Parental History Of Allergic Diseases Research Articles

Sex steroid hormones and allergic diseases in children: a pilot birth cohort study in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study cohort

BackgroundNumerous studies suggest that sex steroids might play a role in sex disparity observed in allergic diseases in adults. However, whether sex hormones influence allergic diseases in children remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine the association of sex steroid hormones with allergic disease in Japanese children.MethodsThe present cross-sectional study included 145 6-year-old children participating in a pilot birth cohort study in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study. Data on allergic diseases were obtained from questionnaires, and serum levels of sex steroid hormones and allergen-specific IgE were measured. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association of sex hormones with allergic diseases.ResultsAfter adjusted sex, amount of body fat at 6 years, parental history of allergic disease, and exposure to tobacco smoke, serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level was significantly associated with reduced odds of any allergic disease (adjusted odds ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.36–0.93; P = 0.024) and serum follicle-stimulating hormone level was significantly associated with increased odds of any allergic disease (adjusted odds ratio, 2.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–4.11, P = 0.046). Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level showed a significant association with number of allergic diseases.ConclusionsThe current study findings suggest that sex hormones may play an important role in the development of allergic diseases in prepubertal children.

Allergic rhinitis in Chinese young adults from the Singapore/Malaysia cross-sectional genetics epidemiology study (SMCGES) cohort: Prevalence, patterns, and epidemiology of allergic rhinitis

BackgroundAllergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by the occurrence of at least 2 symptoms of nasal itching, nasal blockage, rhinorrhea, and sneezing, when not afflicted with a cold or flu, with defined atopic sensitization demonstrated by skin prick test or specific IgE responses. Besides the detriment to standard of living and economic burden of AR, both multicentre and single-cohort studies have observed an increase in AR prevalence in Asia over time. MethodsIn total, 12 872 individuals, with mean age 22.1 years (SD = 4.8), were recruited from universities in Singapore and Malaysia. Each participant provided epidemiological data based on an investigator-administered questionnaire adapted from the validated International Study of Allergies and Asthma in Childhood (ISAAC) protocol, and atopy status was determined using a skin prick test (SPT) performed by qualified staff. AR was diagnosed according to Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines and a positive SPT result. ResultsSensitization (determined by SPT) to either Blomia tropicalis or Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was prevalent in 66.5% of the cohort. Current rhinitis (manifesting ≥2 rhinitis symptoms, within the past 12 months) was observed in 48.9% of our population, while AR, which included atopy status, was estimated at 39.4%. Sneezing and rhinorrhea were the most common symptoms among AR cases. AR prevalence decreased with increasing age (OR: 0.979; 95% CI: 0.969–0.989), while male gender (OR: 2.053; 95% CI: 1.839–2.294), and a parental history of allergic diseases (OR: 2.750; 95% CI: 2.284–3.316) were significant risk factors for AR. Upon adjustment for age, gender, and parental history, housing type (OR: 0.632; 95% CI: 0.543–0.736) and income level (>$6000 vs <$2000; OR: 2.461; 95% CI: 2.058–2.947) remained as significant risk factors for AR, while ever having kept a pet (OR: 1.167; 95% CI: 1.025–1.328) emerged as a risk factor. Conflicting results were obtained for indicators of sedentary lifestyle: frequent physical activity (OR: 1.394; 95% CI: 1.150–1.694) and increased duration spent using the TV/computer (OR: 1.224; 95% CI: 1.006–1.489) both increased the risk of AR. Lastly, we used the Quality of Diet based on Glycaemic Index Score (QDGIS) to assess the Glycaemic Index (GI) level of overall diet. We identified lower GI level of overall diet as a protective factor against AR manifestation (OR: 0.682; 95% CI: 0.577–0.807). ConclusionWhile the previously established non-modifiable risk factors for AR were present in our study population, the identification of modifiable risk factors, such as TV/computer usage, and dietary habits, opens a new area for research, both in the areas of gene-environment interaction, and management of AR.

Association of the incidence of atopic dermatitis until 3 years old with birth month and with sunshine duration and humidity in the first 6 months of life: Japan Environment and Children’s Study

ObjectiveTo compare the incidence of atopic dermatitis in children aged from 6 months to 3 years across birth seasons and climate conditions.DesignCohort study.SettingFifteen regional centres across Japan.ParticipantsA total of 100...

Prevalence and risk factors for asthma, rhinitis, eczema, and atopy among preschool children in an Andean city.

Limited data are available on prevalence and associated risk factors for atopy and allergic diseases from high-altitude urban settings in Latin America. To estimate the prevalence of atopy, asthma, rhinitis, and eczema, and associations with relevant risk factors in preschool children in the Andean city of Cuenca. A cross-sectional study was undertaken using a representative sample of 535 children aged 3-5 years attending 30 nursery schools in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. Data on allergic diseases and risk factors were collected by parental questionnaire. Atopy was measured by skin prick test (SPT) reactivity to a panel of relevant aeroallergens. Associations between risk factors and the prevalence of atopy and allergic diseases were estimated using multivariable logistic regression. Asthma symptoms were reported for 18% of children, rhinitis for 48%, and eczema for 28%, while SPT reactivity was present in 33%. Population fractions of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema attributable to SPT were 3.4%, 7.9%, and 2.9%, respectively. In multivariable models, an increased risk of asthma was observed among children with a maternal history of rhinitis (OR 1.85); rhinitis was significantly increased in children of high compared to low socioeconomic level (OR 2.09), among children with a maternal history of rhinitis (OR 2.29) or paternal history of eczema (OR 2.07), but reduced among children attending daycare (OR 0.64); eczema was associated with a paternal history of eczema (OR 3.73), and SPT was associated with having a dog inside the house (OR 1.67). A high prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema symptoms were observed among preschool children in a high-altitude Andean setting. Despite a high prevalence of atopy, only a small fraction of symptoms was associated with atopy. Parental history of allergic diseases was the most consistent risk factor for symptoms in preschool children.

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.

The role of particulate matters on methylation of IFN-γ and IL-4 promoter genes in pediatric allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic inflammatory disorder driven by T cell activation. How particulate matter contributes to epigenetic changes that in turn influence cytokine gene expression in CD4+T cells remains unclear. In this study, 105 children diagnosed with AR and 90 healthy controls were recruited to explore the possible mechanism of particulate matter (PM) on the epigenetic regulation of CD4+T IFN-γ and IL-4 promoter genes. Daily average PM10 and PM2.5 were obtained from five state-controlled monitoring stations, and activity-based dynamic exposure and personal exposure data were collected. DNA methylation patterns of IFN-γ and IL-4 promoter regions were analyzed using bisulfite sequencing. mRNA levels were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We found that the methylation rate in IFN-γ was higher in AR CD4+T cells than in the controls. IFN-γ mRNA expression was significantly decreased in CD4+T cells, and negatively correlated with the mean methylation level of IFN-γ. However, no correlation between IL-4 methylation and IL-4 mRNA expression was found. After adjusting for age, gender, exclusive breastfeeding within 4 months after birth and parental history of allergic disease, out data showed that PM2.5 exposure level was positively correlated with methylation level in IFN-γ promoter region and decreased cytokine expression. We conclude that the effect of PM2.5 on pediatric AR may be mediated through epigenetic modification of IFN-γ promoter region.

The prevalence of allergic diseases and related risk factors in 13-14 year-old children living in Malatya

Aim: To determine the prevalence of allergic diseases and related risk factors in 13-and 14- year-old children in Malatya, Turkey. Material and Methods: 13-and 14-year-old students in the province of Malatya were given the questionnaire of International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) which wasvalidated. Results: 304 (53.5%) of the 568 students were females and the mean age was 13.08±0.27 years. The lifetime prevalence of wheezing, rhinitis and atopic eczema were 11.4%, 36.4% , and 4.9%respectively, while the reported prevalence for the last 12 months were 6.3%, 13.9%and3.9%respectively. The rate of diagnosis by the physician was 6.5% for asthma, 3.9% for allergic rhinitis and 5.1% for atopic dermatitis. When the risk factors related to allergic diseases wereexamined, the risk factors associated with wheezing were; smoking at home (p = 0.022), parental history of allergic diseases (p =0.012) and cockroaches at home (p = 0.023). Risk factorrelated to rhinitis isparental history of allergic diseases (p =0.023). Risk factors associated with atopic eczemawerefemale gender (p =0.017) and breastmilk intake for less than six months (p =0.034). Conclusion: This study is the first to investigate the prevalence of allergic disease in the 13-and 14- age group in Malatya by using the ISAAC questionnaire. The current study shows that the prevalence of allergic diseases is not low in children who are living in Malatya.

The AAA Risk Factors Scale: A New Model to Screen for the Risk of Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis and Atopic Dermatitis in Children

Objective: To create an allergic disease risk factors scale score that would screen for the risk assessment of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis (AD) in children from 3 to 17 years. Methods: This case-control study, conducted between December 2015 and April 2016, enrolled 1,274 children. The allergic disease risk factors scale was created by combining environmental, exposure to toxics during pregnancy and breastfeeding and parental history of allergic diseases. Results: Playing on carpets, male gender, child’s respiratory problems or history of eczema before the age of 2 years, and humidity significantly increased the odds of allergies in the child. Maternal waterpipe smoking, maternal history of rhinitis, history of asthma in the mother or the father, along with the maternal drug intake or alcohol consumption during pregnancy significantly increased the odds of allergies in the child. There was a significant increase in allergy diseases per category of the allergic disease risk factors scale (p < 0.001 for trend). Scores ≤2.60 best represented control individuals, while scores > 5.31 best represented children with allergic diseases. Conclusion: Allergic diseases seem to be linked to several risk factors in our population of school children. Many environmental factors might be incriminated in these allergic diseases.

Outcomes of drug provocation tests in Korean children with suspected drug hypersensitivity reaction

Purpose: Drug provocation tests (DPT) are the gold standard for confirming the diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs). However, there are little studies of DPT in children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate DPT results and safety as diagnostic methods of DHR in Korean children. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 39 children under 18 years of age with a suspected DHR and performed DPT be tween January 2010 and May 2016 at Asan Medical Center. Results: Total 110 DPT were performed in 39 children (20 boys and 19 girls) with a history of DHR. Clinical presentation of DHR in cluded skin rash (n=7), pruritus (n=3), urticaria (n=18), angioedema (n=19), dyspnea (n=5), hoarseness (n=1), hypothermia (n=1), and anaphylaxis (n=5). The median age at the time of DPT was 9 years. Positive DPT were observed in 21 of 39 children (53.8%) and 28 of 110 cases (25.5%). Drugs causing positive reactions were acetaminophen in 50% (9 of 18), nonsteroidal anti-in flammatory drugs in 29.2% (14 of 48), cephalosporin in 9.1% (1 of 11), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in 50% (1 of 2), local anes thetics in 10% (1 of 10), and others (levodropropizine and idursulfase) in 15.4% (2 of 13). There was no statistical difference between children who had positive and negative results in sex, age, personal and parental history of allergic disease, eosinophil count, or to tal IgE level. Children with positive DPT did not develop anaphylaxis during the DPT procedure. Conclusion: Drug provocation test is safe, and it can be considered in children with suspected DHRs. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2018;6:26-33)

울산의 두 지역 초등학생의 알레르기 질환 유병과 요중 카드뮴 농도와의 관련성

Objectives: The purposes of this study were to determine the relationship between the prevalence of allergic diseases and urinary cadmium concentration among children from six to 12 years of age, and to evaluate the association between cadmium in urine and other immunologically related factors in two elementary schools with different environmental conditions. Methods: Data on physician-diagnosed prevalence over the past 12 months and potential risk factors for allergic disease were collected from survey results drawn from 236 children living in different regions (central urban vs. suburban) from April to July in 2014 by an ISAAC questionnaire. We analyzed cytokine levels in serum through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and urinary cadmium concentration by use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: Concentrations of urinary cadmium in suburban and central urban children were <TEX>$0.11{\pm}0.11ug/L$</TEX>, <TEX>$0.14{\pm}0.17ug/L$</TEX>, respectively (p>0.05). Results from the analysis of the t-test and chi-square test showed that urinary cadmium levels were positively associated with environmental factors (paternal smoking status, passive smoking, traffic volume and experiences of outdoor odors) and individual genetic factors (parental allergic disease). Cadmium concentrations in urine were also positively associated with the prevalence of allergic disease and immune-related cytokines (eosinophils, IgE, IL-5, IL-33, IL-17). Conclusion: This study suggests that genetic factors (parental history of allergic diseases), environmental factors, and regional status (suburban and central urban) should be considered as probable factors increasing the concentration of urinary cadmium, which has the potential to influence the allergic disease prevalence of school-age children.

Epidermal thymic stromal lymphopoietin predicts the development of atopic dermatitis during infancy

Epidermal thymic stromal lymphopoietin predicts the development of atopic dermatitis during infancy

Lifetime prevalence of childhood eczema and the effect of indoor environmental factors: Analysis in Hispanic and non-Hispanic white children

The prevalence of eczema varies markedly across the globe. It is unclear whether the geographic variation is due to race and/or ethnic differences, environmental exposures, or genetic factors. We investigated the effects of ethnicity and environmental exposures on eczema in Hispanic white and non-Hispanic white children who participated in the Southern California Children's Health Study. We performed a cross-sectional study with sociodemographic predictors and environmental exposures among Hispanic white and non-Hispanic white children ages 4-8 years enrolled in the Children's Health Study, 2002-2003. Eczema prevalence differed by ethnicity: Hispanic whites showed lower prevalence (13.8%) compared with non-Hispanic whites (20.2%), and adjustment for sociodemographic factors did not account for the ethnic difference (odds ratio [OR] 0.79 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.65-0.95]). Parental history of allergic disease had a larger effect in Hispanic whites than in non-Hispanic whites (p for interaction = 0.005). High maternal education level (OR 1.46 [95% CI, 1.14-1.87]), parental history of allergic disease (OR 2.21 [95% CI, 1.78-2.76]), and maternal smoking during pregnancy (OR 1.44 [95% CI, 1.06-1.95]) increased the risk of eczema. Indoor environmental factors (e.g., mold, water damage, humidifier use) increased the risk of eczema in non-Hispanic whites independent of a parental history of allergic disease, but, in Hispanic whites, increased risks were observed, primarily in children without a parental history of allergic disease. Hispanic white children in southern California had a lower prevalence of eczema than non-Hispanic whites, and this ethnic difference was not accounted for by sociodemographic differences. The effects of a parental history of allergic disease and indoor environmental exposures on eczema varied by ethnicity, which indicated that the etiology of eczema may differ in Hispanic whites and in non-Hispanic whites.

Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis based on World Health Organization (ARIA-WHO) questionnaire among Batch 2010 Students of the Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Background : Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disease affecting 5–45% of Asian population. Although it is not a life-threatening disease, AR significantly hampers the quality of life of the sufferers. The prevalence of AR among adults in Indonesia is still unknown. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of AR among batch 2010 students of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran. Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted during June–October 2013 involving Indonesian class batch 2010 students of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran. The sampling was performed using total sampling approach. The measurement tool used in this study was the Indonesian translation of the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma-World Health Organization (ARIA-WHO) questionnairee. Those who were aware of being diagnosed with AR or had two/more AR defining symptoms in the questionnaire form were considered to have AR. The statistical analysis was conducted by calculating frequencies. Results : A total of 207 questionnaire forms were adequately filled out and returned. Based on the questionnaire, the prevalence rate of AR was 38.2%. Of the 79 AR cases, 66% cases involved females. In addition, 54% of the the AR cases have a parental history of allergic diseases. Nasal obstruction and itchy nose were the most frequent symptoms (90%), followed by rhinorrhea (89%), sneezing (82%), and eye symptoms (62%). Based on the duration, the majority fell into the intermittent group (91%); whereas based on severity, the majority was in the moderate-severe group (71%). Conclusions : The prevalence rate of AR obtained in this study is within the estimated range of Asian population. [AMJ.2015;2(4):620–5] DOI: 10.15850/amj.v2n4.658

Influence of Early-Life Exposures on Food Sensitization and Food Allergy in an Inner-City Birth Cohort

EC McGowan, GR Bloomberg, PJ Gergen. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014;135(1);171–178 To use clinical, serological, and environmental exposure data to evaluate the prevalence of food allergy (FA) and the contribution of environmental exposures on sensitization and allergy in a population of inner-city children. The study enrolled 560 children from the Urban Environment and Childhood Asthma birth cohort (≥34 weeks’ gestation) with a parental history of allergic disease or asthma, cord blood sample, and food-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels measured. Pregnant women were enrolled and their children followed from birth to age 5 years. Mothers …

Risk factors of atopic dermatitis in Korean schoolchildren: 2010 international study of asthma and allergies in childhood.

We aimed to analyse the risk factors of atopic dermatitis (AD) in Korean schoolchildren in 2010. A nationwide, cross-sectional study was conducted in children aged 6-7 years and adolescents aged 12-13 years who were randomly selected. Information was obtained through a Korean version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire (ISAAC), and skin prick tests were performed. AD-diagnosed children were selected for risk factor analysis by using logistic regression. We enrolled 4,003 children (M/F = 2,021/ 1,982) in aged 6-7 years and 4,112 children (M/F = 2,029/2,083) in 12-13 years. In children aged 6-7 years, the lifetime prevalence of AD diagnosis was 35.6% (N = 1,424). On the other hand, in the 12 to 13 year age group, the lifetime prevalence of AD diagnosis was 24.2% (N = 981). In the univariate logistic regression analysis in 6-7 year-old children, possible risk factors were atopy, a parental history of allergic disease, the use of antibiotics during infancy, a history of having moved into a newly built house during infancy, the presence of visible mould in the house, and remodelling of house within 12 months. The statistical significance persisted after adjustment. However, antibiotic use during infancy and remodelling within 12 months showed no statistical significance as a risk factor for AD. In contrast, multivariate logistic regression analysis in adolescents demonstrated that female sex, atopy, a parental history of allergic diseases, the presence of visible mould in the house, and a history of having moved into a newly built house during infancy was associated with AD. There was no significant association between AD and other risk factors. In Korean schoolchildren, risk factors such as atopy, the presence of parental allergic diseases, moving into a newly built house during infancy and visible mould in the house were associated with AD.

Clinical risk factors associated with the development of wheezing in children less than 2 years of age who required hospitalization for viral lower respiratory tract infections.

PurposeWheezing following viral lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children <2 years of age is an important risk factor for the development of asthma later in life; however, not all children with viral LRTIs develop wheezing. This study investigated risk factors for the development of wheezing during viral LRTIs requiring hospitalization.MethodsThe study included 142 children <2 years of age hospitalized for LRTIs with at least one virus identified as the cause and classified them into children diagnosed with LRTIs with wheezing (n=70) and those diagnosed with LRTIs without wheezing (n=72).ResultsThere were no significant differences in the viruses detected between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for potentially confounding variables including sex and age, the development of wheezing was strongly associated with parental history of allergic diseases (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 20.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.22-126.48), past history of allergic diseases (aOR, 13.95; 95% CI, 1.34-145.06), past history of hospitalization for respiratory illnesses (aOR, 21.36; 95% CI, 3.77-120.88), exposure to secondhand smoke at home (aOR, 14.45; 95% CI, 4.74-44.07), and total eosinophil count (aOR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.01-1.02).ConclusionPast and parental history of allergic diseases, past history of hospitalization for respiratory illnesses, exposure to secondhand smoke at home, and total eosinophil count were closely associated with the development of wheezing in children <2 years of age who required hospitalization for viral LRTIs. Clinicians should take these factors into consideration when treating, counseling, and monitoring young children admitted for viral LRTIs.

Indoor environmental factors associated with wheezing illness and asthma in South Korean children: phase III of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood

Background: The relationship between exposure to indoor environmental pollutants and incidence of asthma and wheezing illness in children is unclear. This study aimed to clarify this relationship by identifying the risk factors associated with these conditions in South Korean children aged 6–7 years. Methods: The parents or guardians of 3810 children aged 6–7 years who had participated in the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood and met the study criteria completed validated questionnaires regarding their children's asthma and wheezing illness, risk factors and exposure to indoor pollutants. The data were subjected to chi-square and multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify the factors significantly associated with asthma and wheezing illness. Results: Parental history of allergic disease (odds ratio [OR]: 1.729; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.447–2.066), living on the basement or semi-basement floor (OR: 1.891; 95% CI: 1.194–2.996) and living in housing that had been remodeled within the last 12 months (OR: 1.376; 95% CI: 1.101–1.720) were found to be significantly associated with wheezing illness. Parental history of allergic disease (OR: 2.189; 95% CI: 1.483–3.231), male sex (OR: 1.971; 95% CI: 1.369–2.838) and positive skin prick test (SPT) result (OR: 1.583; 95% CI: 1.804–3.698) were found to be significantly associated with current asthma. Conclusions: Although the risk factors for current asthma appear to be more related to the non-modifiable risk factors like sex, parental history of allergic diseases, SPT, the two groups are associated with exposure to modifiable indoor environmental factors.

Additive effect between IL-13 polymorphism and cesarean section delivery/prenatal antibiotics use on atopic dermatitis: a birth cohort study (COCOA).

BackgroundAlthough cesarean delivery and prenatal exposure to antibiotics are likely to affect the gut microbiome in infancy, their effect on the development of atopic dermatitis (AD) in infancy is unclear. The influence of individual genotypes on these relationships is also unclear. To evaluate with a prospective birth cohort study whether cesarean section, prenatal exposure to antibiotics, and susceptible genotypes act additively to promote the development of AD in infancy.MethodsThe Cohort for Childhood of Asthma and Allergic Diseases (COCOA) was selected from the general Korean population. A pediatric allergist assessed 412 infants for the presence of AD at 1 year of age. Their cord blood DNA was subjected to interleukin (IL)-13 (rs20541) and cluster-of-differentiation (CD)14 (rs2569190) genotype analysis.ResultsThe combination of cesarean delivery and prenatal exposure to antibiotics associated significantly and positively with AD (adjusted odds ratio, 5.70; 95% CI, 1.19–27.3). The association between cesarean delivery and AD was significantly modified by parental history of allergic diseases or risk-associated IL-13 (rs20541) and CD14 (rs2569190) genotypes. There was a trend of interaction between IL-13 (rs20541) and delivery mode with respect to the subsequent risk of AD. (P for interaction = 0.039) Infants who were exposed prenatally to antibiotics and were born by cesarean delivery had a lower total microbiota diversity in stool samples at 6 months of age than the control group. As the number of these risk factors increased, the AD risk rose (trend p<0.05).ConclusionCesarean delivery and prenatal antibiotic exposure may affect the gut microbiota, which may in turn influence the risk of AD in infants. These relationships may be shaped by the genetic predisposition.

Do newly built homes affect rhinitis in children? The ISAAC phase III study in Korea

As Korea has experienced rapid economic development, the lifestyles of Koreans have become more Westernized, in terms of urbanization and dietary habits. Also, the prevalences of allergic diseases, such as rhinitis, asthma, and dermatitis, have increased rapidly. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the symptoms of rhinitis conditions, including rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, overlapped rhinitis, and overlapped allergic rhinitis, among Korean children aged 6-7years. The study subjects were drawn from participants in the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) study in 2010 and were aged 6-7years. We analysed data for a total of 3804 children. The prevalences of symptoms suggestive of rhinitis and allergic rhinitis in the previous 12months were 43.4% and 22.1%, respectively. For overlapped rhinitis and overlapped allergic rhinitis, only 2.5% and 1.9% of the children had overlapping symptoms, having rhinitis with asthma and eczema simultaneously. Gender, a parental history of allergic disease, mould or dampness at home, and the risk factors for 'sick building syndrome' (SBS) were risk factors influencing rhinitis diseases. In particular, a history of moving to a newly built home in the child's infancy was strongly associated with symptoms of all the rhinitis diseases examined. This study identified patterns of the prevalence of rhinitis conditions among Korean children that were similar to those reported in Western countries. We confirmed that a history of moving to a newly built home during infancy was associated with a considerable risk of rhinitis conditions.

Association between parental history of allergic diseases and atopic dermatitis in school aged children

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the relationship between parent``s history of allergic disease and children``s atopic dermatitis. Methods: Data from the 2011 Research on the Current Status of Atopic Disease with Elementary Schools and Kindergartens in Suwon were used for analysis. Among 20,052 persons consenting to the survey, 18,943 who had answered parent``s history were included in the study. Results: The prevalence of father, mother, and parent``s allergic disease history were 8.5%, 9.5%, and 2.3%, respective. The children with atopic dermatitis comprised 15.1% of the study population. In multivariate analysis, gender, weight at birth, the practice of breast-feeding, father``s educational level, the presence of chemical products in the inside, and the presence of mold were significant risk factors for children``s atopic dermatitis. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratio for the occurrence of children``s atopic dermatitis was 3.19 (95% confidence interval, 2.57-3.95) when subjects with and without parent``s history were compared. Conclusion: When fathers have a history of allergic disease, children tend to have atopic dermatitis.(Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2014;2:377-382)