Birth mode is associated with development of atopic dermatitis in infancy and early childhood

Increasing awareness regarding the relationship between environmental exposures and allergic disease

This review highlights studies from the past 3 years that add to the understanding of the impact of environmental exposures on allergic disease. These include aeroallergens, air quality, prenatal or early-life exposures, and occupational exposures. Recent studies have focused on the relationship between the environment, the microbiome, and allergic disease, and new therapeutic options have also been reviewed. Lastly, there has been significant recent research improving our knowledge of the link between health disparities and environmental exposures. These scientific advances have resulted in a better understanding that sets the foundation for current and future research dedicated to improving health outcomes by modifying environmental exposures.

Nurturing Infants to Prevent Atopic Dermatitis and Food Allergies: A Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) at a young age often precedes the development of food allergies. Although AD affects millions of infants worldwide, prenatal and postnatal risk factors, and their association with the development of food allergies later on, are not fully elucidated. This study seeks to investigate AD epidemiology in infancy and its risk factors, examining early-life factors (both prenatal and postnatal) that could contribute to the later development of food allergies.

METHODS

Between January 2019 and December 2019, 501 infants were included in this prospective cohort study. Longitudinal data collection was performed through maternal interviews, the first one conducted within three days after the delivery and the second within 24 to 36 months after the delivery, encompassing variables such as demographics, family history of atopy, maternal smoking, antibiotic use during pregnancy, the mode of delivery, breastfeeding history, food practices, and greenness exposure within 3 days from delivery, while they were still in the hospital.

RESULTS

Maternal smoking during pregnancy (p = 0.001) and an older sibling atopy history (p = 0.03) was significantly linked to AD incidence. Cesarean section delivery (p = 0.04) was associated with a higher risk of food allergies in infants with AD. Having a garden at home correlated with a higher likelihood of AD (p = 0.01), and food elimination without medical guidance (p = 0.02) due to AD correlated with an elevated risk of food allergies.

CONCLUSIONS

Encouraging timely allergenic food introduction while promoting dietary diversity, rich in plant-based foods, maternal smoking cessation, and professional dietary guidance may help minimize AD and food allergy risk. Future studies should address the role of greenness in the development of AD and food allergies.