was attributable to influenza vaccination (both p for efficiency <0.05). ConclusionsInfluenza vaccination may play an important role in mitigating the detrimental effects of long-term exposure to ambient air pollution on childhood allergic respiratory diseases. Policy targeted at increasing influenza vaccination may yield co-benefits in terms of reduced allergic respiratory diseases.

100 YEARS SINCE THE BIRTH OF T.S. SOKOLOVA

The review of the basic data on the life and creative path of the founder of the national children's Allergy, Professor T. S. Sokolova, who at the initiative of the Director of the research Institute of Pediatrics academician M. ya. Studenikin created the country's first children's Allergy Department, formed its own creative scientific school, United by the creation of effective systems of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of allergic diseases in children. T. S. Sokolova is the author of more than 150 scientific works, including 7 monographs, numerous chapters in manuals and articles in scientific and practical journals. Under her leadership, 40 candidate's and 4 doctoral dissertations were defended. On her initiative and with active participation were held all-Union and all-Russian forums of children's allergists, schools of young

Prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and children’s allergic diseases

TPS 752: Respiratory effects and allergies, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 27, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background/Aim: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely present and previous studies showed their association with allergic diseases. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships between prenatal exposure to PFASs and allergic diseases in childhood. Methods: The participants were 486 mother-infant pairs from Taiwan Birth Panel Study. During the follow-ups, we collected the information on allergic diseases using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaires when they were two, three and nine years old. PFASs in cord blood were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/ tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Among 282 study children, the mean concentrations of PFAS including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUA) in cord blood were 2.49, 5.67, 6.91, and 15.92 ng/mL, respectively. Proportions of children with allergic diseases including atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis were 22.3% in two years old, 11.7% in three years old, and 38.3% in nine years old. There was a significant association between PFUA and atopic dermatitis at the age of three, and a similar association between PFOS and asthma in nine-year-old children. Conclusions: Our study shows that PFOS and PFUA may be associated with occurrences of allergic diseases. Further mechanistic investigations are needed.

Sensitization profiles at age 8-9 years in the PARIS birth cohort and related environmental risk factors

TPS 752: Respiratory effects and allergies, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 27, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background/Aim: The prevalence of allergic diseases has increased over the past decades, especially in developed countries, and environment may contribute to this increase. From a preventive perspective, it is essential to identify the environmental risk factors of allergic diseases in childhood. The aims were to determine the prevalence of allergic sensitization at 8-9 years in the PARIS (Pollution and asthma risk: an infant study) birth cohort, to identify different profiles of allergic sensitization, and to highlight their environmental risk factors. Methods: Allergic sensitization was assessed at 8-9 years by two techniques (specific IgE levels and skin prick tests (SPT)) for 10 allergens. The children’s environment and way of life were evaluated using self-administered questionnaires regularly completed by the parents. Different sensitization profiles were identified by cluster analysis and the environmental risk factors were studied by multivariable multinomial logistic regression models. Results: 943 children were included in this study and 34.7% were sensitized mainly to airborne allergens. Three sensitization profiles were identified: a “no or pauci-sensitized” group, a “house dust mite” group and a “grass and birch pollen” group. Girls were less likely to be sensitized: aOR=0.5 (95% CI: 0.3-0.8) for the “house dust mite” group and aOR=0.5 (95% CI: 0.3-0.9) for the “grass and birch pollen” group. The risk of belonging to the “house dust mite” group was increased by age (aOR=1.6; 95% CI: 1.1-2.4), parental history of allergy (aOR=1.7; 95% CI: 1.1-2.7), floor carpeting in the child’s room at birth (aOR=1.7; 95% CI: 1.0-2.7) and the use of gas for cooking (aOR=1.6; 95% CI: 1.0-2.5). A running mechanical ventilation in the dwelling increased the risk of belonging to the “grass and birch pollen” group (aOR=1.8; 95% CI: 1.0-3.2). Conclusions: This study showed two sensitization profiles at age 8-9 years which differ in terms of environmental risk factors.

Relative influence on childhood allergic diseases of meteorological factors and air pollutants in Shanghai, China

Relative influence on childhood allergic diseases of meteorological factors and air pollutants in Shanghai, China

Nationwide survey of the prevalence of wheeze, rhino-conjunctivitis, and eczema among Japanese children in 2015

BackgroundGlobal surveys and cohort studies have been conducted to evaluate the prevalence of allergic disease in childhood, but only a few nationwide surveys have been conducted in Japan. We aimed to report the prevalence of childhood allergic disease in Japan and determine the prevalence distribution by sex and prefecture. MethodsIn 2015, we conducted a school-based questionnaire survey using the Japanese version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire among two age groups: primary school students (PS, 6–8 years old) and middle school students (MS, 13–15 years old). The schools were randomly selected from each prefecture. ResultsValid responses were obtained from 42,582 PS and 36,638 MS. Among PS and MS, the prevalence of wheeze was 10.2% and 8.2%, that of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis was 18.7% and 26.7%, and that of eczema was 14.6% and 9.7%, respectively. In terms of sex, the prevalence of wheeze and rhino-conjunctivitis was higher in male PS while that of rhino-conjunctivitis and eczema was higher in female MS. In terms of prefecture, there was a two-fold difference in the prevalence of wheeze and eczema and a four-fold difference in the prevalence of rhino-conjunctivitis, with each disease showing different distribution patterns. ConclusionsWe demonstrated the prevalence of allergic disease among PS and MS in 2015. The prevalence tended to be higher in male PS and female MS. Each disease exhibited different prevalence ranges and distributions. Identifying the factors behind these differences is a topic for future research.

Green Environments and Allergic Diseases in Children: a Scoping Review

Urbanization and urbanization-related detrimental exposures are commonly indicated as responsible determinants for the dramatic increase in allergy and asthma, and one of the main urbanization factors that have been recently associated with the development of allergic sensitization is the reduced access to natural and biodiverse spaces. The present review aimed to compile and discuss the recent findings from studies focused on neighbourhood greenspace effect on asthma and allergic disease development in children. Green areas neighbouring children residences play a role on the prevalence of allergy and asthma. However, whether greenness is a protective factor, or an exacerbation driver, is yet to be elucidated. This may be due to the confounding factors associated with greenspace exposure, such as vegetation biodiversity, environmental microbiome, human behaviour, or the region itself. It is not possible to concretely discern the importance of early life exposure to green areas on asthma and allergy development. More studies on determinant factors associated with green areas, such as biodiversity or environmental microbiome, may help to elucidate these associations.

Association between cord blood IgE and toddler atopic diseases

Objective To investigate the correlation between cord blood IgE level and allergic diseases (atopic dermatitis, food allergy, wheezing and allergic rhinitis) in 36 months old children and explore the susceptibility factors of allergy. Methods A cohort study was designed and Cord blood was collected during delivery of 779 women with full term, and the IgE level of the sample was detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay in Department of Laboratory Medicine, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine between October 1, 2012 and May 31, 2014. 638 children were followed up at the age of 36 months. The incidence of atopic dermatitis, food allergy, wheezing and allergic rhinitis were investigated by questionnaire, and the relationship between cord blood IgE level and allergic diseases in children was analyzed by multiple logistic regression. Results A total of 638 pregnant women and children were included in this study. The age of pregnant women was (29.7±3.3) years, and the IgE level in cord blood ranged from 0.1 to 8.43 IU/mL.In caesarean women, higher cord blood IgE was associated with increased risk of allergic dermatitis, wheezing and allergic rhinitis in children, OR=1.87, P<0.01; OR=1.86, P=0.01; OR=1.28, P=0.01; OR=1.98, P=0.01. Conclusion During cesarean section, the elevated IgE level of umbilical cord blood is correlated with the incidence of allergic diseases in children. Key words: Hypersensitivity; Immunoglobulin E; Fetal blood

Serum Periostin Level Has Limited Usefulness as a Biomarker for Allergic Disease in 7-Year-Old Children

Background: Previous studies have used serum periostin levels as a biomarker of Th2-driven inflammatory responses. However, no population-based study has yet examined the association of serum periostin levels with the allergic status of children. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of periostin as a biomarker for allergy in a group of 7-year-old Korean children. Method: This prospective cross-sectional study examined 451 children (aged 7 years to 7 years and 11 months) from the general pediatric population who attended 6 different schools between June and July 2016. A total of 249 children, all of whom completed the questionnaire and skin prick test and provided blood samples, were included in the final analysis. Results: The geometric mean serum periostin level was 107.6 ng/mL (95% CI 104.5–110.7). After adjustment for confounding, serum periostin levels were significantly associated with sensitization to poly-allergens (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 1.032, 95% CI 1.006–1.059, p = 0.016) and pollen (aOR 1.020, 95% CI 1.002–1.039, p = 0.026). Serum periostin levels were also associated with eosinophil levels (adjusted β = 0.023, SE = 0.009, p = 0.010), but were unrelated to body mass index, sex, obesity, or presence of an allergic disease. Conclusions: Our results suggest thatserum periostin level may have limited usefulness as a biomarker of allergic disease in children.

Exposure to agro-chemicals and occurrence of allergic diseases in children

The Journal is the primary organ of Continuing Paediatric Medical Education in Sri Lanka. The journal also has a website. Free full text access is available for all readers.The Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health is now indexed in SciVerse Scopus (Source Record ID 19900193609), Index Medicus for South-East Asia Region (IMSEAR), CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International Global Health Database), DOAJ and is available in Google, as well as Google Scholar.The policies of the journal are modelled on the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Guidelines on Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health is recognised by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) as a publication following the ICMJE Recommendations.