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. 2021 May 10;17(1):46.
doi: 10.1186/s13223-021-00547-0.

Sensitisation patterns and allergy outcomes in pregnant women living in the urban area

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Sensitisation patterns and allergy outcomes in pregnant women living in the urban area

Hanna Danielewicz et al. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. .

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, allergy affects more than one billion people, with particularly rising prevalence in industrialised areas. Specifically, young adults appear to be predominantly targeted for an allergy diagnosis. Allergic diseases in pregnancy are mainly pre-existing but could also occur de novo. The immunological changes while pregnant, with increased Th2 lymphocyte activity, can facilitate allergen sensitisation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of specific IgE (sIgE) sensitisation to common inhalant and food allergens in pregnancy, and assess its relationship to self-reported allergic disease.

Methods: We assessed 200 pregnant women, aged 20-38 years (mean age = 29 years), participant of ELMA (Epigenetic Hallmark of Maternal Atopy and Diet) study, living in a metropolitan area, with no pregnancy associated metabolic complications, for total IgE and allergen specific IgE to 20 allergens.

Results: 48% of pregnant women were sensitised to at least one allergen, at a cut-off point of 0.35 kU/L and they were assigned as atopic. However 42% in atopic group were not reporting any allergic disease. The most common inhalant allergens were: pollen (24.5%) and animal dander (23.5%). The most common food allergens were: cow's milk (5.5%) and apples (4.5%). 7.5% of women reported asthma, 21.5% allergic rhinitis, 11.5% atopic dermatitis and 18.5% food allergy. 8.5% of were taking medication for asthma or allergies. Atopic dermatitis had the highest tendency to become more severe during pregnancy. Total IgE values were significantly higher in atopic women.

Conclusions: Allergic sensitisation is a common phenomenon in pregnancy. Some sensitisations could be asymptomatic. Further studies should investigate if sensitisation in mothers confers risks for immune alterations in their children.

Keywords: Allergy; Atopy; Pregnancy; Sensitisation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Danielewicz H, Dębińska A, Myszczyszyn G,, Myszkal A, Drabik-Chamerska A report grant and personal fees from the National Science Centre, Poland, during the conduct of the study; Danielewicz H reports lecturer fees from Mead Johnson Nutrition outside the submitted work; Hirnle L, Boznanski A report a grant from the National Science Centre, Poland, during the conduct of the study.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Inhalant sensitisation patterns in pregnant women, n = 200. Sensitisation was defined as at least one positive result with cut-off > 0,35kU/L for allergen-specific IgE
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Food sensitisation patterns in pregnant women, n = 200
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Allergen sensitisation in relation to DD allergic disease–asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis or food allergy and self-reported allergies, n = 96 for those sensitised to any inhalant or food allergen. Sensitisation was defined as at least one positive result with cut-off > 0.35kU/L for allergen-specific IgE
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Doctor diagnosis food allergy in relation to food sensitisation (sIgE positive), n = 37 reported DD food allergy

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