Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “allergic sensitization”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Evaluation of the phadiatop test in the diagnosis of allergic sensitization in a general adult population.

BACKGROUND: Phadiatop is a commercially available qualitative serological test employed for screening of allergic sensitization in patients with suspected allergic diseases. AIM: The study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of Phadiatop for the diagnosis of allergic sensitization in a general adult population. METHODS: A total of 469 subjects from the population of A-Estrada (Spain) were selected by age-stratified random sampling (age range, 18-92 years). Phadiatop test (Uni-CAP method) was performed in serum samples from 465 of these subjects. Skin prick tests to a panel of 13 relevant aeroallergens in the studied area (including mites, pollens, moulds, and animal dander) were employed as the reference diagnostic procedure. Subjects with at least a positive skin prick test (> or =4 mm, n= 120) were considered to have allergic sensitization. RESULTS: Phadiatop sensitivity was 70.8% (95% CI 61.7-78.6%), specificity 90.7% (95% CI 87.0-93.5%), positive predictive value 72.6% (95% CI 63.5-80.3%), negative predictive value 89.9% (95% CI 86.2-92.8%), global accuracy 85.6% (95% CI 82.0-88.6%), negative likelihood ratio 0.3 (95% CI 0.2-0.4), and positive likelihood ratio 7.6 (95% CI 5.4-10.8). A high proportion of false-positive Phadiatop cases showed (a) increased total serum IgE levels, (b) significant alcohol consumption, and (c) small-sized (below the diagnostic cut-off) wheal reactions on SPT. A high proportion of false-negative Phadiatop cases showed exclusive storage mite sensitization. Sensitivity and positive predictive value of Phadiatop were somewhat higher among individuals with a history of nasal or bronchial symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Phadiatop is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of allergic sensitization in a general adult population. However, limitations of the test should be taken into account in similar surveys.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Total serum IgE and its association with asthma symptoms and allergic sensitization among children.

BACKGROUND: Asthma and wheezing during childhood are associated with elevated total serum IgE and with allergic sensitization to local aeroallergens. However, little is known about the longitudinal relationship between total serum IgE and the development of wheezing and allergic sensitization during childhood. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our investigation was to determine the relationship between total serum IgE and the development of wheezing and allergic sensitization in childhood. METHODS: Our study subjects were participants in the Tucson Children's Respiratory Study who underwent an IgE measurement in at least 1 of 3 surveys (at years 1, 6, and 11) and complete allergy skin tests during the latter 2 surveys. The children's phenotypes were categorized on the basis of skin test response (never, early, and late) and wheezing status (never, early, late, and persistent). Repeated-measures analyses were used, allowing subjects to be included who had unequal numbers of IgE observations (a total of 263 boys and 277 girls). RESULTS: We found that total serum IgE levels track with age: subjects with high serum IgE levels less than 1 year old continued to have high IgE levels at ages 6 and 11 years. Both persistent wheezing and early sensitization were associated with high serum IgE levels at all ages. Boys who had late or persistent wheezing or who were sensitized early or late had high serum IgE levels as early as age 9 months, whereas only girls with persistent wheezing and early sensitization had elevated IgE levels at that age. Children who wheezed only in the first years of life and not after (ie, those with early wheezing) had serum IgE levels that were not different from those of nonwheezing children. CONCLUSION: On the basis of these findings we conclude that although total serum IgE tracks with age, children who are predisposed to persistent wheezing and early sensitization to local aeroallergens already have high levels of IgE at age 9 months. This suggests that the predisposition to respond to environmental stimuli through high levels of IgE precede early allergic sensitization, indicating that there may be a common defect in the development of the immune system involving IgE production and early allergic sensitization.

Asthma↗
PubMed2000

Austrian children living on a farm have less hay fever, asthma and allergic sensitization.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In some studies, the prevalence of hay fever and asthma has been found to be lower in children from rural areas than in children from an urban environment. We hypothesized that living on a farm might be protective against development of allergic sensitization and allergic diseases. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey, parents of 2283 children aged 8-10 years from a mostly rural area in Austria answered a standardized questionnaire on allergic diseases and environmental factors. 1137 children performed a skin prick test to seven local allergens. RESULTS: The prevalence of hay fever (3.1 vs 10.3%, P = 0.0002), asthma (1.1 vs 3.9%, P = 0.017) and a positive skin prick reactivity to at least one of the common local allergens (18.8 vs 32.7%, P = 0. 001) was significantly lower in children living on a farm than in children from a non-farming environment. In a multivariate logistic regression model, adjusting for genetic background, parent education, living and housing conditions and dietary factors did not change the odds ratio for the association of farming and allergic sensitization. Only after including 'regular contact with livestock and poultry' into the model did the odds ratio change significantly (cOR 0.48 95% CI 0.30-0.75 to aOR 0.75 95% CI 0.37-1.52) indicating an association between regular contact with farm animals and reduced risk of atopic sensitization. CONCLUSION: Possible explanations for the lower prevalence of hay fever, asthma and allergic sensitization in children living on a farm might be the development of immunotolerance or the stimulation of TH1 cells and suppression of TH2 cells by increased exposure of farm children to microbial antigens in the stables or farmhouses.

Allergens↗
PubMed2002

Exposure to dogs and cats in the first year of life and risk of allergic sensitization at 6 to 7 years of age.

CONTEXT: Childhood asthma is strongly associated with allergic sensitization. Studies have suggested that animal exposure during infancy reduces subsequent allergic sensitization. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between dog and cat exposure in the first year of life and allergic sensitization at 6 to 7 years of age. DESIGN, SETTING, AND SUBJECTS: Prospective birth cohort study of healthy, full-term infants enrolled in a health maintenance organization in suburban Detroit, Mich, who were born between April 15, 1987, and August 31, 1989, and followed up yearly to a mean age of 6.7 years. Of 835 children initially in the study at birth, 474 (57%) completed follow-up evaluations at age 6 to 7 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Atopy, defined as any skin prick test positivity to 6 common aeroallergens (dust mites [Dermatophagoides farinae, D pteronyssinus], dog, cat, short ragweed [Ambrosia artemisiifolia], and blue grass [Poa pratensis]); seroatopy, defined as any positive allergen-specific IgE test result for the same 6 allergens or for Alternaria species. RESULTS: The prevalence of any skin prick test positivity (atopy) at age 6 to 7 years was 33.6% with no dog or cat exposure in the first year of life, 34.3% with exposure to 1 dog or cat, and 15.4% with exposure to 2 or more dogs or cats (P =.005). The prevalence of any positive allergen-specific IgE test result (seroatopy) was 38.5% with no dog or cat exposure, 41.2% with exposure to 1 dog or cat, and 17.9% with exposure to 2 or more dogs or cats (P =.003). After adjustment for cord serum IgE concentration, sex, older siblings, parental smoking, parental asthma, bedroom dust mite allergen levels at 2 years, and current dog and cat ownership, exposure to 2 or more dogs or cats in the first year of life was associated with a significantly lower risk of atopy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.60) and seroatopy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.83). CONCLUSION: Exposure to 2 or more dogs or cats in the first year of life may reduce subsequent risk of allergic sensitization to multiple allergens during childhood.

Allergens↗
PubMed2004

Exposure to house dust endotoxin and allergic sensitization in adults.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that exposure to elevated levels of endotoxin decreases the risk of allergic sensitization. OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between current exposure to bacterial endotoxin in house dust and allergic sensitization in adults. METHODS: In 1995-1996, we conducted a nested case-control study following a cross-sectional study performed within the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS). Data of 350 adults aged 25-50 years was analysed. Allergic sensitization was assessed by measurement of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) against several inhalant allergens. Living room floor dust samples were taken. The endotoxin content was quantified using a chromogenic kinetic Limulus amoebocyte lysate test. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a negative association between exposure to house dust endotoxin and severe allergic sensitization. Odds ratios (95% CI) adjusted for place of residence, gender, age, and 'caseness' were 0.80 (0.64-1.00) for sensitization to >/=1 allergen and 0.72 (0.56, 0.92) for sensitization to >/=2 allergens using 3.5 kU/l as a cut-off value for sensitization. With regard to single allergens, the protective effect of endotoxin was strongest for pollen sensitization [aOR (95% CI) = 0.74 (0.58, 0.93)]. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that current exposure to higher levels of house dust endotoxin might be associated with a decreased odds of allergic sensitization in adults.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Trends in prevalence of atopic diseases and allergic sensitization in children in Eastern Germany.

Trends in prevalence of atopic diseases and allergic sensitization in children from Eastern Germany during the 1990s were analysed. The study consisted of three regional cross-sectional surveys of a total of 7,632 children (aged 5-14 yrs) in 1992-1993, 1995-1996, and 1998-1999. Information was gathered on atopic diseases and potential predictors by a parental questionnaire. Allergic sensitization for birch, grass, mite, cat, and cladosporium were assessed by radioallergosorbent test (RAST). After adjustment for age, sex and the study area of the participants, prevalence increased between the first and third survey for hay fever, for asthma and for atopic eczema. The adjusted prevalence of allergic sensitization (RAST > 0.35 kU x L(-1)) showed a decrease, whereas the prevalence of strong sensitization (RAST > or = 17.5 kU x L(-1)) increased significantly, specifically in cohorts born after 1989. Further adjustment for possible determinants of these atopic diseases did not change the trend estimates. A clear increase in the prevalence of atopic diseases, with the exception of hay fever, was observed as well as a shift towards a stronger allergic sensitization, which might affect the onset of clinical manifestations of atopic diseases. Differences in the epidemiology of respiratory symptoms, illnesses and allergies between populations living in the former East Germany and those living in the former West Germany have been reported. Among East German children, lower prevalence rates of asthma, and positive skin-prick tests were observed compared to West German children in the early 1990s. Similarly, among East German adults, lower specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels and lower prevalence rates of asthma, wheezing, positive methacholine-challenge tests, allergic rhinitis, and positive skin-prick tests have been reported compared to those of West German adults.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Urban background particulate matter and allergic sensitization in adults of ECRHS II.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have shown weak or inconsistent associations between ambient air pollutants and allergic sensitization. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether regional urban air pollution may partly explain the large variation in the prevalence of allergic sensitization across cities of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) II. METHODS: ECRHS is a cross-sectional survey initiated in 29 countries across Europe in the 1990s (ECRHS I) with a follow-up conducted 10 years later (ECRHS II). Subject characteristics were measured by questionnaires and blood tests conducted for the measurement of specific immunoglobulin E. Fine particle mass (PM(2.5), <2.5 microm) and sulphur on PM(2.5) were measured in 21 centres and annual averages of urban regional background air pollution were calculated. Results were scaled by an interquartile range increase in ambient PM(2.5) (6.03 microg/m(3)) and sulphur (1336 ng/m(3)). Generalized estimating equations were applied to compute population average effect estimates with adjustment for age, gender, smoking habit, education and number of siblings. RESULTS: A notable variation in pollution level and prevalence of allergic sensitization was observed. Moreover, exposure to urban regional background air pollution was not associated with allergic sensitization; adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were 1.02 (0.95-1.09) for PM(2.5) and 1.08 (0.86-1.31) for sulphur. These statistically non-significant associations were sensitive to model specification. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that regional air pollution measured at fixed sites is not associated with allergic sensitization among adults in ECRHS II.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Sensitization to hen's egg at the age of twelve months is predictive for allergic sensitization to common indoor and outdoor allergens at the age of three years.

BACKGROUND: Specific predictors for atopic sensitization in early infancy are prerequisites for preventive intervention studies. OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of allergic sensitization to common aeroallergens in infancy, 1314 children in five German cities were followed up from birth (1990) to the age of 3 years. METHODS: Blood samples were taken from cord blood and at follow-up visits at the ages of 1, 2, and 3 years. Total serum IgE and specific IgE antibodies to common food and inhalant allergens were determined. RESULTS: Among our study population, risk factors for sensitization to indoor and/or outdoor allergens at the age of 3 years were a positive family history, the presence of hen's egg-specific IgE antibodies (> or = 0.35 kU/L), and increased log- [total IgE] levels at the age of 12 months. Elevated cord blood IgE was not associated with sensitization to inhalant allergens at the age of 3 years. Egg-specific IgE greater than 2 kU/L in combination with a positive family history of atopy was a highly specific (specificity, 99%) and predictive (positive predictive value, 78%) marker for sensitization to inhalant allergens at 3 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Hen's egg-specific IgE at the age of 12 months is a valuable marker for subsequent allergic sensitization to allergens that cause asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis.

Allergens↗
PubMed1998

[Housing conditions and allergic sensitization in children].

Genetic predisposition and indoor exposure to allergens-especially during the very early childhood years are major factors for the development of allergic diseases later in life. The present study analyzed the association between allergic sensitization in children aged 5 to 14 years and residing since birth in homes of different building types. A cross-sectional study of 811 children aged 5 to 14 years who resided in the same home since birth investigated indoor factors using a questionnaire and allergic sensitization assessed by skin prick test. The prevalence of allergic sensitization was compared between children who lived since birth in five different building types. After adjustment for age, gender, parental education and study area the odds of allergic sensitization were higher among children who lived in prefabricated concrete slab buildings built after 1970 (OR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.02-2.38) and among children who lived in new brick buildings (OR 1.75, 95% CI: 0.88-3.47) than among children who lived in old brick buildings. Moreover, the odds of pollen sensitization was higher among children who lived in the new building types (prefabricated slab buildings: OR 1.68, 95% CI: 1.04-2.72; new brick buildings: OR 1.48, 95% CI: 0.64-3.42) while living in timber-framed houses was associated with a higher odds of sensitization against mites (OR 1.63, 95% CI: 0.77-3.44). The step by step inclusion of single indoor factors like type of heating, numbers of building storeys, number of persons per room, environmental tobacco smoke, use of gas for cooking purposes, dampness of the home or visible moulds in the logistic regression model only marginally changed the odds ratios. Modern living conditions are associated with a higher odds of allergic sensitization.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

What makes a child allergic? Analysis of risk factors for allergic sensitization in preschool children from East and West Germany.

Earlier epidemiologic studies within Germany found a higher frequency of allergic sensitization in West Germany. The reasons for that and the role of environmental factors in the process of allergic sensitization are not fully understood. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of positive skin-prick test results 5 years after unification and to investigate risk factors for allergic sensitization in preschool children. A total of 1235 children (5-6 years) from two West and five East German locations were skin-prick tested after the compulsory school entrance examination. Six common aero- (birch, grass, mugwort pollen, cat, HDM, alternaria) and two food allergens (egg, milk) were used and additional information was obtained by questionnaire. Of the tested children 23.3% exhibited at least one positive reaction. The prevalence of sensitization to the single allergens was as follows: grass (14.4%), birch (6.6%), mugwort pollen (4.5%), cat (8.5%), HDM (5.5%), alternaria (4.9%), egg (2.8%), and milk (3.9%). In the crude analysis significantly more children were sensitized in the East German city Magdeburg (40.2%) compared to the West German control region Borken (23.5%) (OR 2.20, CI 1.47-3.29). Dampness and visible molds were reported in 8.8% of all households, but significantly more often for East German apartments (10.3% versus West Germany 1.9%, OR 5.85, CI 2.55-16.53). Dampness and molds were associated with a higher frequency of sensitizations (40.6% versus 27.6% in unaffected homes). After controlling for sex, parental atopy, SES, family size, and smoking during pregnancy, this association remained statistically significant (OR 1.93, CI 1.19-3.12). With regard to single allergens, dampness and visible molds were significantly associated with sensitization to HDM (OR 3.37, CI 1.63-6.96), cat (OR 3.19, CI 1.11-5.74), and mugwort pollen (OR 2.86, CI 1.29-6.35). In addition, family size was inversely and linearly associated with the frequency of sensitization (OR for four, three, and two-person households: 1.10 (0.74-1.63), 1.57 (1.06-2.42), 2.70 (1.39-5.24), respectively, when compared to family size of five or more). Neither parental predisposition for atopic diseases nor parental education level influenced the prick test reactivity. We conclude that in addition to genetic predisposition, environmental factors like indoor climate and probably infectious stimuli (family size) play an important role in the process of allergic sensitization in children.

Allergens↗
PubMed2002

Respiratory viral infections as promoters of allergic sensitization and asthma in animal models.

Respiratory virus infections can trigger exacerbations of asthma and may also contribute to allergic sensitization to aeroallergens and the development of asthma. Conversely, atopy may predispose to more severe virus-induced airway disease. The animal models reviewed in this article support the hypothesis that respiratory virus infections can promote allergic sensitization and the development of asthma. Respiratory viruses can prevent induction of tolerance and enhance sensitization to inhaled allergens resulting in increased airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Probable mechanisms involved in this enhanced sensitization are increased permeability of the airway mucosa to allergens and recruitment of dendritic cells to the respiratory epithelium during acute infection. Factors involved in augmenting the consequences of allergic airway sensitization appear to be T-cells, especially CD8+ T-cells as regulators of this process, interleukin-5 as a pivotal cytokine for eosinophilic airway inflammation and eosinophils themselves as effector cells triggering airway hyperresponsiveness. Depending on the timing of allergen exposure, respiratory virus infections which elicit a significant type 1 T-helper cell cytokine response may also downregulate allergic sensitization. Respiratory virus infections in animals previously sensitized to aeroallergens result in prolonged increases in inflammation and airway responsiveness, indicating that critical interactions between immune responses to allergen sensitization and the responses to infection can lead to more severe disease. Taken together, animal models have proved valuable in generating a number of plausible pathogenetic concepts, and can be used to address a host of unresolved questions regarding the immunology of respiratory virus infections, allergic sensitization and asthma.

Allergens↗
PubMed2002

Indoor exposure to molds and allergic sensitization.

Evidence that indoor dampness and mold growth are associated with respiratory health has been accumulating, but few studies have been able to examine health risks in relation to measured levels of indoor mold exposure. In particular, little is known about the contribution of indoor molds to the development of allergic sensitization. As a part of an ongoing study examining the effects of ambient air pollutants on respiratory health and atopic diseases in German school children, we examined the relation between viable mold levels indoors and allergic sensitization in 272 children. We examined whether allergic sensitization in children is associated with higher fungal spore count in settled house dust sampled from living room floors. Adjusting for age, sex, parental education, region of residency, and parental history of atopy, we found that mold spore counts for Cladosporium and Aspergillus were associated with an increased risk of allergic sensitization. Sensitized children exposed to high levels of mold spores (> 90th percentile) were more likely to suffer from symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis. We conclude that elevated indoor concentrations of molds in wintertime might play a role in increasing the risk of developing atopic symptoms and allergic sensitization not only to molds but also to other common, inhaled allergens. These effects were strongest in the group of children who had lived in the same home since birth.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Comparison of two epidemiological protocols for measuring airway responsiveness and allergic sensitivity in adults.

In recent years, airway responsiveness has commonly been measured in epidemiological studies using one of two methods. In one method, histamine is administered via a handheld DeVilbiss nebulizer and in the other, methacholine is administered via a dosimeter. Allergic sensitivity has commonly been measured by either the allergen droplet method or by Phazet. We wanted to assess the comparability of airway responsiveness and of allergic sensitivity measured by both methods. A total of 48 volunteers, including normal and asthmatic subjects, participated in the study. Subjects first underwent one of the two tests of airway responsiveness and allergic sensitivity, and then returned within 10 days to undergo tests using the second protocol. Commencement protocol was allocated in random order. There was good agreement between both methods for assessing airway responsiveness and for assessing allergic sensitivity. The difference for dose response ratio (DRR) between histamine and methacholine was a 1.19 (95% (CI) 0.78, 1.82) fold changes, which was not statistically significant. Agreement between allergic sensitivity methods was perfect for Alternaria tenuis, good for rye-grass (kappa = 0.71) and moderate for cat and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (kappa approximately 0.5). It is possible to compare data from epidemiological studies which use these methods.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Association of neuropeptides with Th1/Th2 balance and allergic sensitization in children.

BACKGROUND: Among neurogenic factors, the neuropeptides have an important regulatory influence on immune system activity and may lead to allergic sensitization. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship of the neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), somatostatin (SOM) and substance P (SP) on modulation of Th1/Th2 balance and allergic sensitization in children. METHODS: Within the LISAplus (Life style-Immune system-Allergy) study, blood samples of 321 six-year-old children were analysed for concentration of neuropeptides, Th1 and Th2 cytokines, transcription factors for T cell regulation and suppressors of cytokine signalling. In addition, samples were screened for specific IgE against inhalant and food allergens. RESULTS: Children with high SOM values showed a Th2 polarization and a reduced expression of FOXP3, the marker for regulatory T cells. High (VIP) levels correlated inversely with the expression of T cell transcription factors (Tbet and SOCS3). In contrast, elevated levels of SP were associated with reduced GATA3 and SOCS3 expression and with increased IFN-gamma concentrations. Allergic sensitization was more prevalent in children with higher SOM and VIP concentrations but not associated with SP levels. CONCLUSION: Our data reveal an association between neuropeptides and modulatory effects on immune cells in vivo, especially on Th1/Th2 balance with a correlation to allergic sensitization in children. We suggest that elevated SOM and VIP concentrations and the inducing factors should be considered as allergy risk factors.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed2002

House dust endotoxin and allergic sensitization in children.

A higher exposure to endotoxin was hypothesized to contribute to lower prevalence of allergic sensitization and hay fever in children growing up on a farm. We studied the association between house dust endotoxin and allergic sensitization. We randomly selected 740 children, aged between 5 and 10 years, from a group of children who participated in two cross-sectional surveys performed in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, from 1992 to 1993 and from 1995 to 1996, such that 50% of the children were atopic or had a diagnosis of asthma. From 1996 to 1998, we collected living-room floor dust in the homes of 454 of these children (61%). The content of endotoxin in house dust was quantified using a chromogenic kinetic limulus amoebocyte lysate test and was related with health outcomes measured in the preceding cross-sectional surveys. Multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for place of residence, sex, age, parental education, parental atopy, and pet ownership showed a negative association between exposure to endotoxin and sensitization to one or more allergens (aOR [95% CI] 0.95 [0.83; 1.10]) and two or more allergens (aOR [95% CI] 0.80 [0.67; 0.97]) using 0.35 kU/L as the cutoff value for sensitization. The protective effect was strengthened with increasing degree of sensitization. In conclusion, exposure to higher levels of house dust endotoxin is associated with lower prevalence of allergic sensitization in children.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed1979

Contact allergic sensitivity to chrysanthemum and the photosensitivity dermatitis and actinic reticuloid syndrome.

Of sixty-nine examples of the photosensitivity dermatitis and actinic reticuloid syndrome, nine were found to be allergically sensitive to chrysanthemum oleoresin extract. Although this extract showed evidence in vitro of a phototoxic action we were unable with in vivo studies to explain the connection between the contact allergic sensitivity and the photosensitivity. The fractions responsible for the in vitro phototoxicity appear to be different from those involved in the in vivo contact allergic sensitivity. This study provides further support for the view that in the photosensitivity dermatitis and actinic reticuloid syndrome contact allergic sensitivity is of importance.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Smoking and the development of allergic sensitization to aeroallergens in adults: a prospective population-based study. The Copenhagen Allergy Study.

BACKGROUND: Several cross-sectional population-based studies have reported a negative association between smoking and allergic sensitization to aeroallergens. In a prospective study, we investigated the association between smoking and the development (incidence) of allergic sensitization as reflected by skin prick test (SPT) positivity and specific IgE positivity. METHODS: Participants in a population-based study of 15 69-year-olds in 1990 were invited to a follow-up in 1998. Thus, SPT positivity and specific IgE positivity to common aeroallergens were assessed in 734 subjects (participation rate: 69.0%) on two occasions 8 years apart. The effect of smoking on the development of allergic sensitization was adjusted for potential confounders such as age, sex, family history of hay fever, educational level, and total IgE. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 58 and 33 subjects developed SPT positivity and specific IgE positivity, respectively. The risk of developing SPT positivity (adjusted odds ratio: 0.45, 95% CI 0.21-0.98) and specific IgE positivity (adjusted odds ratio: 0.62, 95%, CI 0.26-1.49) was lower among sustained smokers than never-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: In this adult population, sustained smoking was negatively associated with the development of allergic sensitization to aeroallergens during an 8-year follow-up. This negative association, if real, might be due to an immunosuppressive effect of smoking.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Margarine and butter consumption, eczema and allergic sensitization in children. The LISA birth cohort study.

It has been hypothesized that margarine intake is associated with allergic diseases. However, the epidemiological evidence in children is limited. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between dietary intake of margarine and butter with eczema and allergic sensitization in 2-yr-old children. Data of 2582 children at the age of 2 yr with complete information on exposure to diet and allergic outcome were analyzed in a German prospective birth cohort study (LISA). Margarine and butter intake were estimated from a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire about general fat use at home combined with questions on the child's spread intake. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied comparing predominant margarine and predominant butter intake with consumption of both butter and margarine. Predominant margarine intake was positively associated with lifetime prevalence of symptomatic eczema (aOR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.12-2.61) and doctor-diagnosed eczema (aOR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.36-3.25) and allergic sensitization against inhalant allergens (aOR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.01-4.41) at the age of 2 yr. No statistically significant associations were found for butter intake. Stratification for parental history of atopic diseases indicated that children at high risk of atopic diseases have higher effect estimates for margarine intake compared to children without parental history of atopic diseases. Stratification for sex also showed higher effect estimates in boys. Children with predominant margarine consumption had an increased risk for eczema and allergic sensitization, while butter intake was no predictor for allergic diseases. However, we could not determine whether margarine is a causal risk factor or whether other lifestyle factors have influenced this association.

Butter↗