Relation between infantile colic and asthma/atopy: a prospective study in an unselected population.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether children with history of infantile colic may be at increased risk of subsequently developing asthma and/or atopy.


METHODS
We used data collected in a large, prospective study from an unselected population. Infantile colic and concurrent feeding method were determined from the 2-month well-infant visit form completed by the physician for 983 children who were enrolled at birth. Markers of atopy (total serum immunoglobulin E and allergy skin prick test), allergic rhinitis, asthma, wheezing, and peak flow variability were the main outcome measures studied at different ages between infancy and 11 years.


RESULTS
Ninety (9.2%) children had infantile colic. Prevalence of colic was similar among children fed either breast milk or formula. There was no association between infantile colic and markers of atopy, asthma, allergic rhinitis, wheezing, or peak flow variability at any age.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data cannot support the hypothesis that infantile colic provides increased risk for subsequent allergic disease or atopy.
Castro-Rodríguez
J A
JA
Arizona Respiratory Center, University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
Stern
D A
DA
Halonen
M
M
Wright
A L
AL
Holberg
C J
CJ
Taussig
L M
LM
Martinez
F D
FD
D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003085:Colic / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008423:Maternal Age; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000175:diagnosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology