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Lodge CJ, Tan DJ, Lau MXZ, Dai X, Tham R, Lowe AJ, Bowatte G, Allen KJ, Dharmage SC. Breastfeeding and asthma and allergies: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Paediatr 2015; 104:38-53. [PMID: 26192405 DOI: 10.1111/apa.13132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 315] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM To systematically review the association between breastfeeding and childhood allergic disease. METHODS Predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria identified 89 articles from PubMed, CINAHL and EMBASE databases. Meta-analyses performed for categories of breastfeeding and allergic outcomes. Meta-regression explored heterogeneity. RESULTS More vs. less breastfeeding (duration) was associated with reduced risk of asthma for children (5-18 years), particularly in medium-/low-income countries and with reduced risk of allergic rhinitis ≤5 years, but this estimate had high heterogeneity and low quality. Exclusive breastfeeding for 3-4 months was associated with reduced risk of eczema ≤2 years (estimate principally from cross-sectional studies of low methodological quality). No association found between breastfeeding and food allergy (estimate had high heterogeneity and low quality). Meta-regression found differences between study outcomes may be attributable to length of breastfeeding recall, study design, country income and date of study inception. Some of the protective effect of breastfeeding for asthma may be related to recall bias in studies of lesser methodological quality. CONCLUSION There is some evidence that breastfeeding is protective for asthma (5-18 years). There is weaker evidence for a protective effect for eczema ≤2 years and allergic rhinitis ≤5 years of age, with greater protection for asthma and eczema in low-income countries.
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Tham R, Bowatte G, Dharmage SC, Tan DJ, Lau MXZ, Dai X, Allen KJ, Lodge CJ. Breastfeeding and the risk of dental caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Paediatr 2015. [PMID: 26206663 DOI: 10.1111/apa.13118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To synthesise the current evidence for the associations between breastfeeding and dental caries, with respect to specific windows of early childhood caries risk. METHODS Systematic review, meta-analyses and narrative synthesis following searches of PubMed, CINAHL and EMBASE databases. RESULTS Sixty-three papers included. Children exposed to longer versus shorter duration of breastfeeding up to age 12 months (more versus less breastfeeding), had a reduced risk of caries (OR 0.50; 95%CI 0.25, 0.99, I(2) 86.8%). Children breastfed >12 months had an increased risk of caries when compared with children breastfed <12 months (seven studies (OR 1.99; 1.35, 2.95, I(2) 69.3%). Amongst children breastfed >12 months, those fed nocturnally or more frequently had a further increased caries risk (five studies, OR 7.14; 3.14, 16.23, I(2) 77.1%). There was a lack of studies on children aged >12 months simultaneously assessing caries risk in breastfed, bottle-fed and children not bottle or breastfed, alongside specific breastfeeding practices, consuming sweet drinks and foods, and oral hygiene practices limiting our ability to tease out the risks attributable to each. CONCLUSION Breastfeeding in infancy may protect against dental caries. Further research needed to understand the increased risk of caries in children breastfed after 12 months.
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Dharmage SC, Lodge CJ, Lowe AJ, Allen KJ. Antibiotics and risk of asthma: a debate that is set to continue. Clin Exp Allergy 2015; 45:6-8. [PMID: 25546589 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Martin PE, Eckert JK, Koplin JJ, Lowe AJ, Gurrin LC, Dharmage SC, Vuillermin P, Tang MLK, Ponsonby AL, Matheson M, Hill DJ, Allen KJ. Which infants with eczema are at risk of food allergy? Results from a population-based cohort. Clin Exp Allergy 2015; 45:255-64. [PMID: 25210971 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Revised: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between early onset eczema and food allergy among infants has never been examined in a population-based sample using the gold standard for diagnosis, oral food challenge. OBJECTIVE We characterised the risk of challenge-proven food allergy among infants with eczema in the general population. METHODS One-year-old infants (n = 4453 meeting criteria for this analysis) were assessed for history of eczema, received a nurse-administered eczema examination and underwent skin prick testing to peanut, egg and sesame. Those with a detectable wheal to one of the test foods underwent an oral food challenge irrespective of wheal size. The risk of food allergy, stratified by eczema severity and age of onset, was estimated using multivariate logistic regression with population sampling weights. RESULTS One in five infants with eczema were allergic to peanut, egg white or sesame, compared to one in twenty-five infants without eczema (OR 6.2, 95% CI 4.9, 7.9, P < 0.001). The prevalence of peanut allergy was low in the absence of eczema (0.7% 95% CI 0.4, 1.1). Infants with eczema were 11.0 times more likely to develop peanut allergy (95% CI 6.6, 18.6) and 5.8 times more likely to develop egg allergy (95% CI 4.6, 7.4) by 12 months than infants without eczema. 50.8% of infants (95% CI 42.8, 58.9) with early eczema onset (<3 months) who required doctor-prescribed topical corticosteroid treatment developed challenge-proven food allergy. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Eczema, across the clinical severity spectrum in infancy, is a strong risk factor for IgE-mediated food allergy. Infants with eczema were six times more likely to have egg allergy and 11 times more likely to have peanut allergy by 12 months than infants without eczema. Our data suggest that a heightened awareness of food allergy risk among healthcare practitioners treating infants with eczema, especially if early onset and severe, is warranted.
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DunnGalvin A, Chan CH, Crevel R, Grimshaw K, Poms R, Schnadt S, Taylor SL, Turner P, Allen KJ, Austin M, Baka A, Baumert JL, Baumgartner S, Beyer K, Bucchini L, Fernández-Rivas M, Grinter K, Houben GF, Hourihane J, Kenna F, Kruizinga AG, Lack G, Madsen CB, Clare Mills EN, Papadopoulos NG, Alldrick A, Regent L, Sherlock R, Wal JM, Roberts G. Precautionary allergen labelling: perspectives from key stakeholder groups. Allergy 2015; 70:1039-51. [PMID: 25808296 DOI: 10.1111/all.12614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Precautionary allergen labelling (PAL) was introduced by the food industry to help manage and communicate the possibility of reaction from the unintended presence of allergens in foods. However, in its current form, PAL is counterproductive for consumers with food allergies. This review aims to summarize the perspectives of all the key stakeholders (including clinicians, patients, food industry and regulators), with the aim of defining common health protection and risk minimization goals. The lack of agreed reference doses has resulted in inconsistent application of PAL by the food industry and in levels of contamination that prompt withdrawal action by enforcement officers. So there is a poor relationship between the presence or absence of PAL and actual reaction risk. This has led to a loss of trust in PAL, reducing the ability of consumers with food allergies to make informed choices. The result has been reduced avoidance, reduced quality of life and increased risk-taking by consumers who often ignore PAL. All contributing stakeholders agree that PAL must reflect actual risk. PAL should be transparent and consistent with rules underpinning decision-making process being communicated clearly to all stakeholders. The use of PAL should indicate the possible, unintended presence of an allergen in a consumed portion of a food product at or above any proposed action level. This will require combined work by all stakeholders to ensure everyone understands the approach and its limitations. Consumers with food allergy then need to be educated to undertake individualized risk assessments in relation to any PAL present.
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Franklin SH, Allen KJ. Assessment of dynamic upper respiratory tract function in the equine athlete. EQUINE VET EDUC 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.12432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Allen KJ, Young LE, Franklin SH. Evaluation of heart rate and rhythm during exercise. EQUINE VET EDUC 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.12405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Allen KJ, van Erck-Westergren E, Franklin SH. Exercise testing in the equine athlete. EQUINE VET EDUC 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.12410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Offord S, Tulloch LK, Franklin SH, Tremaine WH, Woodford N, Allen KJ. The effect of the laryngeal tie-forward procedure and soft palate cautery on nasopharyngeal diameter in horses. Vet Rec 2015; 176:19. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.102509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Koplin JJ, Peters RL, Ponsonby AL, Gurrin LC, Hill D, Tang MLK, Dharmage SC, Allen KJ. Increased risk of peanut allergy in infants of Asian-born parents compared to those of Australian-born parents. Allergy 2014; 69:1639-47. [PMID: 25041549 DOI: 10.1111/all.12487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asian infants appear to be over-represented among patients with clinical food allergy in Australia, but this has not been formally examined at the population level. Any difference in prevalence according to parental country of birth may be secondary to modifiable lifestyle factors. We aimed to quantify (i) differences in the prevalence of peanut allergy by parental country of birth and (ii) contribution of measured environmental exposures to these differences. METHODS The population-based HealthNuts study in Melbourne, Australia, screened 5276 infants (74% participation) with skin prick tests and sensitized infants underwent food challenge. Of these, 535 had a parent born in East Asia and 574 in UK/Europe. Associations between parents' country of birth and offspring peanut allergy were examined using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS Compared to infants with two Australian-born parents, peanut allergy was more common among infants with parent/s born in East Asia (OR 3.4, 95% CI 2.2-5.1) but not those with parent/s born in the UK/Europe (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.4-1.5). Paradoxically rates of allergic disease were lower among Asian parents. A higher prevalence of eczema among infants of Asian parents explained around 30% of the increase in peanut allergy, while differences in dog ownership explained around 18%. CONCLUSIONS The high peanut allergy prevalence among infants of Asian-born parents appears to have occurred in a single generation and was not present among infants with parents migrating from other countries, suggesting gene-environment interactions are important. The role of eczema and microbial exposure in food allergy prevention warrants exploration.
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Fitzharris LE, Franklin SH, Allen KJ. The prevalence of abnormal breathing patterns during exercise and associations with dynamic upper respiratory tract obstructions. Equine Vet J 2014; 47:553-6. [PMID: 25056992 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY There is very limited published information on the prevalence and significance of abnormal breathing patterns adopted during canter/gallop. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of abnormal breathing patterns during canter/gallop and to investigate whether these may be associated with dynamic upper respiratory tract (URT) obstructions. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis of clinical records. METHODS Simultaneous audio and URT videoendoscopy recordings from 365 horses referred for treadmill evaluation were analysed. RESULTS Thirty percent of horses had an abnormal breathing pattern at canter or gallop, of which 23% had a 2:1 breathing pattern (i.e. one breath is taken over two strides). The prevalence of abnormal breathing patterns was higher at low canter speeds than during strenuous exercise. There was a significant association between breathing pattern during strenuous exercise and the presence of an URT obstruction. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that abnormal breathing patterns during canter and gallop may be associated with dynamic URT obstructions; therefore, horses identified by owners or veterinary surgeons to have an abnormal breathing pattern during exercise, in particular a 2:1 breathing pattern, may warrant investigations for diagnosis of respiratory tract disease.
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Lodge CJ, Lowe AJ, Allen KJ, de Silva D, Roberts G, Halken S, Høst A, Grimshaw K, Venter C, Panesar S, Sheikh A, Muraro A. Primary prevention of food allergy in children and adults. Allergy 2014; 69:971-2. [PMID: 24898677 DOI: 10.1111/all.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Koplin JJ, Allen KJ. Optimal timing for solids introduction - why are the guidelines always changing? Clin Exp Allergy 2014; 43:826-34. [PMID: 23889238 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There have been dramatic changes in timing of first exposure to solid foods for children over the last 40 years, ranging from exposure prior to 4 months of age for most infants in the 1960s, to guidelines recommending delaying solids until after 6 months of age introduced in the 1990s. Infant diet, specifically age of weaning and age at introduction of allergenic foods, has long been thought to play a role food allergy. However, controversy surrounding the relationship between timing of introduction of foods and development of food allergy has lead to a plethora of inconsistent infant feeding guidelines both between and within countries. The aims of this article were to discuss the history of changing guidelines for optimal timing of introduction of solids in general and allergenic solids in particular and the evidence (or lack thereof) underpinning recommendations at each of these time-points. We present the current clinical equipoise with regards to recently revised guidelines published almost simultaneously in the UK, US and Australia and argue that guideline modification about timing of introduction (both for high risk infants but also for the general population) will require careful review of emerging literature to provide a true evidence base to inform public health practice such as infant feeding guidelines.
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Martin PE, Koplin JJ, Eckert JK, Lowe AJ, Ponsonby AL, Osborne NJ, Gurrin LC, Robinson MN, Hill DJ, Tang MLK, Dharmage SC, Allen KJ. The prevalence and socio-demographic risk factors of clinical eczema in infancy: a population-based observational study. Clin Exp Allergy 2014; 43:642-51. [PMID: 23711126 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Socio-demographic predictors for the development of clinically observed, infantile eczema have not been formally examined in a large population-based study. Few studies of eczema risk factors have included current, objective eczema outcomes as well as parent-reported history. OBJECTIVES We aimed to measure the population prevalence of infantile eczema using novel sampling methodology, and identify socio-demographic risk factors for eczema in the first year of life. METHODS A population-based cross-sectional study of infantile allergy (the HealthNuts study, n = 4972, response rate 74.1%) was conducted from 2008-2011 in Melbourne, Australia. Infants were examined for current eczema at age 12 months (mean 12.7, SD 0.7). Parents provided information about the infants' history of eczema and demographic factors. Factors associated with eczema were modelled using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS The population prevalence of observed eczema at 12 months was 20.3% (95% CI 19.0, 21.5), while cumulative prevalence for parent-reported eczema was 28.0% (95% CI 26.7, 29.4). The strongest predictors of eczema were maternal eczema and asthma (multinomial (M)-OR 1.7, P < 0.001, and M-OR 1.4, P = 0.007), male sex (M-OR 1.4, P < 0.001), and East Asian ethnicity (M-OR 1.6, P < 0.001) with over 80% of infants with all risk factors exhibiting eczema. East Asian parents, particularly recent migrants, reported fewer allergies than other parents. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Approximately, one in three infants developed eczema by 12 months of age. East Asian infants are at increased risk of eczema despite their parents having lower rates of allergy than non-Asian parents. Gene-environment interactions may explain the differential effect seen in this minority group.
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Vuillermin PJ, Ponsonby AL, Kemp AS, Allen KJ. Potential links between the emerging risk factors for food allergy and vitamin D status. Clin Exp Allergy 2014; 43:599-607. [PMID: 23711121 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A variety of hypotheses have been proposed to explain the recently described increase in food allergy among children living in developed countries. In this study, we summarize the emerging risk factors for IgE-mediated food allergy in early life, and then review the evidence for and against an association between low vitamin status (VDS) and food allergy. We consider whether each of the epidemiological variables that have been associated with food allergy may also be associated with VDS; and argue that future studies must adequately account for the potential relationships between risk factors for food allergy and VDS, and must also discriminate between vitamin D derived by sun exposure, diet and oral supplementation.
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Dharmage SC, Lowe AJ, Matheson MC, Burgess JA, Allen KJ, Abramson MJ. Atopic dermatitis and the atopic march revisited. Allergy 2014; 69:17-27. [PMID: 24117677 DOI: 10.1111/all.12268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) has become a significant public health problem because of increasing prevalence, together with increasing evidence that it may progress to other allergic phenotypes. While it is now acknowledged that AD commonly precedes other allergic diseases, a link termed 'the atopic march', debate continues as to whether this represents a causal relationship. An alternative hypothesis is that this association may be related to confounding by familial factors or phenotypes that comanifest, such as early-life wheeze and sensitization. However, there is increasing evidence from longitudinal studies suggesting that the association between AD and other allergies is independent of confounding by comanifest allergic phenotypes. The hypotheses on plausible biological mechanisms for the atopic march focus on defective skin barrier function and overexpression of inflammatory mediators released by the skin affected by AD (including thymic stromal lymphopoietin). Both human and animal studies have provided evidence supporting these potential biological mechanisms. Evidence from prevention trials is now critical to establishing a causal nature of the atopic march. An emerging area of research is investigation into environmental modifiers of the atopic march. Such information will assist in identifying secondary prevention strategies to arrest the atopic march. Despite much research into the aetiology of allergies, little progress has been made in identifying effective strategies to reduce the burden of allergic conditions. In this context, the atopic march remains a promising area of investigation.
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Dang TD, Tang MLK, Koplin JJ, Licciardi PV, Eckert JK, Tan T, Gurrin LC, Ponsonby AL, Dharmage SC, Allen KJ. Characterization of plasma cytokines in an infant population cohort of challenge-proven food allergy. Allergy 2013; 68:1233-40. [PMID: 24033562 DOI: 10.1111/all.12215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensitization to food allergens indicates the production of food-specific IgE; however, sensitization is not a definite indicator of allergic reaction upon ingestion (N Engl J Med, 344, 2001, 30: J Allergy Clin Immunol, 120, 2007, 491). Currently, food challenge is the best approach to identify the presence or absence of allergy. While 95% positive predictive values (PPVs) thresholds for sIgE can assist with identifying increased likelihood of allergy among those who are sensitized, there are no specific biological markers that differentiate between allergic and sensitized individuals. OBJECTIVES To determine whether plasma serum cytokine profiles predict (i) sensitization to peanut and egg and (ii) food allergy among sensitized infants. METHODS Peanut-sensitized (PT) and egg-sensitized 14-month-old infants and nonsensitized controls enrolled in HealthNuts, a population-based study of food allergy, underwent an oral food challenge (OFC). Blood was collected within 1 h after OFC. Serum levels of Th1, Th2 and regulatory cytokines were determined in allergic (n = 79), sensitized (n = 40) and nonsensitized, nonallergic (n = 37) infants by multiplex assay. RESULTS Food-sensitized infants had significantly higher plasma IL-4, IL-13, IL-12p70 and lower IL-10 levels compared to nonsensitized infants. IL-10 and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in sensitized compared with allergic infants. Egg-allergic infants had significantly higher IL-13 and IL-12p70 levels compared to peanut-allergic (PA) infants. CONCLUSION Levels of Th2-related cytokines in plasma are higher in food-sensitized infants, irrespective of clinical food allergy status. In contrast, IL-10 levels appear to predict food allergy among sensitized infants. Differences in IL-13 and IL-12p70 between egg- and peanut-allergic infants could help explain the different resolution rates of the allergies.
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Kiraly N, Benn CS, Biering-Sørensen S, Rodrigues A, Jensen KJ, Ravn H, Allen KJ, Aaby P. Vitamin A supplementation and BCG vaccination at birth may affect atopy in childhood: long-term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial. Allergy 2013; 68:1168-76. [PMID: 23991838 DOI: 10.1111/all.12216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidence suggests that immunogenic interventions such as vaccines and micronutrients may affect atopic sensitization and atopic disease. We aimed to determine whether neonatal BCG vaccination, vitamin A supplementation and other vaccinations affect atopy in childhood. METHODS In Guinea-Bissau, low-birthweight infants were randomized to early (intervention) or delayed (usual policy) BCG. A subgroup was also randomly assigned vitamin A supplementation or placebo in a two-by-two factorial design. Participants were followed up at age 3-9 years. The main outcome was atopy defined as skin prick test reaction ≥3 mm. Secondary outcomes were symptoms of eczema, asthma and food allergy. RESULTS Two hundred eighty-one children had valid skin prick tests performed, and 14% (39/281) were atopic. There was no significant difference in atopy between the early and delayed BCG groups (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.34-1.47). Atopy was significantly reduced in children who had responded to BCG with a scar (OR, 0.42; 0.19-0.94). Vitamin A supplementation was associated with increased atopy (OR, 2.88; 1.26-6.58), especially in those who received simultaneous BCG (5.99; 1.99-18.1, P = 0.09 for interaction between vitamin A supplementation and BCG). Early vs delayed BCG was not associated with symptoms of atopic disease, but vitamin A supplementation increased odds of wheeze within the past 12 months (OR, 2.45; 1.20-4.96). CONCLUSIONS There were no statistically significant effects of early vs delayed BCG on atopy or symptoms of atopic disease. Having a BCG scar was associated with reduced atopy, whereas neonatal vitamin A supplementation was associated with increased atopy. STUDY REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT 01420705.
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Erbas B, Lowe AJ, Lodge CJ, Matheson MC, Hosking CS, Hill DJ, Vicendese D, Allen KJ, Abramson MJ, Dharmage SC. Persistent pollen exposure during infancy is associated with increased risk of subsequent childhood asthma and hayfever. Clin Exp Allergy 2013; 43:337-43. [PMID: 23414542 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2012] [Revised: 11/10/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have focused on pollen exposure and asthma in children. None have examined associations between persistent exposure to pollen in infancy and aeroallergen sensitisation and asthma in childhood. OBJECTIVES To examine the association between higher ambient levels of pollen in the first 3-6 months of life and risk of eczema, sensitization to food and aeroallergens at 2 years and asthma or hayfever at age 6-7 years combined. METHODS Using a birth cohort of 620 infants with a family history of allergic disease born between 1990 and 1994, we examined risk of eczema or allergic sensitization (SPT > 3 mm to at least one of cow's milk, egg white, peanut, house dust-mite, rye grass, and cat dander) by age 2 and asthma or hayfever at age 6-7. Daily ambient levels of pollen were measured during this period. RESULTS Cumulative exposure to pollen concentrations up to 6 months was associated with aeroallergen sensitization with the highest risk occurring at 3 months (aOR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.06-1.72). Cumulative exposure to pollen up to 3 months was also associated with hayfever (aOR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.009-1.29) and between 4 and 6 months exposure with asthma only (aOR=1.35, 95% CI 1.07-1.72). CONCLUSION Persistent pollen exposure in infancy appears to increase the risk of asthma and hayfever in children. These results support the hypothesis that there is a critical window of opportunity in early development which may be important for modification of allergic outcomes.
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Tey D, Dharmage SC, Robinson MN, Allen KJ, Gurrin LC, Tang MLK. Frequent baked egg ingestion was not associated with change in rate of decline in egg skin prick test in children with challenge confirmed egg allergy. Clin Exp Allergy 2013. [PMID: 23181794 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2012.04061.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is controversial whether egg-allergic children should strictly avoid all forms of egg, or if regular ingestion of baked egg will either delay or hasten the resolution of egg allergy. OBJECTIVE This is the first study to examine the relationship between frequency of baked egg ingestion and rate of decline in egg skin prick test size in egg-allergic children. METHODOLOGY This was a retrospective clinical cohort study. All children with challenge-proven egg allergy who attended the Royal Children's Hospital Allergy Department 1996-2005 and had at least two egg skin prick tests performed in this period were included (n = 125). Frequency of baked egg ingestion was assessed by telephone questionnaire as follows: (a) frequent (> once per week), (b) regular (> once every 3 months, up to ≤ once per week) or (c) strict avoidance (≤ once every 3 months). The relationship between frequency of baked egg ingestion and rate of decline in egg skin prick test size was examined by multiple linear regression, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS Mean rate of decline in egg skin prick test size in all children was 0.7 mm/year (95% CI 0.5-1.0 mm/year). There was no evidence (P = 0.57) that the rate of decline in egg skin prick test size differed between children who undertook frequent ingestion (n = 21, mean 0.4 mm/year, 95% CI -0.3-1.2 mm/year), regular ingestion (n = 37, mean 0.9 mm/year, 95% CI 0.4-1.4 mm/year) or strict avoidance (n = 67, mean 0.7 mm/year, 95% CI 0.4-1.1 mm/year) of baked egg. CONCLUSIONS Compared with strict dietary avoidance, frequent consumption of baked egg was not associated with a different rate of decline in egg skin prick test size in egg-allergic children. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Given that dietary restrictions can adversely impact on the family, it is reasonable to consider liberalizing baked egg in the diet of egg-allergic children.
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Kiraly N, Dharmage SC, Allen KJ. Reduced Risk of Pertussis Among Persons Ever Vaccinated With Whole-Cell Pertussis Vaccine Compared to Recipients of Acellular Pertussis Vaccines May Have Been Confounded by Age. Clin Infect Dis 2013; 57:770. [DOI: 10.1093/cid/cit351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Lodge CJ, Lowe AJ, Gurrin LC, Matheson MC, Balloch A, Axelrad C, Hill DJ, Hosking CS, Rodrigues S, Svanes C, Abramson MJ, Allen KJ, Dharmage SC. Pets at birth do not increase allergic disease in at-risk children. Clin Exp Allergy 2013; 42:1377-85. [PMID: 22925324 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2012.04032.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The literature is contradictory concerning pet exposure and risk of allergic disease in childhood especially among those with a family history of allergy. OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between cat and dog exposure at birth and allergic outcomes over the first 12 years in a birth cohort selected for familial allergy. METHODS A prospective birth cohort of 620 infants with a family history of allergic diseases was recruited. Data on pet keeping, family demographics and cord blood samples were collected at birth. Information on childhood wheeze, eczema and hay fever was collected 18 times in the first 2 years, at 7 years and at 12 years. Skin prick tests were conducted at 2, 7 and 12 years, and in parents. Regression analyses were used to investigate the relevant associations while adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS Exposure to cats or dogs at birth showed a moderate reduction in risk of wheeze (aOR = 0.76; 95% CI 0.53, 1.09) and hay fever (aOR = 0.71; 0.49, 1.02) after 7 years of age. Protective effects were stronger in children of non-sensitized fathers (aOR wheeze 0.55; 0.31, 0.98; aOR hay fever 0.33; 0.15, 0.77 on exposure to cats alone, or cats or dogs at birth). Pet keeping was not related to cord blood IgE or sensitization from 2 to 12 years. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Pets at birth either decreased or had no effect on allergic disease up to age 12. We found no evidence that exposure to cats or dogs at birth increases the risk of allergic disease in high-risk children.
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Matheson MC, Allen KJ, Tang MLK. Understanding the evidence for and against the role of breastfeeding in allergy prevention. Clin Exp Allergy 2013; 42:827-51. [PMID: 22276526 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2011.03925.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between breastfeeding and allergic disease risk has been controversial. This article reviews the current evidence for the role of breastfeeding in the prevention of allergic disease. We found considerable methodological limitations inherent in most studies evaluating the effect of breastfeeding in allergic disease. Nevertheless, since randomized control trials in breast feeding research would be considered unethical, the evidence remains limited to poorer quality observational studies where participation and recall bias can severely affect the objectivity of the data collected. Furthermore, reporting of type of breastfeeding (exclusive, full or partial) may be biased by a participant's inherent belief system of what they think they should be doing. Current evidence is inconclusive regarding the effect of breastfeeding on the development of eczema, with the most recent systemic review reporting no protective effect. There is insufficient data regarding the effects of breastfeeding on objective measures of food allergy at any age. Studies show a paradoxical effect of breastfeeding on the prevention of asthma, with an apparent protective effect against early wheezing illness in the first years of life yet an increased risk of asthma in later life; however, these findings must be interpreted with caution. Existing studies fail to adequately adjust for confounders, including the critical issues of protection against early life respiratory illnesses and reverse causation. Therefore, it is possible that the effect of breastfeeding on early wheezing illness reflects protection against respiratory infection, the predominant trigger of wheezing in early childhood, rather than a true reduction in risk of asthma. In summary, future research that takes into account the potential contribution of confounding factors and effect modifiers is needed to clarify the role of breastfeeding in development of allergic disease and to inform current clinical guidelines on the prevention of allergic disease.
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Delatycki MB, Wolthuizen M, Aitken MA, Hickerton C, Metcalfe SA, Allen KJ. To tell or not to tell - what to do about p.C282Y heterozygotes identified by HFE screening. Clin Genet 2012; 84:286-9. [PMID: 23121079 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Revised: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a common preventable disorder of iron overload that can result in liver cirrhosis and reduced lifespan. Most HH is due to homozygosity for the HFE p.C282Y substitution. We conducted a study of screening for p.C282Y in high schools where p.C282Y heterozygotes (CY) individuals were informed of their genotype by letter. We studied whether these individuals understood the implications of their genotype, whether this resulted in anxiety or reduced health perception and whether cascade testing was higher in families of CY than wild-type homozygous (CC) individuals. We found 586 of 5757 (1 in 10) screened individuals were CY. One month after receiving their result, 83% correctly answered that they have one copy of p.C282Y. There was no adverse change in anxiety or health perception from prior to screening to 1 month after receiving results. Significantly more family members of CY individuals than CC individuals were informed about HH and had testing for HH. In conclusion, we found that informing CY individuals of their genotype does not increase anxiety and the implications are generally well understood. This leads to cascade testing in a minority of families. CY individuals should be informed of their genetic status when identified by population screening.
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Koplin JJ, Dharmage SC, Ponsonby AL, Tang MLK, Lowe AJ, Gurrin LC, Osborne NJ, Martin PE, Robinson MN, Wake M, Hill DJ, Allen KJ. Environmental and demographic risk factors for egg allergy in a population-based study of infants. Allergy 2012; 67:1415-22. [PMID: 22957661 DOI: 10.1111/all.12015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although egg allergy is the most common food allergy in infants and young children, risk factors for egg allergy remain largely unknown. This study examined the relationship between environmental and demographic factors and egg allergy in a population-based infant cohort. METHODS In a study of 5276 infants (HealthNuts), infants underwent skin prick testing (SPT) to egg white at 12 months of age. Questionnaire data on relevant exposures were obtained. 699/873 (80%) infants eligible for oral food challenge (detectable wheal on SPT) attended for formal assessment of egg allergy status; 453 had confirmed egg allergy (positive challenge and SPT ≥ 2 mm). Associations between environmental and demographic factors and egg allergy were investigated using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Children with older siblings and those with a pet dog at home were less likely to develop egg allergy by 1 year of age (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.72; 95% CI, 0.62, 0.83 per sibling; and aOR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.52, 0.99, respectively). Caesarean section delivery, antibiotic use in infancy, childcare attendance and maternal age were not associated with egg allergy. History of allergic disease in an immediate family member and having parents born in East Asia were strong risk factors for infantile egg allergy (aOR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.40, 2.36; and aOR, 3.30; 95% CI, 2.45, 4.45, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Exposure in the first year of life to siblings and dogs may decrease the risk of subsequent egg allergy. Infants with a family history of allergy and those with parents born in East Asia are at increased risk of egg allergy.
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