Caesarean section and gastrointestinal symptoms, atopic dermatitis, and sensitisation during the first year of life

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the effect of caesarean section on gastrointestinal symptoms, atopic dermatitis, and sensitisation to nutritional allergens in infants. Methods: A total of 865 healthy full term neonates with parental history of allergy participating in the prospective German Infant Nutritional Intervention Program (GINI) were exclusively breast fed during the first four months of life and had a one year follow up. Data were obtained by follow up visits at age 1, 4, 8, and 12 months, weekly diaries for the first six months, and measurement of total and specific IgE at birth and 12 months. Results: Infants born by caesarean section (147/865, 17%) had a greater risk of diarrhoea (OR adj 1.46, 95% CI 1.022 to 2.10) and sensitisation to food allergens, both in adjusted (OR adj 2.06, 95% CI 1.123 to 3.80) and stratified analyses (by cord blood IgE). Caesarean delivery was not associated with colicky pain and atopic dermatitis. Conclusion: Caesarean delivery might be a risk factor for diarrhoea and sensitisation in infants with family history of allergy. Further research in this area seems warranted as choosing caesarean section becomes increasingly popular.

Microbiota and Allergy: From Dysbiosis to Probiotics

“…The immature Th2-dominant neonatal response undergoes environment-driven maturation via microbial contact during the early postnatal period resulting in a gradual inhibition of the Th2 response and an increase of the Th1 response and prevention of allergic diseases. This hypothesis is consistent with various observations: the delayed colonization of the digestive tract associated with changes in lifestyle over the last 15 years (Campeotto et al, 2007;Adlerberth and Wold, 2009); and evidence that caesarian section (Kero et al, 2002;Laubereau et al, 2004), prematurity (Agosti et al, 2003), and exposure to antibiotics during pregnancy (McKeever et al, 2002) -all factors which modify establishment of the gut microbiota-are associated with a higher risk of atopic disease.…”

Elective cesarean delivery affects gut maturation and delays microbial colonization but does not increase necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm pigs

“…The different assemblages of gut bacteria resulting from CS and VD (17) have been related to differences in intestinal functions and health (26) and incidence of NEC (18). However, the influence of birth mode on the mucosa-associated bacteria is not always evident, particularly when fecal samples are used as a surrogate for the entire gut microbiota (31).…”

Intestinal Microbiocenosis, Food Tolerance and Food Allergy. Current State of a Problem

“…Оперативное родоразрешение и позднее приклады-вание к груди матери также нарушают естественный процесс первичной колонизации ребенка микрофлорой родовых путей и кожи матери, что подтверждается более низким содержанием бифидобактерий в кишечнике мла-денцев после кесарева сечения [23,24]. Напротив, есте-ственное течение родов и грудное вскармливание дают важные преимущества для младенца, в число которых входит стимуляция иммунной системы и обеспечение нормальной кишечной флорой.…”