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EG |
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| Egypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol |
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2005 |
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3 |
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01 |
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10-18 |
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ESP - 64 |
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| The value of cord serum interferon-gamma estimation in the prediction of
first year allergies. |
| Yehia El-Gamal |
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Elham Hossny |
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Mona Rafik |
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Manal Mahran |
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Ossama Yassin |
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| Background: It was previously assumed that interferon-gamma (IFN-g)
underexpression in newly born infants could be a risk factor for atopic
diseases.
Objective: We sought to investigate the value of cord serum IFN-g in the
prediction of infantile allergy and its possible correlations with other
relevant markers.
Methods: Eighty mother-newborn pairs were enrolled consecutively at
delivery. The family history of allergy was inquired about and then cord
blood was tested for eosinophil and basophil counts and serum total IgE,
IgD, and IFN-g. The infants were followed up for one year for subsequent
development of allergic disorders.
Results: Twenty-eight infants (35%) developed first year allergies, of whom
19 (68%) had a positive family history of atopy. Atopic dermatitis
constituted 57% of the forms of allergy detected. Cord serum IFN-g
concentration at birth was significantly lower in infants who developed
allergies during the first year of life (2.8±2 pg/ml) as compared to those who
did not (13.6±6.1 pg/ml, p<0.05). Only 11 cord serum samples (14%)
contained detectable levels of total IgE. However, 64% of neonates with
measurable cord serum IgE developed allergy subsequently. Cord serum
IgD concentrations were below the detection limit (5 mg/L) of the method
employed. Cord blood basophil, eosinophil and total leucocytic counts were
negatively correlated to cord serum IFN-g levels.
Conclusions: Our findings imply that the family history of atopy is still the
most important predictor of allergy. Estimation of cord serum IFN-g in
genetically predisposed babies might raise the predictive value. |
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