All issues > Volume 32(3); 1989

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 1989;32(3):390-395. Published online March 31, 1989.

Predictive Capacity of Cord Serum IgE for Developement of Atopy.

Hye Ran Byun¹, Hye Won Lee¹, Keun Lee¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University Hospital, Seoul Korea

Received: September 9, 1988;  Accepted: September 9, 1988.

Abstract

The incidence of atopic disease has increased in recent years and its symptom begins early in life, in many cases during the first year. It is desirable, therefore, to predict the development of atopic disease early in infancy, preferably in neonatal period, so that it can be prevented or, at least, lessened in symptoms by proper management. One hundred and two fullterm newborn babys, born at Ewha Womans University Hospital were investigated; their cord serum IgE levels were measured by ovemight PRIST test using RAST tracer and they were followed up for allergic symptoms by telephone contact or clinic visit. The geometric mean of cord serum IgE of 102 newborns was 0.80 IU/ml. There was no significant differences of cord serum IgE levels between male and female. Serum IgE was significantly higher in newborns with positive family history. Cord serum igE levels of 16 cases who developed atopic symptoms were 24.46 IU/ml, significantly higher than those of non-atopic group, 1.12 IU/ml. 37.5% of newborns whose cord serum IgE levels were above 1.79 IU/ml(mean + ISD) and 27.7% of those below 1.79 IU/ml have developed atopic syrnpoms, and the difference was statistical1y significant. 50% of newboms whose cord serurn IgE level were above mean + ISD and who also had positive family history of al1ergy developed atopic symptoms during infancy. The level of cord serum IgE along with family history could be regarded as an important parameter which can predict the development of atopic disease.

Keywords :Cord serum IgE, Atopy