Preterm birth reduces the risk of IgE sensitization up to early adulthood: A population‐based birth cohort study. Issue 5 (13th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mitselou, Niki; Andersson, Niklas; Bergström, Anna; Kull, Inger; Georgelis, Antonios; van Hage, Marianne; Hedman, Anna M.; Almqvist, Catarina; Ludvigsson, Jonas F.; Melén, Erik
• Is Part Of: Allergy. Volume 77:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 1570
• Page End: 1582
• Publication Date: 2021-09-13
• Subjects: allergens and epitopes -- biomarkers -- epidemiology -- IgE -- paediatrics; Allergy -- Periodicals; 616.97
• DOI: 10.1111/all.15077
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0105-4538

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitization is associated with asthma and allergic diseases. Gestational age influences early immune system development, thereby potentially affecting the process of tolerance induction to allergens. Objective: To study IgE sensitization to common allergens by gestational age from childhood up to early adulthood. Methods: Population‐based birth cohort, data from the Swedish BAMSE study were used. Allergen‐specific IgE antibodies to a mix of common food (fx5) and inhalant (Phadiatop) allergens were analysed at 4, 8, 16 and 24 years. Sensitization was defined as allergen‐specific IgE ≥0.35 kUA /L to fx5 and/or Phadiatop at each time point. Using logistic regression and generalized estimated equations, adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for sensitization in relation to gestational age were calculated. Replication was sought within the Swedish twin study STOPPA. Results: In BAMSE, 3522 participants were screened for IgE antibodies during follow‐up; of these, 197 (5.6%) were born preterm (<37 gestational weeks) and 330 (9.4%) post‐term (≥42 weeks). Preterm birth reduced the risk of sensitization to common food and/or inhalant allergens up to early adulthood by 29% (overall aOR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.52–0.98), and to food allergens specifically by 40% (overall aOR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.38–0.93). No relation was found between post‐term birth and IgE sensitization at any time point. Replication analyses in STOPPA ( N = 675) showed similar risk estimates for sensitization to food and/or inhalant allergens (aOR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.42–1.21), which resulted in a combined meta‐analysis aOR = 0.71 (95% CI: 0.54–0.94). Conclusions: Our study suggests an inverse association between preterm birth and long‐term IgE sensitization. Abstract : This population‐based Swedish birth cohort study of 3522 infants followed prospectively up to early adulthood assessed the impact of gestational age on IgE sensitization. Preterm birth (<37 weeks) was inversely associated with sensitization to common food and/or inhalant allergens and to food allergens separately. No clear association was found between post‐term birth and IgE sensitization up to the age 24 years.Abbreviations: BAMSE, Barn/Children, Allergy, Milieu, Stockholm, Epidemiology; STOPPA, Swedish Twin study On Prediction and Prevention of Asthma.