Changes in IgE sensitization and total IgE levels over 20 years of follow-up

Abstract

BackgroundCross-sectional studies have reported a lower prevalence of sensitization in older adults, but few longitudinal studies have examined whether this is an aging or a year-of-birth cohort effect.ObjectiveWe sought to assess changes in sensitization and total IgE levels in a cohort of European adults as they aged over a 20-year period.MethodsLevels of serum specific IgE to common aeroallergens (house dust mite, cat, and grass) and total IgE levels were measured in 3206 adults from 25 centers in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey on 3 occasions over 20 years. Changes in sensitization and total IgE levels were analyzed by using regression analysis corrected for potential differences in laboratory equipment and by using inverse sampling probability weights to account for nonresponse.ResultsOver the 20-year follow-up, the prevalence of sensitization to at least 1 of the 3 allergens decreased from 29.4% to 24.8% (−4.6%; 95% CI, −7.0% to −2.1%). The prevalence of sensitization to house dust mite (−4.3%; 95% CI, −6.0% to −2.6%) and cat (−2.1%; 95% CI, −3.6% to −0.7%) decreased more than sensitization to grass (−0.6%; 95% CI, −2.5% to 1.3%). Age-specific prevalence of sensitization to house dust mite and cat did not differ between year-of-birth cohorts, but sensitization to grass was most prevalent in the most recent ones. Overall, total IgE levels decreased significantly (geometric mean ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.58-0.68) at all ages in all year-of-birth cohorts.ConclusionAging was associated with lower levels of sensitization, especially to house dust mite and cat, after the age of 20 years.

High exposure to endotoxin in farming is associated with less new-onset pollen sensitisation

“…It has been claimed that lifestyle and environmental changes, which began around 1960, have caused subsequent generations to experience more allergies 1. Prevalence of symptomatic allergy and allergic sensitisation has been found to diminish with age,1–4 but this decrease in prevalence among older populations might be due to a cohort effect in these particular studies,1–5 and therefore prevalence in future ageing generations could allegedly increase and allergy could continue to be a problem also for the ageing populations 6. However, studies on individual changes in sensitisation among adults are sparse, and thus knowledge of the determinants of new onset or loss of sensitisation in adulthood is limited.…”

A three-generation study on the association of tobacco smoking with asthma

“…At baseline, each participant was sent a brief screening questionnaire (stage 1) and, from those who responded, a 20% random sample was invited to undergo a more detailed clinical examination (stage 2). Follow-up of the participants in stage 2 took place in 1998–2002 (ECRHS II) 18 and 2010–13 (ECRHS III) 19 . The participants underwent a standardized clinical interview, lung function tests and laboratory testing on all occasions.…”

Allergy testing in children with persistent asthma: comparison of four diagnostic methods

“…Data suggest that more than 50% of patients consulting for respiratory allergies are multisensitized . Other data indicate that some 20–30% of the general population and >50% of asthmatic patients are allergic to common allergens . A vast number of individuals affected by allergies are children and teenagers .…”