Timing of infection and development of wheeze, eczema, and atopic sensitization during the first 2 yr of life: the KOALA Birth Cohort Study.
To investigate if infections in pregnancy and very early in life present a risk for wheezing, eczema, or atopic sensitization in later infancy. A total of 2319 children enrolled before birth in the KOALA Birth Cohort Study were followed during their first 2 yr of life using repeated questionnaires. Information was obtained on common colds, fever, and diarrhea with fever as well as on wheeze and eczema at ages 3 and 7 months and 1 and 2 yr, respectively. Blood samples were collected from 786 children at age 2 yr for specific immunoglobulin E analyses. Children with a common cold [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.03 95% CI 1.21-3.41] or fever episode (aOR 1.81 95% CI 1.10-2.96) in the first 3 months of life had a higher risk of new onset wheeze in the second year of life compared to children who had not. For children with diarrhea with fever in the first 3 months of life, the aOR for new onset wheeze in the second year of life was 3.94 (95% CI 1.36-11.40) compared to children without diarrhea. Infections becoming clinically manifest during the first 3 months of life may be a general marker for a wheezy phenotype.
Mommers
Monique
M
Department of Epidemiology, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands. monique.mommers@epid.unimaas.nl
Thijs
Carel
C
Stelma
Foekje
F
Penders
John
J
Reimerink
Johan
J
van Ree
Ronald
R
Koopmans
Marion
M
D017668:Age of Onset; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003967:Diarrhea; D004485:Eczema; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D018811:Maternal Exposure; D011247:Pregnancy; D012135:Respiratory Sounds; D012307:Risk Factors