title: Mast cells in the placenta. Is there a relation to the development of atopic disease in infants before 18 months of age?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To disclose a relation between the amount of mast cells in placenta and the development of atopic disease in children before 18 months of age.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective, descriptive study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two obstetric departments at university hospitals.
  
  
  METHODS
  67 pairs of mothers and their newborn infants.
  
  
  METHODS
  Family history of atopic disease was taken. The amount of mast cells in placenta was counted. Follow-up questionnaires of the children were evaluated after 18 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The follow-up rate was 84%. The number of mast cells in placenta did not differ between atopic and non-atopic children.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A new predictor, the amount of mast cells in placenta was evaluated. In this study the amount of mast cells, in placenta was not predictive of the development of atopic disease before 18 months of age.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte County Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark.
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Mikkelsen
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Felding
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Larsen
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Andersen
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sander
mesh_terms: D002452:Cell Count; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D007223:Infant; D008407:Mast Cells; D010920:Placenta / Q000276:immunology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies