Family History Of Allergic Diseases Research Articles

Risk factors for allergic diseases: a cross-sectional survey of 9,501 Chinese preschool-aged children

BackgroundChildhood allergic diseases are increasing worldwide with unprecedented complexity and severity, and they cause a major burden on health and healthcare costs. We aimed to identify potential factors, both in isolation and in combination, associated with allergic diseases among preschool-aged children, and to construct a nomogram prediction model based on significant factors.MethodsWe cross-sectionally recruited 9,501 preschool-aged children from 30 kindergartens in Beijing and Tangshan. Allergic diseases were ascertained according to the “International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood” questionnaire. Risk for allergic diseases is quantified by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsFour factors were identified to be independently, consistently, and significantly associated with the risk for allergic diseases overall and by four clinical manifestations separately, including bedtime (per 1 hour late) (taking asthma/wheezing as an example, OR, 95% CI, P: 1.21, 1.08 to 1.35, 0.001), outdoor activities ≤1.5 h per day (1.45, 1.26 to 1.68, 3.77E-07), family history of allergic diseases (2.23, 1.92 to 2.60, 0.00E+00), and antibiotic use during childhood (3.64, 2.44 to 5.42, 1.66E-10). Further analyses revealed that family history of allergic diseases acted with antibiotic use during childhood in an additive manner. For practical reasons, risk prediction nomogram models were constructed for allergic diseases respectively in Beijing and Tangshan based on significant and conventional factors, and the prediction accuracy was good, with the C-index 69% in Tangshan and 68% in Beijing (both P=0.00E+00).ConclusionsOur findings identified four factors in significant association with the risk for allergic diseases, and in particular family history of allergic diseases and antibiotic use during childhood acted additively.

Correlation Between Allergy History in Family and Allergy Manifestation in School Age Children

Background: Asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis are influenced by both genetic factor and environtment factors. Based on family history of allergy, allergic trace cards can identify the level of allergic risk in children. The relationship between family history of allergy and manifestation of allergic disease as a single allergy disease and allergic multimorbidity still need to be explored. The objective of this study was to identify the associations between family history of allergic disease and manifestation of allergic disease in school-age children.Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study on school age children with 6-13 years old at eight elementary schools in Yogyakarta. Family history of allergy was defined as reported asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis in a parent or sibling and classified the level of allergic risk based on allergic trace cards. Subjects were questioned by standardized ISAAC questionnaire. The relationship between the two was analyzed by the Chi-squared analysis to assess the prevalence ratio (PR).Results: A total of 272 children with an average age of 8.4 years, allergic manifestations occurred more as multimorbidity (53%) with the highest incidence of RA+asthma (9%) compared with one allergic disease (47%) with the highest incidence of RA (11%). There was a significant relationship between family history of allergy and all manifestations of allergic disease with an increased risk of developing allergies by 3.3 (PR 3.3; 95% CI 2.3-4.8) and 2.8 times (PR 2.8; IK95% 1.8-4.3) in the moderate and high-risk score group. Asthma, RA and DA have a risk for coexistence with 2 other diseases of 2.5 (RP 2.5 IK95%; 1.9-3), 2.25 (PR 2.25 IK95%; 1.7 -3) and 1.9 times (PR 2.5 IK95%; 1.45-2.4).Conclusion: Family history of allergic disease is a risk factors for the development of allergic manifestation both a single allergic disease and multimobidity.

Differentiating the endotypes in allergic rhinitis

Aim. The aim of the study was to differentiate the endotypes in allergic rhinitis by key allergy markers in a mixed group of patients.Material and Methods. The study comprised a total of 48 patients, men and women, aged 18-60 years suffering from three endotypes of allergic rhinitis including the classic, local, and dual allergic rhinitis. The standard diagnostics of allergic rhinitis included taking a history of allergies, family history of allergic disease, video rhinoscopy, serum total IgE level assessment, allergy skin tests to house dust mite and pollen allergens, and study of eosinophilic inflammation parameters (eosinophil cationic protein, interleukin-5 (IL5), and eosinophil counts in blood and nasal secretion).Results. Based on total IgE level, the general group of patients was divided to two subgroups: subgroup 1 comprised patients with high IgE level (n = 22); subgroup 2 comprised patients with low IgE level (n = 26). Most of patients in these groups had contradictory results of allergy skin tests i.e. positive allergy skin test results in case of high IgE level (group 1) and vice versa. Cluster analysis-based exminations of general group allowed to categorize three subgroups of patients: patients with classic allergic rhinitis (n = 22), local allergic rhinitis (n = 22), and dual allergic rhinitis (n = 4). Besides, an increased rate of anxiety disorder was found in patients with local allergic rhinitis (p < 0.001).Conclusion. The obtained data showed promise for a new research trend in studying allergic rhinitis endotypes, namely: investigation of neuroimmune relationships in allergic tolerance disruption in the presence of this pathology.

Timing of food introduction to the infant diet and risk of food allergy: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between the timing of complementary feeding for infants and the occurrence of food allergy. Methods: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and WanFang Data database were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the effects of early introduction of complementary foods in infants on the occurrence of food allergy. Papers published from the establishment of the databases to December 31, 2019 were extracted. The quality of the selected literature was evaluated using the risk-of-bias (ROB) tools in the Cochrane Handbook, and the RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. For the complementary food analyzed in a few reports in literature, a systematic review was conducted. Results: A total of 8 RCTs were extracted, and the systematic review and Meta-analysis were carried out according to food types. The results of Meta-analysis showed that compared with late introduction (after 6 months of age), early introduction (before 6 months of age) of eggs (RR=0.60, 95%CI 0.46-0.79) could reduce the risk of egg allergy in infants. The subgroup analysis of the six studies about eggs demonstrated that in infants with a prior or family history of allergic diseases, the introduction of eggs before 6 months of age was associated with reduced risk of egg allergy (RR=0.55, 95%CI 0.40-0.75), and the introduction of raw eggs (RR=0.67, 95%CI 0.49-0.93) and small amount of eggs (equivalent to weekly protein 0-4 g) (RR=0.55, 95%CI 0.36-0.85) before 6 months of age were also associated with reduced risk of egg allergy. In addition, egg supplementation during 4-6 months of age reduced the occurrence of egg allergy compared with supplementation before 4 months of age (RR=0.58, 95%CI 0.43-0.78). The systematic review found no conclusive relationship between early peanut introduction and peanut allergy, nor the correlation between early cow's milk protein introduction and cow's milk protein allergy (P>0.05). Conclusion: Early introduction (before 6 months of age) of eggs in infants' complementary foods can prevent infant egg allergy, but the limitations of the study need to be considered.

Reference value of Forced Oscillation Technique for healthy preschool children.

The reference values of Forced Oscillation Technique (FOT) parameters of the inspiratory and expiratory phase for preschool children have not yet been established. To evaluate FOT measures in Thai healthy preschool children. Preschool children, aged 3-6 years, were screened. Children who were positive for the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire for asthma, positive family history of allergic diseases, recent lower respiratory tract infections, and environmental tobacco smoke were excluded. FOT parameters, including resistance (Rrs), reactance (Xrs), frequency of resonance (Fres) and area of reactance (ALX), were measured. A total of 390 healthy children with the mean age of 5.1 ± 0.9 years were enrolled. FOT was successfully performed in 378 children (96.9%). The mean (SD) for the whole breath (WB) resistance at 5Hz (R5), 20 Hz (R20) and R5-20 were 11.49 (2.69) cmH2O/L/s, 9.46 (2.19) cmH2O/L/s and 2.02 (0.82) cmH2O/L/s, respectively. The median (IQR) for WB reactance at 5Hx (X5), Fres and ALX were -1.51 (-2.37 to -0.96) cmH2O/L/s, 11.17 (8.50-15.65) Hz, and 7.53 (3.72-14.32) cmH2O/L/s, respectively. Significantly difference in WB R5, R20, X5, Fres and ALX between male and female children were demonstrated. The expiratory phase R5, R20, R5-20 were significantly higher than those of the inspiratory phase (p < 0.001). There are significant correlations between the height and FOT parameters. Reference curve for the FOT parameters was generated based on height using the lambda-mu-sigma (LMS) method. Reference curve of FOT parameters measured in healthy preschool children were demonstrated. Majority of preschool children could perform FOT method.

Allergic symptoms in association with naturalness, greenness, and greyness: A cross-sectional study in schoolchildren in the Alps

BackgroundGreenness may protect from or contribute to allergy risk by influencing air pollution and human-microbe interactions. However, existing research on the issue is heterogeneous and produced conflicting results. Less in known about the effects of greyness. This study investigated the association between different characteristics of residential and school environment and allergic symptoms in schoolchildren. MethodsThe present cross-sectional survey was undertaken in 2004/2005 among 1251 schoolchildren (8–12 years old) in several alpine valleys in Austria and Italy. Children's mothers completed a questionnaire that asked about allergic symptoms (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire), sociodemographic information, lifestyle, perinatal data, and housing conditions. We constructed four aggregate outcome variables: current asthma symptoms, ever asthma symptoms, ever allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms, and ever eczema symptoms. We employed well-known greenness and greyness exposure indicators (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, tree canopy cover, agricultural cover, imperviousness cover, and industrial cover), as well as an alternative naturalness index (Distance to Nature, D2N). Adjusted logistic regressions were used to explore associations between each exposure-outcome pair. Air pollution (NO2), traffic noise and time spent outdoors were tested as potential mediators in causal mediation analysis. ResultsDecrease in naturalness in a 500-m buffer around the home was associated with higher prevalence of AR symptoms. Associations with asthma symptoms were in the same direction but marginally significant. Residential NDVI and tree cover were marginally associated with lower prevalence of asthma and AR symptoms. Having a domestic garden was associated with lower prevalence of asthma symptoms. School greenness in a 100-m buffer was associated with lower prevalence of AR symptoms. Residential greyness was associated with higher prevalence of AR and asthma symptoms. We observed stronger associations for greenness and greyness in non-movers and in children without a family history of allergies. Mediation by NO2 and time spent outdoors was present in some of the exposure-outcome pairs. ConclusionsSchoolchildren residing in places with lower naturalness and higher greyness may be more likely to have allergic rhinitis and possibly asthma. Considering more comprehensive indicators than greenness and greyness and conducting research in children without a family history of allergic diseases may be key to better understanding who can profit from natural landscapes.

Heterogeneity of Adult Rhinitis for Multimorbidity and Age at Onset among Non-Sensitized Rhinitis and Mono-/Poly-Sensitized Rhinitis: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Recent studies have proposed that clinical and immunological differences exist between mono- and poly-sensitized subjects with allergic diseases, and poly-sensitization was related to multimorbidity of allergic diseases among children and adolescents. Objective: We compared the clinical characteristics and multimorbidity of allergic diseases between adult rhinitis patients mono- and poly-sensitized to common aeroallergens using a retrospective cross-sectional study for tertiary care subjects. Methods: The medical records of 1,615 patients who were clinically diagnosed with rhinitis by an otolaryngologist and evaluated with skin prick tests were reviewed. The severity of the rhinitis symptoms, comorbidities (asthma, conjunctivitis, and eczema), family history of allergic diseases, and the results of skin prick tests were evaluated. Results: There were 392 patients with mono-sensitized rhinitis (mono-sR), 325 with poly-sensitized rhinitis (poly-sR), and 898 with non-sensitized rhinitis (non-sR). Comorbid conjunctivitis and eczema were most common in poly-sR, followed by mono-sR, and least common in non-sR patients. The age at onset of rhinitis was clearly different between adult patients with non-sR and mono-/poly-sR, but not between patients with mono-sR and poly-sR. However, the age at onset of rhinitis was much younger in non-sR and mono-sR patients with conjunctivitis or eczema than those without such comorbidities. Conclusion: Thefrequency of comorbid conjunctivitis and eczema in adult rhinitis patients differed by a quantitative trait of immunoglobulin E sensitization. Depending on the multimorbidity of allergic diseases, onset age of rhinitis seems to be different in adult rhinitis patients.

Association between prenatal depressive symptoms and eczema in infants: The Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study.

Eczema is a growing threat on infants' health, and the role of maternal depression in the risk of eczema's early onset is unclear. This study aimed to examine the associations of different exposure timing of prenatal depressive symptoms with offspring's eczema in infancy. The study was part of the ongoing prospective Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study. Maternal depressive symptoms were assessed at both early (<20th week of gestation) and late pregnancy (≥33rd week of gestation to delivery) using the Self-Rating Depression Scale. Information on the diagnosis of eczema was collectedwhen the children were 1 year old. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between prenatal depressive symptoms and infants' eczema and test for moderation by parental history of allergic diseases. In this population, 7.7% (447/5825) of mothers experienced persistent depressive symptoms during pregnancy, 10.1% (590/5825) had depressive symptoms only at early pregnancy, and 8.4% (489/5825) of women experienced depressive symptoms only at late pregnancy. After adjusting for potential confounders, higher risks of eczema were observed in infants of mothers with persistent prenatal depressive symptoms when compared to those children without maternal depressive symptoms throughout pregnancy (OR: 1.55, 95% CI 1.19-2.03). These associations were marginally more pronounced among children in families without parents affected by allergic diseases than in other families (P for interaction=.064 for courses of prenatal depressive symptoms). Persistent maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy increased the risk of infants' eczema, especially in children without family history of allergic diseases. These associations, if proved to be causal, could be an intervention target not only to improve women's health but also to prevent offspring's eczema.

Relationships Between IL-13 and IL-4 Genotypes and Aeroallergens with Risk of Allergic Rhinitis in Iranian-Azeri.

Background: Up to 40% of the world populations are affected by allergic rhinitis (AR). Interplay between genetics, epigenetics, and environmental factors leads to allergic disease. Objective: In this study, we evaluated the accompaniment between polymorphic variants of IL-13 and IL-4 and aeroallergens among Iranian-Azeri children and adolescent in AR's risk. Methods: Five-hundred AR patients and 300 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study after diagnosis via blood testing for IgE and skin prick test by subspecialty of Allergy and Immunology from Azerbaijan, northwest of Iran, from 2017 to 2019. Genomic DNA was prepared from all samples for genotyping of IL-4 and IL-13. Results: We identified genetic variation of IL-13 and IL-4 and important aeroallergens that could increase the AR risk during childhood and adolescent. The risk of AR increased in the subjects with +2044GA genotype of IL13 [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.80; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.97-3.33] and -590CT genotype of IL4 (adjusted OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.00-3.87) in childhoods, compared with the control subjects. However, none of genotypes and allele frequencies of IL4 -590C/T and IL13 +2044G/A polymorphisms revealed significant variation between the AR patients and controls in adulthood. The frequency of sensitization to pollens was high in all genotypes of IL4 -590C/T and IL13 +2044G/A polymorphisms in both age groups of AR patients. Conclusion: AR is considered to be the most common form of atopic disease. Susceptible individuals had family history of allergic disease and indicated sensitivity to various environmental factors. In this study, pollen and feather played an important role in occurrence of AR. Childhood with GA at IL13 +2044 and CT at IL4 -590 are at increased risk for AR. Moreover, further studies with more samples are required to confirm our findings and also to help us develop new procedure for genetically detecting more efficient proceedings of prevention and intervention.

Randomized controlled trial of impact of early regular emollient using on transepidermal water loss and cumulative incidence of atopic dermatitis in infants at risk

The solution of the problem of atopic dermatitis (AD) prevention is an important task of modern medicine. Recently the idea of early systematic skin care in infants aimed at improving the epidermal barrier function and reducing the risk of AD development is widespread. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of early regular emollients application in infants at risk on transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and cumulative incidence of AD. Materials and methods. An open randomized controlled trial included 80 healthy newborns (41 girls and 39 boys) with a family history of allergic diseases has been conducted. All participants were divided into main (n=38) and control (n=42) groups. Infants of the main group received emollients application twice per day for 6 months as well as a symbiotic complex from 3 to 6 months daily compared to the no intervention in control group. All infants were followed-up during the first year of life, besides of clinical examination TEWL was assessed as an objective criterion of epidermal barrier function. The main outcome was the development of AD at the age of 12 months. Results. 72 infants have been included into final analysis (35 - main group, 37 - control group). By the end of follow-up 19 patients (26.4%) had confirmed AD, with significant difference in cumulative incidence of AD between group: 37.8% in the main group and 14.3% in control, р

The Natural Course of Immediate-Type Cow’s Milk and Egg Allergies in Children

Background: Most of children with cow’s milk (CM) and hen’s egg allergies are known to outgrow their diseases with time, but recent studies have demonstrated that children tend to continue to have allergic symptoms in adolescence and adulthood. The aim of this study was to investigate the natural course of CM and egg allergies in Korean children and analyze prognostic factors. Methods: In this retrospective study, we reviewed data of children with CM allergy and with egg allergy using medical records and parental telephone interviews. Diagnosis of CM or egg allergy was based on positive oral food challenge test or convincing history of allergic symptoms in combination with positive allergen-specific IgE. Acquisition of tolerance was defined by the absence of allergic symptoms after reintroduction of the offending foods. Results: Half of the children outgrew CM allergy at a median age of 8.7 years. CM-specific IgE level at the first reaction was a significant prognostic factor for oral tolerance in CM allergy (p < 0.05). The median age to acquire oral tolerance in 50% of patients with egg allergy was 5.6 years. Egg-specific IgE level at the first reaction and family history of allergic diseases significantly affected the prognosis in children with egg allergy (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Half of Korean children with CM and egg allergies had symptom resolution at 8.7 and 5.6 years of age, respectively. Our results also suggest that CM- and egg-specific IgE levels at the first reaction are the most significant prognostic factors in predicting acquisition of oral tolerance.

Early-Life Exposure to Oral Antibiotics and Lung Function Into Early Adulthood

Although there is ongoing debate regarding the impact of early postnatal exposure to antibiotics on the development of asthma, the possibility that antibiotic exposure may impair lung function has not previously been examined. Furthermore, it is unclear if specific types of antibiotics may have a greater effect, or if children with genetic mutations in the oxidative stress response glutathione S-transferase (GST) superfamily may be at greater risk. Parent-reported data of childhood antibiotic use from birth to 2 years, including type and indication, were collected from a birth cohort of 620 infants with a family history of allergy. Spirometry was performed at age 12 and 18 years, and results are presented as z scores. Participants were genotyped for GST-P, GST-M, and GST-T polymorphisms. Linear regression models were used to investigate the associations while adjusting for confounding factors. Neither increasing days of exposure nor earlier exposure to antibiotics was associated with reduced FEV1 (at 18 years, per doubling of days of exposure= -0.03z score units; 95%CI, -0.11 to 0.04) or FVC (< 0.01; 95%CI, -0.08 to 0.07). There was no evidence that GST-risk polymorphisms (M1, P1, and T1) increased susceptibility, and specific types of antibiotics also did not increase risk of lung function deficits. Increasing exposure to oral antibiotics in early postnatal life was not associated with reduced lung function in children with a family history of allergic diseases. Although unwarranted use of antibiotics in children should be minimized, concerns regarding long-term lung health should not be a driving influence for this rationalization of use.

Environmental factors associated with allergy in urban and rural children from the South African Food Allergy (SAFFA) cohort

The prevalence of allergic diseases differs in urban and rural populations. We sought to assess associations between environmental and dietary factors with allergic diseases in urban and rural South African children. Toddlers aged 12 to 36 months were assessed for food allergen and aeroallergen sensitization, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and challenge-proved food allergy. Information was collected on family history of allergic diseases, household size, socioeconomic status, delivery mode, antibiotic and probiotic use, exposure to fermented and unpasteurized milk, antihelminth treatment, sunlight exposure, pet and farm animal exposure, cigarette smoke, and household cooking and heating fuels. Antenatal exposures to pets, livestock, and cigarette smoke were assessed. Asubsection completed questions on consumption of fruits and vegetables, fast foods, soft drinks/fruit juices, and fried/microwaved meat. Risk and protective factors differed between urban and rural settings. Exposure to farm animals in infants and their mothers during pregnancy was protective against allergic outcomes in the rural population. Consumption of unpasteurized milk is uncommon in this group of rural children and is unlikely to be an important factor in rural protection. In urban children birth by cesarean section is associated with food allergy, and consumption of fermented milk products is associated with reduced asthma and atopic dermatitis. In both cohorts antenatal maternal smoking and environmental smoking exposure were predominantly associated with asthma, and consumption of fast foods and fried meats were associated with allergy. In this rural environment exposure to livestock is the strongest protective factor. In urban communities, where animal contact is rare, risk factors include cesarian section, and protective factors include consumption of fermented milk products. Modifiable risk factors urgently require interventionsto prevent increasing allergy rates in countries undergoing rapid urbanization.

The relation between serum vitamin D levels, viral infections and severity of attacks in children with recurrent wheezing

Introduction and ObjectivesVitamin D deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to infections and wheezing. We aimed to evaluate the relation between vitamin D levels, viral infections and severity of attacks in children with recurrent wheezing. Materials and methodsA total of 52 patients who applied with wheezing, at the ages of 12–60 months with a history of three or more wheezing attacks in the last year and 54 healthy children were included. Sociodemographic data, risk factors for recurrent wheezing, and the severity of the wheezing attacks were recorded. 25(OH)D3, calcium, phosphor, alkaline phosphatase and parathormone levels of all children were measured. Nasopharyngeal samples of the patients for viruses were studied by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. ResultsFor the patient group, being breastfed for six months or less, history of cesarean section, cigarette exposure, humid home environment, and family history of allergic disease were significantly higher compared with the control group. Serum vitamin D levels in the patient group were significantly lower compared to the control group. There was no significant relationship between vitamin D levels and hospitalization, oxygen or steroid therapy. Virus was detected in 38 patients (73%). Rhinovirus (63.2%) was the most frequently detected virus. Coinfection was found in 14 (36.8%) patients. There was no statistically significant difference between detection of virus and vitamin D levels. ConclusionsCigarette exposure, being breastfed six months or less, humid home environment, history of cesarean section, family history of allergic disease and vitamin D deficiency might be risk factors for recurrent wheezing.

Asthma, atopy and serious psychological distress: prevalence and risk factors among young people in the Melbourne atopy cohort study

Background: While atopic conditions are associated with increased risk of mental health problems, the evidence that a range of allergic conditions are associated with psychological distress in young people is less clear.Methods: We recruited a longitudinal birth cohort study of 620 children with a family history of allergic disease. At the 18-year follow up, atopic sensitization was determined by skin prick testing. Surveys were used to determine psychological distress (Kessler 6), quality of life (SF12), respiratory symptoms and management, presence of current eczema and hay fever. Regression models were used to identify predictors of psychological distress and quality of life, while controlling for potential confounders.Results: Prevalence of serious psychological distress was quite low (n = 22, 5.3%), and there were no associations between psychological distress and current atopic sensitization, symptoms of hay fever, eczema or asthma. Smoking status and lower level of maternal education were associated with lower physical quality of life (SF12 PCS subscale). Psychological distress total score, lower maternal education, smoking, female sex, and current eczema were associated with worse mental quality of life (SF12 MCS subscale).Conclusion: We found relatively low levels of psychological distress in this cohort of young adults, despite a high prevalence of allergic diseases. Positive social factors may serve to buffer psychological distress amongst the cohort accounting for the low prevalence of serious psychological distress observed.

Maternal Fiber Dietary Intakes during Pregnancy and Infant Allergic Disease.

Maternal diet during pregnancy plays a likely role in infant immune development through both direct nutrient specific immunomodulatory effects and by modulating the composition and metabolic activity of the maternal gut microbiome. Dietary fibers, as major substrates for microbial fermentation, are of interest in this context. This is the first study to examine maternal intakes of different fiber sub-types and subsequent infant allergic disease. In an observational study of 639 mother–infant pairs (all infants had a family history of allergic disease) we examined maternal intakes of total fiber, soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, resistant starch, and prebiotic fiber, by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire at 36–40 weeks’ gestation. Infants attended an allergy clinical assessment at 12 months of age, including skin prick testing to common allergens. Higher maternal dietary intakes of resistant starch were associated with reduced doctor diagnosed infant wheeze, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.68 (95% CI 0.49, 0.95, p = 0.02). However, in contrast, higher maternal intakes of resistant starch were associated with higher risk of parent reported eczema aOR 1.27 (95% CI 1.09, 1.49, p < 0.01) and doctor diagnosed eczema aOR 1.19 (95% CI 1.01, 1.41, p = 0.04). In conclusion, maternal resistant starch consumption was differentially associated with infant phenotypes, with reduced risk of infant wheeze, but increased risk of eczema.

Factors Associated with Atopic Dermatitis and Allergic Rhinitis among Residents of Two Municipal Areas in South Korea.

Background and Objectives: The growing burden and deleterious health consequences of allergic diseases, especially of allergic rhinitis (AR) and atopic dermatitis (AD), in developed countries remains an important public health issue. The current study aimed to assess the prevalence and to identify the risk factors of atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis among residents of Pohang-Si and Yeongdeok-Gun, two municipal areas in South Korea. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in both municipal areas between 12 November and 13 December 2017. A total of 302 subjects were recruited from 100 households (25 apartments and 25 houses in each municipality), by system extraction according to district code numbers. Data were collected using International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Standard Questionnaires for children and a health questionnaire for adults. Risk factors were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the 302 study participants, 12.9% and 25.5% had AD and AR, respectively. The significant factors associated with AD by multivariate logistic regression analysis were age ≥19 years (aOR (adjusted odds ratio) 6.9; 95% CI (confidence interval) (2.9–16.37)), residence in Pohang-Si (aOR 2.5; 95% CI (1.18–5.53)), and family history of allergic disease (aOR 2.3; 95% CI (1.09–4.9)). Similarly, the significant factors associated with AR were male gender (aOR 2.3; 95% CI (1.24–4.42)), age ≥19 years (aOR 4.4; 95% CI (2.28–8.48)), residence in Pohang-Si (aOR 2.8; 95% CI (1.51–5.37)), and family history of allergic disease (aOR 6.7; 95% CI (3.50–12.82)). Conclusion: The present study shows that age ≥19 years, residence in Pohang-Si, and family history of allergic disease are risk factors for AD and AR, and that, additionally, male gender is a risk factor of AR. Understanding the risk factors of allergic diseases can aid the design and implementation of evidence-specific strategies to reduce the long-standing problems associated with allergic disease.

Pollen exposure at birth and adolescent lung function, and modification by residential greenness.

Exposure to high levels of pollen in infancy is a risk factor for allergic respiratory diseases in later childhood, but effects on lung function are not fully understood. We aim to examine associations between grass pollen exposure in the first months of life and lung function at 12 and 18years, and explore potential modification. Using the Melbourne Atopy Cohort Study, a birth cohort of children with a family history of allergic diseases, we modeled the association between cumulative grass pollen exposure up to 3months after birth, on FEV1 , FVC, and FEV1 /FVC ratio at 12 and 18years. We also assessed modifying effects of residential greenness levels (derived from satellite imagery), asthma, and early life sensitization to ryegrass. Grass pollen exposure in the first 7days was associated with a reduction in FEV1 (-15.5mL; 95% CI: -27.6, -3.3 per doubling of pollen count) and FVC (-20.8mL; -35.4, -6.1) at 12years, but not at 18years. Increase in cumulative grass pollen exposure up to 3months was negatively associated with FVC at 12 and 18. Exposure to high residential greenness modified the association at 18 years. Early exposure to grass pollen was associated with decreased lung function in children and adolescents. Targeted interventions for pollen avoidance strategies that take into account local topography could be implemented alongside other clinical interventions such as immunotherapy.

PEBBLES study protocol: a randomised controlled trial to prevent atopic dermatitis, food allergy and sensitisation in infants with a family history of allergic disease using a skin barrier improvement strategy

IntroductionThe skin is an important barrier against environmental allergens, but infants have relatively impaired skin barrier function. There is evidence that impaired skin barrier function increases the risk of allergic...

Data Structure of Clinical Research

Bronchial asthma is one of the most common respiratory pathologies in children, characterized by rising incidence around the world. Early disease onset, severe clinical signs of bronchial asthma, the ineffectiveness of high doses of hormone therapy reduce the quality of life in patients and lead to disability. Analysis of bronchial asthma heterogeneity is now possible in virtue of computer technology and big data processing onrush. The information on 70 children suffering from bronchial asthma and 20 children from the control group was analyzed in this study. Gender, age, duration of disease, associated diseases, family history of allergic diseases, clinical blood and urine test, spirography and blood immunoassay results, total IgE, thymic stromal lymphopoietin and results of skin allergy tests were taken into account.