Early Weight Gain Asthma and Atopy in Children
Early Weight Gain Asthma and Atopy in Children
In contrast to the association between early weight gain and wheezing, the relationship between obesity and atopy in children remains uncertain. Few studies have evaluated the association between weight gain in infancy or growth and the development of atopy.
In the United Kingdom, 1548 full-term infants were followed from birth to 3 years. Atopy at the age of 3 years was defined as skin prick test (SPT) reactivity to any allergen (cat, dog, house dust mite, milk, grass pollens, and egg). Atopic status was known for 1184 children (76%), and 199 children (17%) were atopic. Atopy risk was associated with greater crown-heel length at birth [relative risk (RR): 1.17], but not with prenatal head circumference growth, birth weight, or measures of postnatal growth velocity. Results were similar when sensitization to food allergens was excluded from the definition of atopy, and the authors concluded that postnatal growth and adiposity gain did not influence the RR of atopy.
Similar negative findings were reported in the PIAMA Dutch birth cohort. At the end of 8 years' follow-up, sensitization to any inhalant allergen was not associated with change in BMI status between 1 and 2 years of life. In the PROBIT trial, the relationship between early weight gain and atopy was studied in 9772 children who had atopic evaluation at 6.5 years. No evidence of consistent associations of infant to mid-childhood weight and length/height gain with atopy phenotypes was found, although there was weak evidence for an association of weight and length gain rate between 0 and 3 months with ever having allergic rhinitis.
Early Weight Gain and the Development of Atopy
In contrast to the association between early weight gain and wheezing, the relationship between obesity and atopy in children remains uncertain. Few studies have evaluated the association between weight gain in infancy or growth and the development of atopy.
In the United Kingdom, 1548 full-term infants were followed from birth to 3 years. Atopy at the age of 3 years was defined as skin prick test (SPT) reactivity to any allergen (cat, dog, house dust mite, milk, grass pollens, and egg). Atopic status was known for 1184 children (76%), and 199 children (17%) were atopic. Atopy risk was associated with greater crown-heel length at birth [relative risk (RR): 1.17], but not with prenatal head circumference growth, birth weight, or measures of postnatal growth velocity. Results were similar when sensitization to food allergens was excluded from the definition of atopy, and the authors concluded that postnatal growth and adiposity gain did not influence the RR of atopy.
Similar negative findings were reported in the PIAMA Dutch birth cohort. At the end of 8 years' follow-up, sensitization to any inhalant allergen was not associated with change in BMI status between 1 and 2 years of life. In the PROBIT trial, the relationship between early weight gain and atopy was studied in 9772 children who had atopic evaluation at 6.5 years. No evidence of consistent associations of infant to mid-childhood weight and length/height gain with atopy phenotypes was found, although there was weak evidence for an association of weight and length gain rate between 0 and 3 months with ever having allergic rhinitis.
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