Association between first‐degree familial predisposition of asthma and atopy (total IgE) in newborns

Abstract

Data on total IgE and first-degree familial predisposition were available for 170 high-risk and 300 low-risk infants. There was a statistically significant relationship between being at high-risk (maternal asthma) and increased levels of total IgE in newborns (total IgE cut-off levels: 0.6-0.9 IU/mL (odds ratio (OR)=2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2-3.7 to 3.0, 95% CI: 1.5-5.9)), between being born in autumn and increased levels of total IgE in newborns [total IgE cut-off levels: 0.5-0.6 IU/mL (OR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.2-5.1 to 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2-5.4)] and between maternal vitamin supplements intake and decreased levels of total IgE in newborns (total IgE cut-off level: 0.9 IU/mL (OR=0.5, 95% CI:0.3-1.0)). There was no interaction between the effects of maternal asthma and birth season on total IgE, as well as between the effects of maternal asthma and maternal vitamin supplements intake. Gender, family size, maternal smoking, birth weight, and gestational age did not influence the associations. CONCLUSION; Being at high-risk of asthma (maternal asthma) and birth season are positively associated with the presence of increased levels of total IgE at birth, whereas maternal vitamin supplements intake is negatively associated with the presence of total IgE at birth.