Cord Blood IgE Research Articles

Association of the AhR, ARNT, and AhRR gene polymorphisms and cord blood AhR levels with elevated cord blood IgE susceptibility in Taiwan mother-infant pairs: a nested case–control study

ABSTRACT The roles of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), AhR-nuclear translocator (ARNT), and AhR repressor (AhRR) genes in the elevation of cord blood IgE (CbIgE) remained unclear. Our aims were to determine the polymorphisms of AhR, ARNT, and AhRR genes, cord blood AhR (CBAhR) level, and susceptibility to elevation of CbIgE. 206 infant-mother pairs with CbIgE>=0.35 IU/ml and 421 randomly selected controls recruited from our previous study. Genotyping was determined using TaqMan assays. Statistical analysis showed AhR rs2066853 (GG vs. AA+AG: adjusted OR (AOR)=1.5, 95%CI=1.10–2.31 and AOR=1.60, 95%CI=1.06–2.43, respectively) and the combination of AhR rs2066853 and maternal total IgE (mtIgE)>=100 IU/ml were significantly correlated with CbIgE>=0.35 IU/ml or CbIgE>=0.5 IU/ml. CBAhR in a random subsample and CbIgE levels were significantly higher in infants with rs2066853GG genotype. We suggest that infant AhR rs2066853 and their interactions with mtIgE>=100 IU/ml significantly correlate with elevated CbIgE, but AhRR and ARNT polymorphisms do not.

Environmental Impacts on Infectious Disease: A Literature View of Epidemiological Evidence.

This article summarises a session from the recent Pacific Basin Consortium for Environment and Health Focus meeting on Environmental Impacts on Infectious Disease. To provide an overview of the literature underpinning the presentations from this session. References used in developing the presentations were obtained from the presenters. Additional references were obtained from PubMed using key words from the presentations. The Hokkaido longitudinal children's study has found that exposure to chemicals in early life, such as persistent organic pollutants and per/polyfluorinated compounds, is associated with a range of immunological outcomes such as decreased cord blood IgE, otitis media, wheeze, increased risk of infections and higher risk of food allergy.Epidemiological evidence links exposure to poor air quality to increased severity and mortality of Covid-19 in many parts of the world. Most studies suggest that long-term exposure has a more marked effect than acute exposure.Components of air pollution, such as a newly described combustion product known as environmentally persistent free radicals, induce oxidative stress in exposed individuals. Individuals with genetic variations predisposing them to oxidative stress are at increased risk of adverse health effects from poor air quality.

Prenatal antioxidant-enriched and pro-oxidant-contained food, IL4 and IL13 pathway genes, and cord blood IgE

Prenatal oxidative balance might influence cord blood IgE (cIgE) levels. We aimed to explore if certain prenatal dietary sources of antioxidants and pro-oxidants are associated with cIgE elevation and if they interact with IL4 and IL13 pathway genes. A structured questionnaire was completed during the third trimester of pregnancy for 1107 full-term newborns. Surveyed antioxidant-enriched food included fish, shellfish, and fruit, whereas surveyed pro-oxidant-contained food included fried fish sticks and canned fish. Cord blood was collected for measuring cIgE levels and genotyping IL13 rs1800925, rs20541, rs848, IL4 rs2243250, and STAT6 rs324011. Fairly lean fish consumption showed protection against cIgE elevation (odds ratio [OR] 0.66; 95% CI 0.49–0.90) in the whole sample, while daily fruit (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.27–0.79) and ≥ monthly canned fish (OR 2.81; 95% CI 1.24–6.36) exhibited associations only in genetically susceptible babies. A prenatal food protective index, comprising any fairly lean fish, daily fruit, and the absence of any canned fish, exerted dose–response protection against cIgE elevation in babies carrying the IL13 rs20541 GA or AA genotype (P for trend < 0.0001; P for interaction = 0.004). We concluded that prenatal antioxidant-enriched and pro-oxidant-contained food consumption may influence cIgE, especially in genetically susceptible babies.

Total IgE assessment in newborn umbilical cord blood

In this minireview we present important data on umbilical cord blood IgE antibodies in neonates and total IgE as a predictive biomarker for the development of allergen sensitization and atopic diseases later in life. Discussions regarding the methods for determining total IgE in serum or plasma from cord blood samples are focused on the main immunoassays used in different studies and clinical practice. The fluorescence enzyme immunoassay with anti-IgE covalently coupled to a capsulated cellulose polymer solid-phase is nowadays currently used to measure total IgE in human serum or plasma. The umbilical cord blood total IgE levels are quantitatively determined by using its low range assay. Specific and practical aspects regarding cord blood sampling, including specimen collection from the umbilical cord vessels and careful preparation of serum and plasma, alongside with knowledge of the principles of the immune methods used are important to avoid preanalytical and analytical errors and for obtaining accurate results of this risk biomarker for allergy.

Gene\u2013gene and gene-environment interactions on cord blood total IgE in Chinese Han children

BackgroundIL13, IL4, IL4RA, FCER1B and ADRB2 are susceptible genes of asthma and atopy. Our previous study has found gene–gene interactions on asthma between these genes in Chinese Han children. Whether the interactions begin in fetal stage, and whether these genes interact with prenatal environment to enhance cord blood IgE (CBIgE) levels and then cause subsequent allergic diseases have yet to be determined. This study aimed to determine whether there are gene–gene and gene-environment interactions on CBIgE elevation among the aforementioned five genes and prenatal environmental factors in Chinese Han population.Methods989 cord blood samples from a Chinese birth cohort were genotyped for nine single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the five genes, and measured for CBIgE levels. Prenatal environmental factors were collected using a questionnaire. Gene–gene and gene-environment interactions were analyzed with generalized multifactor dimensionality methods.ResultsA four-way gene–gene interaction model (IL13 rs20541, IL13 rs1800925, IL4 rs2243250 and ADRB2 rs1042713) was regarded as the optimal one for CBIgE elevation (testing balanced accuracy = 0.5805, P = 9.03 × 10–4). Among the four SNPs, only IL13 rs20541 was identified to have an independent effect on elevated CBIgE (odds ratio (OR) = 1.36, P = 3.57 × 10–3), while the other three had small but synergistic effects. Carriers of IL13 rs20541 TT, IL13 rs1800925 CT/TT, IL4 rs2243250 TT and ADRB2 rs1042713 AA were estimated to be at more than fourfold higher risk for CBIgE elevation (OR = 4.14, P = 2.69 × 10–2). Gene-environment interaction on elevated CBIgE was found between IL4 rs2243250 and maternal atopy (OR = 1.41, P = 2.65 × 10–2).ConclusionsGene–gene interaction between IL13 rs20541, IL13 rs1800925, IL4 rs2243250 and ADRB2 rs1042713, and gene-environment interaction between IL4 rs2243250 and maternal atopy begin in prenatal stage to augment IgE production in Chinese Han children.

Prenatal Exposure to Di-Ethyl Phthalate (DEP) Is Related to Increasing Neonatal IgE Levels and the Altering of the Immune Polarization of Helper-T Cells.

Introduction: Phthalates are substances that are added to plastic products to increase their plasticity. These substances are released easily into the environment and can act as endocrine disruptors. Epidemiological studies in children have showed inconsistent findings regarding the relationship between prenatal or postnatal exposure to phthalates and the risk of allergic disease. Our hypothesis is that prenatal exposure to phthalates may contribute to the development of allergies in children. Material and methods: The objective of this study was to determine the associations between urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations in pregnant women, maternal atopic diathesis, maternal lifestyle, and cord blood IgE. Pregnant mothers and paired newborns (n = 101) were enrolled from an antenatal clinic. The epidemiologic data and the clinical information were collected using standard questionnaires and medical records. The maternal blood and urine samples were collected at 24–28 weeks gestation, and cord blood IgE, IL-12p70, IL-4, and IL-10 levels were determined from the newborns at birth. The link between phthalates and maternal IgE was also assessed. To investigate the effects of phthalates on neonatal immunity, cord blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) were used for cytokine induction in another in vitro experiment. Results: We found that maternal urine monoethyl phthalate (MEP) (a metabolite of di-ethyl phthalate (DEP)) concentrations are positively correlated with the cord blood IgE of the corresponding newborns. The cord blood IL-12p70 levels of mothers with higher maternal urine MEP groups (high DEP exposure) were lower than mothers with low DEP exposure. In vitro experiments demonstrated that DEP could enhance IL-4 production of cord blood MNCs rather than adult MNCs. Conclusion: Prenatal DEP exposure is related to neonatal IgE level and alternation of cytokines relevant to Th1/Th2 polarization. This suggests the existence of a link between prenatal exposure to specific plasticizers and the future development of allergies.

Relationship of cord blood IgE with maternal, fetal, and environmental factors in the Chinese population.

Previous studies reported that history of pregnancy and delivery and family environment might influence cord blood IgE (CB-IgE) levels and development of allergies; however, the association between them is not well-established. This study aimed at investigating the IgE level in the newborn's umbilical cord blood and its relationship with maternal, fetal, and environmental factors. A total of 989 mothers and their infants were analyzed in this study. Mothers were given a questionnaire that had a series of questions to evaluate demographic information, maternal allergic status, and environmental exposures during pregnancy. Neonatal cord blood samples were taken at the same time for IgE assay. By univariate analysis, we found statistically significant correlations between CB-IgE levels and gender (P = 0.000) and delivery mode (P = 0.017). By multivariate analysis, gender was found to have a significant association with CB-IgE levels (P = 0.001). No significant difference was found between CB-IgE levels and antenatal complications, the season of birth, birth weight, gestational age, and household income (P > 0.050). In this study, newborn gender was found to be a strong predictor of elevated CB-IgE. The delivery mode was a probable predictor.

Maternal Serum IgE, Cord Blood IgE, and Children’s Allergy: A Narrative Review

Maternal Serum IgE, Cord Blood IgE, and Children’s Allergy: A Narrative Review

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

Sex-moderated interactions between IL4/IL13 pathway genes and prenatal environment on cord blood IgE levels.

Elevated cord blood IgE (cIgE), a predictor of atopic diseases, is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. However, gene-environment interactions on cIgE elevation and their difference by sex remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to determine whether there are sex-moderated interactions between genetic variants in the IL4/IL13 pathway and prenatal environments on cIgE elevation. Comprehensive information on environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), home dampness (indexed by combining mildewy odour, visible mould and water stamp on the wall) and other household environments was obtained using a structured questionnaire during the third trimester of pregnancy in 1107 full-term newborns. The cord blood was collected for measuring cIgE levels, with elevation defined as ≥0.5IU/mL, and for genotyping of five single nucleotide polymorphisms of three candidate genes (IL-13 rs1800925, rs20541, rs848, IL-4 rs2243250 and STAT6 rs324011). Gene-environment interactions on cIgE elevation were observed in male but not female newborns, including those between ETS and IL13 rs20541, between home dampness and STAT6 rs324011, and between composite environmental exposure (combined ETS and the three home dampness indices) and STAT6 rs324011 (P for interaction=0.03, 0.006, and 0.001, respectively). Male newborns carrying STAT6 rs324011 CT or TT genotype manifested with a significant dose-response association of the composite environmental exposure with cIgE elevation. Sex moderates the gene-environment interactions involving IL4/IL13 pathway genes and prenatal household environments on cIgE elevation. The absence of prenatal exposure to ETS and home dampness in male neonates carrying the STAT6 rs324011 CT or TT genotype is least likely associated with cIgE elevation.

Environmental grass pollen levels in utero and at birth and cord blood IgE: Analysis of three birth cohorts

BackgroundEarly life factors are associated with allergic respiratory diseases, but the role of high grass pollen concentrations during pregnancy and shortly after birth is not known. ObjectiveTo assess outdoor levels of grass pollen during the intrauterine period and at birth during peak pollen season on cord blood IgE in birth cohorts. MethodsThree birth cohorts were included: MACS (n = 429), Australia; COPSAC2000 (n = 200), Denmark; and LISA (n = 1968), Germany. Cord blood IgE was categorized (<0.5 kU/L, 0.5–1 kU/L, >1 kU/L) and dichotomized (high IgE ≥ 0.5 kU/L). Birth during the grass pollen season months and cumulative exposure to outdoor grass pollen counts during pregnancy with cord blood IgE were analysed using multinomial regression and analysed in meta-analysis using binomial regression adjusted for potential confounders. ResultsBirth during the grass pollen season had higher pooled odds of cord blood IgE >0.5 kU/L 1.37 (95% CI 1.06, 1.77) in a meta-analysis with little heterogeneity between the three cohorts. Cumulative exposure to outdoor grass pollen counts during the entire pregnancy was associated with slightly lower pooled odds but significant (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96 to 0.99). ConclusionsBirth during grass pollen seasons were associated with increased risk of high cord blood IgE in cities from both hemispheres, but high pollen loads in the environment during the entire pregnancy appeared protective. As IgE responses develop during the first months of life, our study findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of grass pollen exposure at birth and shortly after on possible allergic respiratory diseases.

Relationship of Cord Blood Immunoglobulin E and Maternal Immunoglobulin E with Birth Order and Maternal History of Allergy in Albanian Mother/Neonate Pairs.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies reported that familial factors such as birth order and mothers atopy might influence cord blood levels and development of allergies.AIM:The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship of cord blood IgE and maternal IgE with birth order and mothers history of allergy in Albanian mother/neonate pairs.MATERIAL AND METHODS:Study population represented 291 mother-infant pairs. Mothers were interviewed with a questionnaire for personal history of allergy and pregnancy history whereas serum IgE levels were determined using sandwich IRMA assay.RESULTS:The mean level of cIgE in neonates with detectable levels was 1.59 (n = 78). No significant difference in means of cIgE was found between first born and later born neonates (p = 0.232) and between neonates of mothers with a negative and positive history of allergy (p = 0.125). Also, no significant difference was found between means of mIgE by birth order, whereas there was a significant difference of mIgE between mothers with and without a history of allergy (p = 0.01). In a group of neonates with detectable cIgE levels, maternal IgE levels were moderately correlated with cIgE levels.CONCLUSION:Cord blood IgE is not affected by birth order and mothers history of allergy, whereas mothers IgE are affected by the history of allergy but not by birth order.

Prenatal exposure to dioxin-like compounds is associated with decreased cord blood IgE and increased risk of wheezing in children aged up to 7 years: The Hokkaido study

IntroductionIn utero exposure to dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) may cause imbalance of immune development in early infancy. However, there are few epidemiological studies into the effects of in utero exposure to DLCs on allergies and infections during childhood. This study evaluates associations between concentrations of maternal DLCs and cord blood immunoglobulin (Ig) E, as well as allergies and infections during childhood. MethodWe recruited 514 pregnant women in a maternity hospital in Sapporo, Japan, and measured concentrations of DLCs in 426 maternal blood samples using high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry. We examined the relationship between concentrations of maternal DLCs and cord blood IgE at birth (n=239), as well as for allergies and infections in children at 3.5 (n=327) and 7 (n=264) years, using regression analysis adjusted for confounding variables. ResultsWe found a positive association between maternal DLC concentrations and frequency of wheezing in children aged up to 7years [odds ratio (OR); 7.81 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.42 to 42.9)]. At 3.5years, boys showed inverse associations between maternal DLC concentrations and cord blood IgE [partial regression coefficient; −0.87 (95% CI), −1.68 to −0.06], and frequency of wheezing [OR; 0.03 (95% CI), 0.00 to 0.94] but girls did not. DiscussionAs one reason for the significant association observed at 7 but absent at 3.5years, we suggest that allergic symptoms are more obvious in older children due to matured immune function. ConclusionThe findings suggest that prenatal exposure to DLCs may modify offspring immune responses and result in increased risk of allergy among children of school age.

Effect of season of birth on cord blood IgE and IgE at birth: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundElevated cord blood IgE is important on the pathway to allergic disease. The association between season of birth and infant cord blood IgE is not well-established. Study findings differ on which birth season is associated with higher cord blood IgE risk and its magnitude. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on season of birth and cord blood IgE. MethodsWe searched Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and ProQuest Health databases, and reviewed reference lists of articles that met the inclusion criteria. All included studies measured IgE as a binary variable using various cut-off values. We performed multivariate-random-effects meta-analysis to handle an exposure with multiple categories of Season of Birth. ResultsOur search identified 275 records and 10 had sufficient data to be included in a meta-analysis. Relative to summer, winter birth had the greatest odds of high IgE (≥ 0.1IU/ml), meta-analysis OR = 1.24 (95%CI: 1.01–1.52). A similar OR, was found for IgE ≥ 0.5 IU/ml, OR = 1.30 (95%CI: 0.99–1.71). ConclusionsA winter season of birth was associated with statistically significant higher odds of elevated cord blood IgE at cut-off ≥ 0.1IU/ml but borderline at cut-off ≥ 0.5IU/ml. This winter effect is likely to be a marker for a range of other environmental exposures during specific stages of pregnancy, such as aeroallergen exposures, maternal infections and vitamin D levels. Further research is required to support our finding and to identify the exact mechanisms that lead to the winter season of birth effect on circulating IgE levels, as this may have implications for allergic disease prevention.

Is the level of cord blood IgE considered to be a marker of antenatal «programming» of allergic phenotype in newborn infant?

The article presents the literature data and the results of own research on the allergic phenotype diagnostics and the prediction capability of IgE level in the cord blood in newborns.

Association between cord blood IgE levels in newborns and family history of atopic diseases

Background Cord blood-IgE (CB-IgE) levels have been usedwidely as a specific marker of atopic diseases. In some previousstudies, CB-IgE levels in subjects with and without a family historyof atopic diseases have been controversial.Objective To determine the CB-IgE level in newborns and to iden-tify the association between CB-IgE and family history of atopicdiseases.Methods A cross-sectional study was done to compare the CB-IgElevels in neonates with or without a family history of atopic diseasesin mother, father, or siblings. Subjects of this study were 124 new-borns who consecutively born in Puskesmas Kiaracondong,Bandung, during the period of March 2001 to July 2002. Subjectswere divided into 2 groups based on history of atopic diseases.Measurements of CB-IgE levels were done by sandwich ELISAmethods. Data were analyzed by c 2 statistics, t test, ANOVA, andDunkan’s test.Results The mean CB-IgE levels in the group with and without afamily history of atopic diseases were 3.2±2.5 IU/ml and 0.5±0.5IU/ml (P&lt;0.001), respectively. The mean CB-IgE levels in maleand female infants with a family history of atopic diseases were3.3±2.7 IU/ml and 3.03±2.2 IU/ml (P&gt;0.05), respectively. Basedon the cut-off point (1.3 IU/ml), CB-IgE levels had significant posi-tive association with a family history of atopic diseases (OR 156,95%CI 29.61;1104.24). CB-IgE levels in neonates with 1, 2, and 3atopic family members were 1.67±0.78 IU/ml, 3.76±2.11 IU/ml, and6.6±2.7 IU/ml, respectively (F=32.603; P&lt;0.001).Conclusion Most newborns with a family history of atopic dis-eases showed high levels of CB-IgE, but there were no correlationwith gender. The probability of having atopic diseases increase inconcord with the number of family with atopic diseases

Prenatal exposure to DEHP and childhood wheeze and atopic dermatitis: The Hokkaido Study on the Environment and Children’s Health

Background: It is concerned that exposure to phthalates, which are widely used in consumer products, might affect asthma and allergies among children. Although it is reported that DEHP in house dust was associated children’s allergies in cross-sectional study including our report, very few prospective studies have been reported the association between prenatal exposure to phthalates and children’s allergies. Methods: A total of 514 Japanese pregnant women agreed to participate in the Hokkaido Study in Sapporo, Japan between 2002 and 2005. Maternal blood sample were collected 23–35 weeks of gestation and MEHP was measured by GC/MS. Total IgE was measured from cord blood. Characteristics of mothers and children were obtained from medical birth record and questionnaires. The occurrence of wheeze and atopic dermatitis were assessed at age of 1.5 (n=384), 3.5 (n=324) and 7 years (n=266) using ISAAC questionnaire. Results: MEHP was detected from all samples and median concentration was 37.4 pmol/mL. The prevalence of wheeze and atopic dermatitis were 8.6% and 12.5% at 1.5 years and 24.7% and 28.3% at 1.5 years, and 16.5% and 21.4% at 7 years, respectively. There was no significant association between prenatal MEHP level and IgE in cord blood. Furthermore, we did not find any associations between prenatal MEHP level and children’s wheeze or atopic dermatitis at 1.5, 3.5, and 7 years. Conclusion: Prenatal DEHP exposure did not show adverse effects on infant IgE levels and children’s wheeze or atopic dermatitis. Adverse health effects of DEHP exposure on allergies might have strong impact on postnatal exposure rather than prenatal. However, only MEHP was measured to assess DEHP exposure in this study, therefore, other metabolites should be considered in further study.

Detection of Ovomucoid-Specific Low-Affinity IgE in 14-Month-Old Infants and Its Relationship with Eczema

Norio Kawamoto, MD, PhD, Norio Kamemura, PhD, Hiroshi Kido, MD, PhD, Toshiyuki Fukao, MD, PhD; Gifu University, Gifu City, Japan, The University of Tokushima, Japan. RATIONALE: We previously demonstrated the presence of low-affinity IgE in human cord blood by using a newly developed high-sensitivity method. In this study, we investigated the presence of low-affinity IgE detected in their early life and observed its relationship with the eczema. METHODS: We conducted a birth cohort study (n5110) with collecting sera at birth (CB), 6 months (6M) and 14 months (14M) of age. We monitored ovomucoid (OM) and egg white (EW) specific-IgE (sIgE) on UniCAP and a glass slide (GCP)-chip. Affinity characteristics of OM-sIgE at 14M were analyzed in the presence or absence of a mild chaotropic agent, diethyl amine (DEA). RESULTS: Among 45 participants with positive for OM-sIgE on GCPchip at 14M, 23 participants showed negative and 22 showed positive for OM-sIgE by UniCAP at same age. We next compared two representative groups in positive by GCP-chip at 14M; a group with OMand EW-sIgE levels of 0.34 Ua/mL (n510). Sera of the former group showed a larger shift of binding inhibition curves after addedDEA (40mM) than that of matched, indicating the existence of low-affinity IgE. We were categorized by the diagnosis of eczema at 6M and 14M. No-eczema group had higher percentages of having low-affinity IgE as well as lower percentages of high-affinity IgE. CONCLUSIONS: We newly detected allergen-specific low-affinity IgE even in the human peripheral blood at 14M and eczema may risk factor for developing high-affinity IgE, not low-affinity IgE.

The Interaction Between Prenatal Exposure to Home Renovation and Reactive Oxygen Species Genes in Cord Blood IgE Response is Modified by Maternal Atopy

The Interaction Between Prenatal Exposure to Home Renovation and Reactive Oxygen Species Genes in Cord Blood IgE Response is Modified by Maternal Atopy

Prevalence of and risk factors for atopic dermatitis: A birth cohort study of infants in southeast Turkey

BackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is most common in the first year of life. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for AD in a birth cohort of infants from southeast Turkey. MethodsAdana Paediatric Allergy Research (ADAPAR) birth cohort study was derived from 1377 infants who were born in Cukurova University, Medical Hospital, Adana, Turkey between February 2010 and February 2011. At birth, a physical examination was performed, cord blood samples were taken, and the mother completed a baseline questionnaire that provided data on gestational conditions, family history of allergic diseases and environmental exposures. Follow-up visits scheduled at 3, 6, and 12 months included an infant physical examination and an extended questionnaire. Skin prick test was performed and food-specific IgE levels were measured at 6 and 12 months. Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed based on confirmatory examination by a physician. ResultsOf the 1377 infants enrolled, 59 (4.3%) were diagnosed with AD as of 12 months. Maternal allergic disease (ORs 6.28, 95% CI 1.03–38.30; p=0.046), maternal infection during gestation (ORs 3.73, 95% CI 1.25–11.09; p=0.018), and presence of food allergy (ORs 13.7, 95% CI 3.07–61.0; p=0.001) were identified as risk factors for AD. Breastfeeding and cord blood IgE levels were not identified as risk factors. ConclusionsIn this cohort we found prevalence of AD as 4.3% during the first year of life. Positive family history of atopic diseases, prenatal infections and presence of food allergy are the risk factors for early presentation of AD.