title: [Factors modifying cord blood IgE levels - a pilot study].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The complex influence of internal and external environmental factors on the individual and his/her immune system and the lack of suitable markers to assess and reduce the risk of the development of allergies during the lifetime can explain the continuous increase in the number of people affected by some form of allergy. According to the results of some studies, cord blood IgE level could be a useful early marker for assessing the risk of atopic diseases, but the studies showed controversial results. In addition, several authors discuss the origin of these antibodies (synthesis in utero, peripartum contamination from maternal blood or placental transfer). The aim of our pilot study was to investigate the possible influence of modifying factors on cord blood IgE level.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our group of patients consisted of 184 retrospectively selected neonates (98 boys, 53.3% and 86 girls, 46.7%) from whom cord blood was collected and cord blood IgE level was measured 25 years ago (PRIST method). The impact of selected modifying factors (sex, type of delivery or month of birth) on cord blood IgE level was assessed retrospectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Higher cord blood IgE levels were found in boys than in girls, in neonates born by Caesarean section than in those born by natural delivery, and in those born in the winter months than in other seasons of the year. Our findings are in agreement with those of other authors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on our results and those of others, we assume that the selected factors affect the cord blood IgE levels to varying degrees. These facts should be taken into consideration while interpreting the cord blood IgE levels.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Petrovičová
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bánovčin
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Babušíková
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jeseňák
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D012621:Seasons
chemical_list: D007073:Immunoglobulin E
keywords: mmunoglobulin E - public health hypothesis - cord blood - modifying factors - prevention.