IgE level in newborn umbilical cord and its relationship with some maternal factors

Abstract

Background and objectives Allergic diseases are among major pediatric issues as they are highly prevalent and chronic. Therefore, identification of factors contributing to allergic disease could play a significant role in prevention of these conditions. This study aimed at investigating the IgE level in newborn’s umbilical cord blood and its relationship with some maternal factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 101 mothers and their newborns in Babol, Iran 2016. The samples were selected using non-probability convenience sampling. Information including newborn sex, gravidity, history of allergy before and during pregnancy (asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, hives, food allergy, and drug allergy), family history of allergy among mothers, history of exposure to secondhand smoke and pets, and delivery techniques was recorded. The IgE levels in newborn umbilical cord blood and maternal serum were measured using an IgE kit and ELISA technique. Results The newborns included 53 females (52.5%) and 29 mothers had vaginal birth (28.7%). History of exposure to secondhand smoke was found in 15 samples (14.9%), and 18 participants reported exposure to pets (17.8%). The median IgE levels in newborns and their mothers were 0.41 and 98.6, respectively. In general, IgE level in all newborns was within the normal range, but, it was higher than normal in 15 mothers (14.9%). The IgE level was significantly higher in male newborns than that of the female newborns (p = 0.011). There were no significant differences in the IgE levels of mothers and their newborns on the basis of delivery technique and history of exposure to pets (p > 0.05). Conclusion In this study, the IgE level in all newborns was within the normal range, and sex was found to be an effective factor in IgE levels.

Relationship of cord blood IgE with maternal, fetal, and environmental factors in the Chinese population

“…Our study showed that newborn gender was positively correlated with CB-IgE levels. Consistent with our findings, Petrovičová et al, 21 De Amici et al, 8 Iraj Mohammadzadeh et al, 16 Scirica et al, 22 and Chien-Han Chen et al 23 also found that the CB-IgE level was higher in male newborns, possibly because of interaction between interleukin-13 (IL-13) and CB-IgE, which is modified by male sex. 24 And CB-IgE levels might reflect early differences in immune system development and function between boys and girls that contribute to the known predominance of asthma and related symptoms among boys rather than girls before puberty.…”

“…14 Most studies have shown that elevated CB-IgE levels have a role in the future development of allergic diseases. 4,5,[15][16][17][18] For example, elevated CB-IgE has been a useful measure of subsequent risk of food allergy/ urticaria at 12 months 19 and a cohort study showed that the risk of allergy development at the age of 4 (OR = 2.92) and 10 (OR = 1.73) was significantly correlated with increased IgE level in newborn umbilical cord blood. 20 Hence, CB-IgE level is believed to be correlated with allergic diseases.…”

“…Firstly, we did not collect blood samples from the mothers and could not measure maternal IgE levels; however, a strong positive association between maternal IgE level and CB-IgE level has been well proven. 11,16 Secondly, we did not measure IgA levels in the cord blood as a marker of maternal blood contamination, but previous studies using cord blood IgA levels as an indicator of maternal contamination have reported a very low rate of contamination. 28,29 Thirdly, subjects in this study should be followed up to reveal the link between CB-IgE elevation in boys and future allergy development.…”

Prediction of allergic diseases by measurement total IgE in umbilical cord blood levels: A 8 -year follow up study

“…In the current study, the delivery method did not signi cantly in uence the total IgE levels in the umbilical cord. That is similar to a Mohammadzadeh et al study in Iran 2019 [10]. In contrast, Petrovičová et al study in that reported the total IgE level in the umbilical cord was higher in newborns born by cesarean section than those born via vaginal birth.…”

“…Consistent with our ndings, krimi et al 2012 also found that the total IgE level in umbilical cord blood did not association with newborn gender [9]. These ndings are in contrast to Mohammad zadeh et al study in Iran 2019 which found signi cantly higher levels of total IgE in umbilical cord were seen in male newborns [10]. Higher levels of total IgE in male newborns might be related to a higher prevalence of atopy and allergic diseases in boys [11].…”