Cord blood IgE predicts allergic sensitization, elevation of exhaled nitric oxide, and asthma in schoolchildren

Hsin-Ju Lee; Hui-Ju Tsai; Hsin-Yi Huang; Chun-Chun Gau; Chia-Hua Ho; Jing-Long Huang; Tsung-Chieh Yao

doi:10.1111/pai.13838

Cord blood IgE predicts allergic sensitization, elevation of exhaled nitric oxide, and asthma in schoolchildren

Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2022 Aug;33(8):e13838. doi: 10.1111/pai.13838.

Authors

Hsin-Ju Lee¹, Hui-Ju Tsai², Hsin-Yi Huang¹, Chun-Chun Gau^{1

3

4}, Chia-Hua Ho⁵, Jing-Long Huang^{1

4

6}, Tsung-Chieh Yao^{1

6}

Affiliations

¹ Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
² Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan.
³ Division of Pediatric General Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
⁴ Department of Pediatrics, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan.
⁵ Department of Medical Education, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
⁶ School of Medicine, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

Abstract

Background: Few data are available in Asian children regarding the validity of cord blood immunoglobulin E (IgE) in predicting allergic sensitization and pulmonary function. The relationship between cord blood IgE and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) remains unknown. This study investigated the associations of cord blood IgE with allergic sensitization, FeNO, pulmonary function, and allergic diseases in Asian children.

Methods: Five hundred and sixty-six Asian children with valid cord blood IgE measurements at birth participated a 6-year follow-up visit including a questionnaire, serum total and allergen-specific IgE, FeNO measurement, and spirometry. Regression-based analyses with covariates adjustment were applied.

Results: Cord blood IgE levels were significantly associated with FeNO levels (β = 0.131, p < .001) and serum total IgE levels (β = 0.325, p < .001). Cord blood IgE levels were positively associated with allergic sensitization (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.22, p < .001), and sensitization to mites (p = .002), animals (p = .023), and foods (p = .048). Subjects with cord blood IgE ≥0.24 kU/L (the optimal cutoff) were significantly associated with an increased risk of allergic sensitization (AOR = 2.63, p < .001) and asthma (AOR = 2.35, p = .024) than those with cord blood IgE <0.24 kU/L. Subjects with cord blood IgE ≥0.24 kU/L had significantly higher FeNO levels than those with cord blood IgE <0.24 kU/L (p = .028). There were no significant associations between cord blood IgE levels and pulmonary function parameters.

Conclusion: Cord blood IgE ≥0.24 kU/L predicts allergic sensitization, FeNO elevation, and asthma among Asian schoolchildren, suggesting cord blood IgE would be useful for identifying newborns at risk of subsequent allergic sensitization and allergic airway inflammation.

Keywords: allergic sensitization; asthma; cord blood IgE; exhaled nitric oxide; pulmonary function.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Asthma* / complications
Asthma* / diagnosis
Asthma* / epidemiology
Exhalation
Fetal Blood
Humans
Immunoglobulin E
Nitric Oxide* / analysis

Substances

Nitric Oxide
Immunoglobulin E