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Landgren V, Svensson L, Törnhage CJ, Theodosious M, Gillberg C, Johnson M, Knez R, Landgren M. Neurodevelopmental problems, general health and academic achievements in a school-based cohort of 11-year-old Swedish children. Acta Paediatr 2024; 113:506-516. [PMID: 37823347 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
AIM Assessing rates of neurodevelopmental problems (NDPs) in 11-year-old children and possible association with other health complaints and school performance. METHODS In-school study of 11-year-old children as an add-on assessment to the 4th grade regular health check-up, comprising a structured physical neurodevelopmental examination, neuropsychological assessment, behavioural ratings, maternal interview, review of medical records and academic achievements. RESULTS Out of 348 children recruited from eight schools, 223 (64%) participated. Any physical condition was found in 102/222 (46%), most commonly atopy (18%). One in five had a BMI z-score >2 standard deviations over the reference mean. One or more NDP was found in 86/221 (40%) children. The number of failed national tests correlated positively with NDP severity rated with the clinical global impression severity instrument (Spearman's r = 0.41, p < 0.001). The majority of participants with failed national tests, also had co-occurring health complaints (≥2 of: stomach or extremity ache, headache, difficulties sleeping, internalising symptoms or obesity) and NDPs. CONCLUSION Health complaints, physical conditions and NDPs are very common in 11-year-old children and warrant adequately staffed, thoroughly equipped school healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valdemar Landgren
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, Skaraborg Hospital, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Leif Svensson
- Department of Pediatrics, Skaraborg Hospital, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Carl-Johan Törnhage
- Department of Pediatrics, Skaraborg Hospital, Skövde, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michail Theodosious
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- School Health Services, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christopher Gillberg
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mats Johnson
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rajna Knez
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pediatrics, Skaraborg Hospital, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Magnus Landgren
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Kumar R, Gaur S, Agarwal M, Menon B, Goel N, Mrigpuri P, Spalgais S, Priya A, Kumar K, Meena R, Sankararaman N, Verma A, Gupta V, Sonal, Prakash A, Safwan MA, Behera D, Singh A, Arora N, Prasad R, Padukudru M, Kant S, Janmeja A, Mohan A, Jain V, Nagendra Prasad K, Nagaraju K, Goyal M. Indian Guidelines for diagnosis of respiratory allergy. INDIAN JOURNAL OF ALLERGY, ASTHMA AND IMMUNOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.4103/0972-6691.367373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Calcaterra V, Nappi RE, Farolfi A, Tiranini L, Rossi V, Regalbuto C, Zuccotti G. Perimenstrual Asthma in Adolescents: A Shared Condition in Pediatric and Gynecological Endocrinology. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9020233. [PMID: 35204953 PMCID: PMC8870409 DOI: 10.3390/children9020233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a frequent medical condition in adolescence. The worsening of the most common symptoms perimenstrually is defined as perimenstrual asthma (PMA). The cause of PMA remains unclear, but a role for hormonal milieu is plausible. Data on PMA in adolescents are limited, and its management is not fully established. We aimed to discuss the PMA phenomenon in young females from pathophysiology to preventive strategies, focusing on the relationship with the hormonal pattern. The fluctuation of estrogens at ovulation and before menstruation and the progesterone secretion during the luteal phase and its subsequent withdrawal seem to be the culprits, because the deterioration of asthma is cyclical during the luteal phase and/or during the first days of the menstrual cycle. Conventional asthma therapies are not always effective for PMA. Preventive strategies may include innovative hormonal contraception. Even a possible beneficial effect of other hormonal treatments, including estrogens, progestogens, and androgens, as well as leukotriene receptor antagonists and explorative approach using microbial-directed therapy, is considered. The underlying mechanisms, through which sex-hormone fluctuations influence asthma symptoms, represent a challenge in the clinical management of such a distressing condition. Further studies focused on young females are mandatory to promote adolescent health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Rossella Elena Nappi
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (R.E.N.); (L.T.)
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Farolfi
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
| | - Lara Tiranini
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (R.E.N.); (L.T.)
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Virginia Rossi
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
| | - Corrado Regalbuto
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
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4
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Ji X, Yao Y, Zheng P, Hao C. The relationship of domestic pet ownership with the risk of childhood asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:953330. [PMID: 35935350 PMCID: PMC9352935 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.953330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The relationship between pet ownership and childhood asthma remains controversial. In recent years, there have been increasing studies with large sample size. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between pet ownership and childhood asthma. METHOD Relevant research was retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Web of science. The retrieval was as of October 1, 2021. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Stata 15.0 was used to conduct the meta-analysis. RESULTS A total of 60 studies with large sample size published between 1995 and 2021 were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis, which included 18 cohort studies and 42 case-control studies covering 27 countries and 1,871,295 children. As shown by meta-analysis results, cat ownership (OR = 1.18, 95%CI: 1.05∼1.33) and dog ownership (OR = 1.12, 95%CI: 1.0 0∼1.24) have a significant bearing on the occurrence of childhood asthma. Pet ownership was also positively correlated with the occurrence of severe childhood asthma (OR = 1.15, 95%CI: 1.11∼1.20). CONCLUSION Pet ownership, especially cats and dogs, is associated with the occurrence of asthma in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Ji
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Pediatric, Jiaxing Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yuan Yao
- Department of Radiology, Jiaxing Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- Department of Pediatric, Jiaxing Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Chuangli Hao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Chen Q, Chen J, Zhou Y, Huang L, Tang Y, Li J, Zhang J. Natural history and associated early life factors of childhood asthma: a population registry-based cohort study in Denmark. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e045728. [PMID: 34824103 PMCID: PMC8627404 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Asthma is a common chronic disease that imposes a substantial burden on individuals and society. However, the natural history of childhood asthma in a large population remained to be studied. This study aimed to describe the natural course of childhood asthma and examine the association between early life factors and childhood asthma. DESIGN A population-based cohort study. SETTING This study was based on the national registry data in Denmark. PARTICIPANTS All liveborn singletons in Denmark during 1995-1997 were identified and followed them till the end of 2009. Finally, 193 673 children were eligible for our study. EXPOSURES The following characteristics were examined as potential early life factors associated with childhood asthma, including parity, maternal asthma history, maternal smoking during pregnancy, maternal social status, delivery method and gender. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Asthma cases were identified on the basis of hospitalisation for asthma and prescriptions for antiasthmatic medications. Asthma remission was defined as no hospitalisation or prescription recorded for 2 years. Cox proportional hazards' regression and logistic regression were used to evaluate the association between early life factors and the occurrence and remission of childhood asthma. RESULTS The cumulative occurrence rate of asthma in children aged 3-14 years was 13.3% and the remission rate was 44.1%. The occurrence rate decreased with age. Being female had a lower risk of asthma (HR: 0.72, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.74) and higher remission rate of asthma (HR: 1.18, 1.13 to 1.22), while maternal asthma was associated with a higher risk of asthma (HR: 2.15, 2.04 to 2.26) and decreased remission rate of asthma (HR: 0.79, 0.73 to 0.85). These patterns remained the same for early onset asthma. CONCLUSIONS Female gender had a lower risk of asthma and a better chance of remission, while maternal asthma history had an opposite effect. The early life factors may influence the natural course of childhood asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Chen
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji Chen
- School of Statistics, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingchun Zhou
- KLATASDS-MOE, School of Statistics, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lisu Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yincai Tang
- KLATASDS-MOE, School of Statistics, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiong Li
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Pilz AC, Schielein MC, Schuster B, Heinrich L, Haufe E, Abraham S, Heratizadeh A, Harder I, Kleinheinz A, Wollenberg A, Wiemers F, Weisshaar E, Augustin M, von Kiedrowski R, Pawlak M, Schäkel K, Wildberger J, Hilgers M, Werfel T, Weidinger S, Schmitt J, Biedermann T, Zink A. Atopic Dermatitis: Disease Characteristics and Comorbidities in Smoking and Nonsmoking Patients from the TREATgermany Registry. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2021; 36:413-421. [PMID: 34743344 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.17789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a multifactorial genesis including genetic predispositions and environmental risk and trigger factors. One of the latter possibly is smoking, indicated by an increased prevalence of AD in adults and children that are actively or passively exposed to cigarette smoke. OBJECTIVES In this study AD characteristics and its atopic comorbidities are compared in smoking and nonsmoking AD patients. METHODS TREATgermany is a non-interventional clinical registry which includes patients with moderate to severe AD in Germany. Baseline data of patients included into TREATgermany from inception in June 2016 to April 2020 in 39 sites across Germany was analyzed comparing AD disease characteristics and comorbidities in smokers versus non-smokers. RESULTS Of 921 patients, 908 (male: 58.7%) with a mean age of 41.9 ± 14.4 reported their smoking status. The objective Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (oSCORAD) did not differ between smokers (n=352; 38.8%) and nonsmokers, however lesions' intensity of oozing/crusts and excoriations as well as patient global assessment scores (PGA) of AD severity were higher in smoking as opposed to nonsmoking patients. Smokers reported a lower number of weeks with well-controlled AD and more severe pruritus than nonsmokers. Total IgE levels were more elevated in smokers and they displayed a younger age at initial diagnosis of bronchial asthma. After adjustment for potential confounders, the increased intensity of oozing/crusts, the reduced number of weeks with well-controlled AD and the greater pruritus remained different in smokers compared to nonsmokers. In addition, smoking patients with adult-onset AD showed a 2.5 times higher chance of involvement of the feet. CONCLUSIONS German registry data indicate that AD patients who smoke have a higher disease burden with a different distribution pattern of lesions in adult-onset AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Pilz
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - M C Schielein
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - B Schuster
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - L Heinrich
- Center of Evidence-Based Healthcare, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus and Carl Gustav Carus, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden
| | - E Haufe
- Center of Evidence-Based Healthcare, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus and Carl Gustav Carus, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden
| | - S Abraham
- Department of Dermatology, University Allergy Center, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden
| | - A Heratizadeh
- Division of Immunodermatology and Allergy Research, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover
| | - I Harder
- Center for Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel
| | - A Kleinheinz
- Clinics for Dermatology, Elbe Klinikum Buxtehude
| | - A Wollenberg
- Clinics and Outpatient Clinics for Dermatology and Allergy, LMU Munich
| | - F Wiemers
- Practice Dr. med. Franca Wiemers, Leipzig
| | - E Weisshaar
- Occupational Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University of Heidelberg
| | - M Augustin
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf
| | | | - M Pawlak
- Practice Dr. med, Anika Hünermund and Mario Pawlak, Heilbad Heiligenstadt
| | - K Schäkel
- Department of Dermatology, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg
| | | | - M Hilgers
- Clinics for Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Aachen
| | - T Werfel
- Division of Immunodermatology and Allergy Research, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover
| | - S Weidinger
- Center for Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel
| | - J Schmitt
- Center of Evidence-Based Healthcare, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus and Carl Gustav Carus, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden
| | - T Biedermann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - A Zink
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Risk factors for current wheeze among school children (6–7 and 13–14 years old) in Khuzestan, Iran. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2021; 2:100172. [PMID: 36101606 PMCID: PMC9461578 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2021.100172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives In recent years, there has been a clear trend of increasing allergic diseases especially in children, and developing countries are no exception. Thepresentstudy sought to determine the risk factors associated with wheezing among school children aged 6–7 and 13–14 years living in Khuzestan Province, Iran. Study design Cross-sectional. Methods Data for this cross-sectional study is the history of wheeze in the last 12 months. The participants included 6-7- and 13-14-year-old girls and boys studying in urban schools in Khuzestan Province in 2019. We collected the data using the multi stage sampling technique as suggested in the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). The research reviewed the literature and consulted experts to collect the risk factors for demographic and clinical information, environmental exposure and lifestyle. Results Eight thousand questionnaires were handed out to both age groups, of which 7344 were completed. Two hundred ninety-nine (4.1 %) of the participants had current wheeze. Three-point four percent (124 individuals) in the 6–7 year age group and 4.8 % in the 13–14-year-old age group had current wheezing. The results of the logistic regression model suggest that the most significant risk factors associated with the chance of developing current wheeze in the both age groups are: being male (OR: 1.46, 95 % CI: 1.12–1.88), being from employed mother families (OR: 1.50, 95 %, CI:1.05–2.08), property ownership (OR:1.36, 95 %, CI:1.04–1.79) bugs in the property (OR: 1.29, 95 %, CI:0.99–1.70) mold in the property (OR: 1.75, 95 %, CI:1.12–2.76), pet(s) in the student's bedroom (OR: 1.75, 95 %, CI: 0.97–3.14), a family history of asthma and allergic diseases (OR: 2.20, 95 %, CI: 1.69–2.87), tobacco smoke exposures in the property (OR: 1.43, 95 %, CI:1.04–1.96), having allergic rhinitis (OR: 7.86, 95 % CI: 5.89–10.50) and eczema (OR: 3.85, 95 % CI: 2.10–7.08). Conclusions Families are suggested to adopt strategies to reduce exposure to outdoor air pollutants and contain indoor allergens. More studies are necessary to further explore the effects of modifying and changing these risk factors. 3.4 % in the 6–7 year age group and 4.8 % in the 13–14 year age group had current wheezing. In both age groups, current wheeze is more common in boys than girls. Mold in the home, pet in the bedroom and tobacco smoke exposures are the most important risk factors for current wheeze.
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Islam MS, Huq S, Ahmed S, Roy S, Schwarze J, Sheikh A, Saha SK, Cunningham S, Nair H. Operational definitions of paediatric asthma used in epidemiological studies: A systematic review. J Glob Health 2021; 11:04032. [PMID: 34326990 PMCID: PMC8285759 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.11.04032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Researchers use different definitions to identify children with asthma in epidemiological surveys. We conducted a systematic review to describe the definitions used in epidemiologic studies for wheeze and asthma in the paediatric population, aimed to inform the development of a uniform definition of paediatric asthma for future epidemiological research. Methods We systematically searched terms to identify asthma and/or wheeze among children aged <13 years and published between 1995-2020 across seven databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Global Health, AMED, LILACS and CINAHL). PRISMA guidelines were followed for this review. Results We extracted a total of 11 886 records, where 190 met our eligibility criteria and included in the analysis. Among the included studies, 62.1% (n = 118/190) used the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaires, predominantly in developing countries (80%, n = 64/80). ‘Wheeze’ was reported in five categories, subdivided by 14 different definitions. “Current wheeze”, defined as caregivers report of wheezing sounds from the chest of the child in the past 12 months and “Wheeze ever”, defined as caregivers’ report of wheezing or whistling in the chest of the child at any previous time, were the most common wheeze category reported in 129 and 95 studies, respectively. Asthma was reported in nine categories using 53 definitions. The most common asthma category was “Asthma ever”, which was reported in 89 studies, based on caregiver statement that the child had asthma in the past. Conclusion Definitions of wheeze and asthma for children used in surveys are primarily based on parent-reported clinical features. Studies from developing countries more frequently used the ISAAC definitions to report childhood asthma and wheeze compared to the studies from developed counties. The use of a uniform asthma definition will aid the interpretation of research findings globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Shahidul Islam
- Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, UK.,Child Health Research Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Samin Huq
- Child Health Research Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Salahuddin Ahmed
- Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, UK.,Projahnmo Research Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sudipto Roy
- Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, UK.,KEM Hospital Research Centre, Pune, India
| | - Jürgen Schwarze
- Child Life and Health, University of Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Aziz Sheikh
- Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Samir K Saha
- Child Health Research Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Steve Cunningham
- Child Life and Health, University of Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Harish Nair
- Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, UK
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Stockfelt M, Hong MG, Hesselmar B, Adlerberth I, Wold AE, Schwenk JM, Lundell AC, Rudin A. Circulating proteins associated with allergy development in infants-an exploratory analysis. Clin Proteomics 2021; 18:11. [PMID: 33722194 PMCID: PMC7958444 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-021-09318-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Protein profiles that can predict allergy development in children are lacking and the ideal sampling age is unknown. By applying an exploratory proteomics approach in the prospective FARMFLORA birth cohort, we sought to identify previously unknown circulating proteins in early life that associate to protection or risk for development of allergy up to 8 years of age. Methods We analyzed plasma prepared from umbilical cord blood (n = 38) and blood collected at 1 month (n = 42), 4 months (n = 39), 18 months (n = 42), 36 months (n = 42) and 8 years (n = 44) of age. We profiled 230 proteins with a multiplexed assay and evaluated the global structure of the data with principal component analysis (PCA). Protein profiles informative to allergic disease at 18 months, 36 months and/or 8 years were evaluated using Lasso logistic regression and random forest. Results Two clusters emerged in the PCA analysis that separated samples obtained at birth and at 1 month of age from samples obtained later. Differences between the clusters were mostly driven by abundant plasma proteins. For the prediction of allergy, both Lasso logistic regression and random forest were most informative with samples collected at 1 month of age. A Lasso model with 27 proteins together with farm environment differentiated children who remained healthy from those developing allergy. This protein panel was primarily composed of antigen-presenting MHC class I molecules, interleukins and chemokines. Conclusion Sampled at one month of age, circulating proteins that reflect processes of the immune system may predict the development of allergic disease later in childhood. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12014-021-09318-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marit Stockfelt
- Institute of Medicine, Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 480, 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Mun-Gwan Hong
- Affinity Proteomics, SciLifeLab, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bill Hesselmar
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingegerd Adlerberth
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Agnes E Wold
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jochen M Schwenk
- Affinity Proteomics, SciLifeLab, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna-Carin Lundell
- Institute of Medicine, Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 480, 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Anna Rudin
- Institute of Medicine, Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 480, 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden
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10
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Branco PTBS, Alvim-Ferraz MCM, Martins FG, Ferraz C, Vaz LG, Sousa SIV. Impact of indoor air pollution in nursery and primary schools on childhood asthma. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 745:140982. [PMID: 32736106 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Poor indoor air quality in scholar environments have been frequently reported, but its impact on respiratory health in schoolchildren has not been sufficiently explored. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the associations between children's exposure to indoor air pollution (IAP) in nursery and primary schools and childhood asthma. Multivariate models (independent and multipollutant) quantified the associations of children's exposure with asthma-related health outcomes: reported active wheezing, reported and diagnosed asthma, and lung function (reduced FEV1/FVC and reduced FEV1). A microenvironmental modelling approach estimated individual inhaled exposure to major indoor air pollutants (CO2, CO, formaldehyde, NO2, O3, TVOC, PM2.5 and PM10) in nursery and primary schools from both urban and rural sites in northern Portugal. Questionnaires and medical tests (spirometry pre- and post-bronchodilator) were used to obtain information on health outcomes and to diagnose asthma following the newest international clinical guidelines. After testing children for aeroallergen sensitisation, multinomial models estimated the effect of exposure to particulate matter on asthma in sensitised individuals. The study population were 1530 children attending nursery and primary schools, respectively 648 pre-schoolers (3-5 years old) and 882 primary school children (6-10 years old). This study found no evidence of a significant association between IAP in nursery and primary schools and the prevalence of childhood asthma. However, reported active wheezing was associated with higher NO2, and reduced FEV1 was associated with higher O3 and PM2.5, despite NO2 and O3 in schools were always below the 200 μg m-3 threshold from WHO and National legislation, respectively. Moreover, sensitised children to common aeroallergens were more likely to have asthma during childhood when exposed to particulate matter in schools. These findings support the urgent need for mitigation measures to reduce IAP in schools, reducing its burden to children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro T B S Branco
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria C M Alvim-Ferraz
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando G Martins
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Ferraz
- Departamento de Pediatria (UAG-MC), Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João (CHUSJ), Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luísa G Vaz
- Departamento de Pediatria (UAG-MC), Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João (CHUSJ), Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia I V Sousa
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
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Prevalence and risk factors for asthma, rhinitis, eczema, and atopy among preschool children in an Andean city. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234633. [PMID: 32649729 PMCID: PMC7351199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Limited data are available on prevalence and associated risk factors for atopy and allergic diseases from high-altitude urban settings in Latin America. Objective To estimate the prevalence of atopy, asthma, rhinitis, and eczema, and associations with relevant risk factors in preschool children in the Andean city of Cuenca. Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken using a representative sample of 535 children aged 3–5 years attending 30 nursery schools in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. Data on allergic diseases and risk factors were collected by parental questionnaire. Atopy was measured by skin prick test (SPT) reactivity to a panel of relevant aeroallergens. Associations between risk factors and the prevalence of atopy and allergic diseases were estimated using multivariable logistic regression. Results Asthma symptoms were reported for 18% of children, rhinitis for 48%, and eczema for 28%, while SPT reactivity was present in 33%. Population fractions of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema attributable to SPT were 3.4%, 7.9%, and 2.9%, respectively. In multivariable models, an increased risk of asthma was observed among children with a maternal history of rhinitis (OR 1.85); rhinitis was significantly increased in children of high compared to low socioeconomic level (OR 2.09), among children with a maternal history of rhinitis (OR 2.29) or paternal history of eczema (OR 2.07), but reduced among children attending daycare (OR 0.64); eczema was associated with a paternal history of eczema (OR 3.73), and SPT was associated with having a dog inside the house (OR 1.67). Conclusions A high prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema symptoms were observed among preschool children in a high-altitude Andean setting. Despite a high prevalence of atopy, only a small fraction of symptoms was associated with atopy. Parental history of allergic diseases was the most consistent risk factor for symptoms in preschool children.
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Branco PTBS, Alvim‐Ferraz MCM, Martins FG, Ferraz C, Vaz LG, Sousa SIV. Asthma in urban and rural pre- and primary schoolchildren according to the latest GINA definition. Allergy 2020; 75:1771-1776. [PMID: 31990079 DOI: 10.1111/all.14201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro T. B. S. Branco
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering Environment, Biotechnology and Energy Faculty of Engineering University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Maria C. M. Alvim‐Ferraz
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering Environment, Biotechnology and Energy Faculty of Engineering University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Fernando G. Martins
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering Environment, Biotechnology and Energy Faculty of Engineering University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Catarina Ferraz
- Departamento de Pediatria (UAG‐MC) Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João Porto Portugal
| | - Luísa G. Vaz
- Departamento de Pediatria (UAG‐MC) Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João Porto Portugal
| | - Sofia I. V. Sousa
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering Environment, Biotechnology and Energy Faculty of Engineering University of Porto Porto Portugal
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13
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Gao X, Yin M, Yang P, Li X, Di L, Wang W, Cui H, Yan X, Liu J. Effect of Exposure to Cats and Dogs on the Risk of Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Am J Rhinol Allergy 2020; 34:703-714. [PMID: 32564683 DOI: 10.1177/1945892420932487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controversies persist regarding whether exposure to cat or dog increases the risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis. OBJECTIVE This meta-analysis aimed to assess the associations between exposure to cats or dogs and the development of asthma and allergic rhinitis. METHODS A systematic review was performed to identify case-control and cohort studies before May 2019, evaluating the association between exposure to cats and dogs and the risk of asthma and rhinitis. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The odds ratios (ORs) and risk ratios (RRs) were pooled for case-control and cohort studies, respectively. Subgroup analyses were performed on prespecified study-level characteristics. RESULTS The meta-analysis of 34 cohort studies showed a protective role of exposure to cats [RR: 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.77-0.99] or dogs (RR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.73-0.97) in the development of asthma. The subgroup analysis of birth cohort (RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.56-0.93) and children population (RR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.70-0.96) also suggested a favorable role of exposure to dogs in the development of asthma. Pooled evidence from 13 case-control studies indicated no significant impact of cats (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 0.39-2.94) and dogs (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 0.92-1.52) on the development of asthma. A pooled analysis of five cohort studies showed a favorable effect of exposure to cats (RR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.33-0.86) or dogs (RR: 0.68, 95% CI 0.44-0.90) on the development of allergic rhinitis. CONCLUSION The findings indicated a protective effect of exposure to cats and dogs, especially ownership, on the development of asthma and allergic rhinitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Gao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Mei Yin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Pei Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Third People's Hospital of Yinchuan, Yinchuan, China
| | - Lingling Di
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Hua Cui
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiaohui Yan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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14
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The Prevalence of Asthma and Respiratory Symptoms among Cross-Country Skiers in Early Adolescence. Can Respir J 2019; 2019:1514353. [PMID: 31636769 PMCID: PMC6766134 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1514353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine the prevalence of asthma and respiratory symptoms among Swedish cross-country skiers in early adolescence in comparison to a population-based reference group of similar ages. Methods A postal questionnaire on asthma, asthma medication, allergy, respiratory symptoms, and physical activity was distributed to Swedish competitive cross-country skiers aged 12–15 years (n = 331) and a population-based reference group (n = 1000). The level of asthma control was measured by the Asthma Control Test. Results The response rate was 27% (n = 87) among skiers and 29% (n = 292) in the reference group. The prevalence of self-reported asthma (physician-diagnosed asthma and use of asthma medication in the last 12 months) and the prevalence of reported wheezing during the last 12 months were 23% and 25%, respectively, among skiers, which were significantly higher than the values reported in the reference group (12% and 14%). Skiers exercised more hours/week than the reference group. Among adolescents with self-reported asthma, neither the usage of asthma medications nor the level of asthma control according to the Asthma Control Test differed between skiers and the reference group. Conclusions Adolescent competitive cross-country skiers have an increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms and asthma compared to nonskiers.
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15
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Trivedi M, Denton E. Asthma in Children and Adults-What Are the Differences and What Can They Tell us About Asthma? Front Pediatr 2019; 7:256. [PMID: 31294006 PMCID: PMC6603154 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma varies considerably across the life course. Childhood asthma is known for its overall high prevalence with a male predominance prior to puberty, common remission, and rare mortality. Adult asthma is known for its female predominance, uncommon remission, and unusual mortality. Both childhood and adult asthma have variable presentations, which are described herein. Childhood asthma severity is associated with duration of asthma symptoms, medication use, lung function, low socioeconomic status, racial/ethnic minorities, and a neutrophilic phenotype. Adult asthma severity is associated with increased IgE, elevated FeNO, eosinophilia, obesity, smoking, and low socioeconomic status. Adult onset disease is associated with more respiratory symptoms and asthma medication use despite higher prebronchodilator FEV1/FVC. There is less quiescent disease in adult onset asthma and it appears to be less stable than childhood-onset disease with more relapses and less remissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Trivedi
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Eve Denton
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Abstract
"It is a basic truth of the human condition that everybody lies. The only variable is about what." In paediatric asthma, patients don't take their treatments and doctors rarely ask the right questions. The end result is far too many child deaths. http://ow.ly/OaGK30kFtsD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Rosenthal
- Dept of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
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17
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Ahlroth Pind C, Gunnbjörnsdottír M, Bjerg A, Järvholm B, Lundbäck B, Malinovschi A, Middelveld R, Sommar JN, Norbäck D, Janson C. Patient-reported signs of dampness at home may be a risk factor for chronic rhinosinusitis: A cross-sectional study. Clin Exp Allergy 2017; 47:1383-1389. [PMID: 28695715 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An association between dampness at home and respiratory conditions has been convincingly demonstrated in children. Fewer studies have been performed in adults, and data are lacking for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). With a prevalence of 10.9% in Europe, CRS imposes a significant burden on quality of life, as well as economy. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to study CRS and other respiratory conditions in relation to dampness at home in a representative sample of adults. METHODS The Swedish GA2 LEN questionnaire was answered by 26 577 adults (16-75 years) and included questions on respiratory symptoms, smoking, education and environmental exposure. CRS was defined according to the EP3 OS criteria. Dampness was defined as reporting water damage, floor dampness or visible moulds in the home during the last 12 months. The dampness score was ranked from 0 to 3, counting the number of signs of dampness reported. RESULTS Dampness at home was reported by 11.3% and was independently related to respiratory conditions after adjustment for demographic and socio-economic factors and smoking: CRS odds ratio (OR) 1.71; allergic rhinitis OR 1.24; current asthma OR 1.21; wheeze OR 1.37; nocturnal dyspnoea OR 1.80; nocturnal coughing OR 1.34; and chronic bronchitis OR 1.64. The risk of CRS and most of the other respiratory conditions was further elevated in subjects reporting multiple signs of dampness. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study demonstrated an independent association between dampness at home and CRS in adults. The high burden of this and the other respiratory conditions studied is a strong argument in favour of countering indoor dampness by improving building standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ahlroth Pind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - M Gunnbjörnsdottír
- Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Respiratory Medicine and Sleep, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - A Bjerg
- The Centre for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Krefting Research Centre, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - B Järvholm
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - B Lundbäck
- Krefting Research Centre, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - A Malinovschi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Physiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - R Middelveld
- The Centre for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,The Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Nilsson Sommar
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - D Norbäck
- Department of Medical Sciences, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - C Janson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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18
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Shin JH, Lee DH. How does the pattern of aeroallergen sensitization change over time across all ages? Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2017; 7:652-659. [DOI: 10.1002/alr.21942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hyeon Shin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery; College of Medicine; The Catholic University of Korea; Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hee Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery; College of Medicine; The Catholic University of Korea; Seoul Republic of Korea
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19
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de Benedictis D, Bush A. Asthma in adolescence: Is there any news? Pediatr Pulmonol 2017; 52:129-138. [PMID: 27273858 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.23498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic disease that has a significant impact quality of life, which is particularly important in adolescence. We will discuss aspects of epidemiology, the clinical spectrum, diagnostics, and management of asthma in adolescence. In particular, we will highlight the psychological implications of having asthma during this developmental period. Data published in the past 10 years, since we last reviewed the subject, will be the main focus of this paper. The care of the teenager with asthma should take into account the rapid physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes that occur during normal adolescence. The diagnostic process may be more difficult since teenagers tend to deny their illness. Thus, both under-diagnosis and under-assessment of asthma severity may lead to under-treatment and potentially avoidable morbidity and even mortality. Conversely, teenagers may be often misdiagnosed as having asthma or their asthma severity may be overestimated leading to inappropriate and sometimes excessive treatment. Educational programs, environmental avoidance measures, proper use of medications along with a skilled approach, and a caring attitude of health providers are all very important for successful management. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:129-138. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Bush
- Department of Pediatrics, Imperial College, London, UK.,Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK.,Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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20
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Perzanowski MS, Ronmark E, James HR, Hedman L, Schuyler AJ, Bjerg A, Lundback B, Platts-Mills TAE. Relevance of specific IgE antibody titer to the prevalence, severity, and persistence of asthma among 19-year-olds in northern Sweden. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2016; 138:1582-1590. [PMID: 27430609 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although sensitization to indoor allergens is strongly associated with asthma, there are questions as to how this relates to asthma symptoms. OBJECTIVE We sought to study the relevance of IgE antibodies to cat and dog allergens in an area in which (1) the climate discourages cockroach, fungal, and mite growth and (2) dander allergens are known to be present in schools and houses without animals. METHODS IgE to 8 allergens was tested in 963 sera from a population-based study on 19-year-olds, and associations with asthma symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment were examined. In positive sera IgE to specific cat and dog allergens was also assayed. RESULTS IgE specific for animal dander had the highest prevalence and strongest relationship to asthma diagnosis. Furthermore, asthma severity, as judged by the frequency of symptoms and use of treatment, was directly associated with the titer of IgE antibodies to animal dander. Among the 103 subjects who had current asthma at age 19 years, 50 had asthma before age 12 years. Among those 50, the odds ratios for asthma related to any IgE antibodies to animal dander or high-titer IgE antibodies (≥17.5 IU/mL) were 9.2 (95% CI, 4.9-17) and 13 (95% CI, 6.9-25), respectively. In multivariable analysis IgE antibodies to Fel d 1 and Can f 5 were each associated with current asthma. CONCLUSION High-titer IgE antibodies to cat and dog allergens were strongly associated with the diagnosis, severity, and persistence of asthma; however, a large proportion of patients with current asthma did not live in a house with a cat or dog.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Ronmark
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, OLIN Unit, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
| | - Hayley R James
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va
| | - Linnea Hedman
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, OLIN Unit, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
| | | | - Anders Bjerg
- Department of Medicine/Krefting Research Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bo Lundback
- Department of Medicine/Krefting Research Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Apfelbacher C, Frew E, Xiang A, Apfel A, Smith H. Assessment of pet exposure by self-report in epidemiological studies of allergy and asthma: a systematic review. J Asthma 2016; 53:363-73. [PMID: 26539692 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2015.1099161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In epidemiological studies that aim to investigate the relationship between pet exposure and allergy/asthma, pet exposure is often ascertained by means of a questionnaire, but it is unclear which questionnaire items are used. The objective of this study was to systematically review self-reported pet exposure assessment in questionnaires used in epidemiological studies which explore the associations between pets and allergy/asthma. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and papers were selected according to pre-specified eligibility criteria. The pet exposure questions used were classified within a framework including direct pet contact, indirect pet contact (e.g. through carers or grandparents) and avoidance behaviour. Authors were contacted when the questions used were not reported in detail. RESULTS Ninety-six full text papers were systematically reviewed. All studies assessed direct pet contact, but less than half (45%) explicitly assessed whether pets were allowed indoors. The vast majority of studies assessed both pet exposures during the first year of life and after the first year of life. The minority (13%) assessed whether pet(s) were kept at places regularly visited by the child and pet exposure in utero (15%). Even fewer studies assessed indirect contact to pets (n = 8) and avoidance behaviour (n = 10). CONCLUSIONS In epidemiological studies, the ascertainment of pet exposure through questionnaires appears to vary greatly. This variation might partly explain the inconsistent and contradictory results of the effects of pet exposure on the development of allergy and asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Apfelbacher
- a Division of Public Health and Primary Care , Brighton and Sussex Medical School , Brighton , UK and.,b Department of Medical Sociology , Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
| | - Edward Frew
- a Division of Public Health and Primary Care , Brighton and Sussex Medical School , Brighton , UK and
| | - Ally Xiang
- a Division of Public Health and Primary Care , Brighton and Sussex Medical School , Brighton , UK and
| | - Alex Apfel
- a Division of Public Health and Primary Care , Brighton and Sussex Medical School , Brighton , UK and
| | - Helen Smith
- a Division of Public Health and Primary Care , Brighton and Sussex Medical School , Brighton , UK and
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Branco PTBS, Nunes RAO, Alvim-Ferraz MCM, Martins FG, Ferraz C, Vaz LG, Sousa SIV. Asthma prevalence and risk factors in early childhood at Northern Portugal. REVISTA PORTUGUESA DE PNEUMOLOGIA 2015; 22:146-50. [PMID: 26747645 DOI: 10.1016/j.rppnen.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is the commonest and most important chronic non-infectious disease in childhood and it has become more prevalent in recent years. There is a shortage of studies in relation to early childhood and so, as part of the INAIRCHILD project, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of asthma and its associated risk factors, namely demographic, environmental, psychosocial and clinical factors for infants and preschoolers living in Northern Portugal. Data concerning asthma prevalence were collected through questionnaires based on those from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC-derived), the questionnaires were distributed to 1042 children attending the 17 nurseries involved in the INAIRCHILD project (10 in urban and suburban context, and 7 in rural context). The response rate was 48%. Prevalence of asthma based on symptomatology and odds ratio was calculated. Around 52% of the studied children presented at least one of the respiratory symptoms investigated (wheeze, dyspnea and cough) in the absence of upper respiratory infections. The prevalence of asthma was 10.7%, comparable to the figures for Portuguese schoolchildren (6-7 years old) reported by the national Directorate-General of Health, thus showing that an early diagnosis might be possible and helpful for the mitigation of childhood asthma. Environmental context (urban, suburban or rural), gender and family asthma history showed clear associations with asthma prevalence, namely non-rural location, male gender, and having an asthmatic parent were found to be risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- P T B S Branco
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - R A O Nunes
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - M C M Alvim-Ferraz
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - F G Martins
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - C Ferraz
- Departamento de Pediatria (UAG-MC), Centro Hospitalar de São João, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - L G Vaz
- Departamento de Pediatria (UAG-MC), Centro Hospitalar de São João, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - S I V Sousa
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
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Hedman L, Andersson M, Bjerg A, Forsberg B, Lundbäck B, Rönmark E. Environmental risk factors related to the incidence of wheeze and asthma in adolescence. Clin Exp Allergy 2015; 45:184-91. [PMID: 24773259 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is common among adolescents, but there are few population-based studies on the risk factors for incident asthma and wheeze at this age group. OBJECTIVE To study risk factors for incident asthma and wheeze in adolescence. METHOD Within the Obstructive Lung Disease In Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies, a cohort of 3430 school children (age 7-8 year) was recruited in 1996. In the present study, this cohort was followed from age 12-19 year. At baseline (age 12 year), 3151 participated and skin prick tests (SPT) were performed. The cohort was resurveyed annually, and risk factors for the cumulative incidence of asthma and wheeze from age 12-19 year were analysed using multivariate Cox regression. RESULTS Female sex (wheeze: HR 1.4 95%CI 1.2-1.6; asthma: HR 1.8 95%CI 1.2-2.5) and a positive SPT to cat, dog or horse at baseline (wheeze: HR 1.6 95%CI 1.2-2.1; asthma: HR 2.3 95%CI 1.4-4.0) were significantly associated with the cumulative incidence of wheeze and asthma. Increasing numbers of siblings were inversely related to the incidence of wheeze (HR 0.9 95%CI 0.8-0.97) and asthma (HR 0.8 95%CI 0.7-0.97). Parental asthma was related to the incidence of asthma (HR 1.8 95%CI 1.2-2.6) while ever smoking (HR 2.0 95%CI 1.6-2.4) and house dampness (HR 1.3 95%CI 1.1-1.6) were risk factors for the incidence of wheeze. Maternal ETS exposure increased the risk of incident asthma in non-sensitized subjects (HR 1.9 95%CI 1.0-3.7). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Several environmental risk factors related to the incidence of asthma and wheeze in adolescence were identified and may be possible targets for intervention and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Hedman
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Division for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, The OLIN Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Bjerg A, Hedman L, Perzanowski M, Wennergren G, Lundbäck B, Rönmark E. Decreased importance of environmental risk factors for childhood asthma from 1996 to 2006. Clin Exp Allergy 2015; 45:146-53. [PMID: 25323476 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Revised: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The large increase in asthma prevalence continues in several, but not all areas. Despite the individual risk factors that have been identified, the reasons for the observed trends in prevalence are largely unknown. OBJECTIVE This study sought to characterize what trends in risk factors accompanied trends in asthma prevalence. METHODS Two population-based cohorts of 7- to 8-year-old children from the same Swedish study areas examined by expanded International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood questionnaires were compared 10 years apart. In 1996 and 2006, 3430 (97% participation) and 2585 (96% participation) questionnaires were completed, respectively. A subset was skin-prick-tested: in 1996 and 2006, 2148 (88% participation) and 1700 (90% participation) children, respectively. The adjusted population-attributable fraction (aPAF) was calculated using the prevalence and multivariate odds ratio of each risk factor. RESULTS The prevalence of current asthma and wheeze was similar in 1996 and 2006. Allergic sensitization, however, increased from 21% to 30%. The prevalence of parental asthma increased from 17% to 24%, while respiratory infections and maternal smoking decreased (60% to 29% and 32% to 16%, respectively). The aPAFs of non-environmental risk factors for current asthma increased in 1996-2006: allergic sensitization from 35% to 41%, parental asthma from 27% to 45% and male sex from 20% to 25%. Conversely, the aPAFs of environmental risk factors decreased: respiratory infections from 36% to 32% and damp home and maternal smoking from 14% and 19%, respectively, to near zero in 2006. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE From 1996 to 2006, the non-environmental risk factors parental asthma, allergic sensitization and male sex had an increasing or constant importance for current asthma in 7- to 8-year-old children. The importance of the environmental exposures damp home, respiratory infections and maternal smoking decreased. This counterbalancing in risk factors may explain the level of prevalence of current asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bjerg
- Krefting Research Centre, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the OLIN Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Bjerg A, Winberg A, Berthold M, Mattsson L, Borres MP, Rönmark E. A population-based study of animal component sensitization, asthma, and rhinitis in schoolchildren. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2015; 26:557-63. [PMID: 26059105 DOI: 10.1111/pai.12422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal sensitization is a major determinant of asthma in children. Component-resolved studies of unselected pediatric populations are lacking. The aim was to describe sensitization to animal components and the association with asthma and rhinitis in animal-sensitized schoolchildren. METHODS A random sample of 696 children (11-12 years) from a Swedish population-based cohort was tested for sensitization to cat, dog, and horse dander using ImmunoCAP. Sera from animal-sensitized children were further analyzed by microarray including three allergen components from cat, four from dog, and two from horse. The parents completed an expanded ISAAC questionnaire. RESULTS Of 259 animal-sensitized children (≥0.1 kUA /l), 51% were sensitized to all three, 23% to two, and 25% to one species. Current asthma and asthma symptoms following contact with cats were associated with co-sensitization to Fel d 1 and Fel d 4. This association was seen already at moderate-level sensitization (1-15 ISU) to Fel d 4, at which level most children were sensitized to Fel d 1, as well. In dog-sensitized children, the majority was sensitized to more than one dog component, and co-sensitization to Can f 5 and Can f 1/f 2 conferred the greatest risk for asthma. Sensitization to the highly cross-reactive serum albumins was uncommon and not associated with asthma. CONCLUSIONS Among schoolchildren in northern Sweden, where mite allergy is uncommon, furry animals were the primary perennial sensitizers. Asthma was associated with higher levels of component sensitization, and sensitization to more than one component from the same animal conferred the greatest risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Bjerg
- Krefting Research Centre, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.,Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental, Medicine, the OLIN Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anna Winberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, the OLIN Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | | | - Magnus P Borres
- ThermoFisher Scientific, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eva Rönmark
- Krefting Research Centre, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.,Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental, Medicine, the OLIN Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Warm K, Hedman L, Lindberg A, Lötvall J, Lundbäck B, Rönmark E. Allergic sensitization is age-dependently associated with rhinitis, but less so with asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2015. [PMID: 26220530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2015.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiologic data describing the association between allergic sensitization and asthma and allergic rhinitis in adults are scarce. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and impact of specific sensitization to airborne allergens on asthma and allergic rhinitis among adults in relation to age. METHODS A random population sample (age 21-86 years) was examined with structured interview and analysis of specific IgE to 9 common airborne allergens. Of those invited, 692 (68%) subjects participated in blood sampling. IgE level of 0.35 U/mL or more to the specific allergen was defined as a positive test result. RESULTS Allergic sensitization decreased with increasing age, both in the population sample and among subjects with asthma and allergic rhinitis. In a multivariate model, sensitization to animal was significantly positively associated with asthma (odds ratio [OR], 4.80; 95% CI, 2.68-8.60), whereas sensitization to both animal (OR, 3.90; 95% CI, 2.31-6.58) and pollen (OR, 4.25; 95% CI, 2.55-7.06) was significantly associated with allergic rhinitis. The association between allergic sensitization and rhinitis was consistently strongest among the youngest age group, whereas this pattern was not found for asthma. The prevalence of allergic sensitization among patients with asthma decreased by increasing age of asthma onset, 86% with asthma onset at age 6 y or less, 56% at age 7 to 19 years, and 26% with asthma onset at age 20 years or more. CONCLUSIONS Sensitization to animal was associated with asthma across all age groups; allergic rhinitis was associated with sensitization to both pollen and animal and consistently stronger among younger than among older adults. Early onset of asthma was associated with allergic sensitization among adults with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Warm
- Division of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, the OLIN Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Linnea Hedman
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Unit, the OLIN Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anne Lindberg
- Division of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, the OLIN Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jan Lötvall
- Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bo Lundbäck
- Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eva Rönmark
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Unit, the OLIN Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
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Brozek G, Lawson J, Szumilas D, Zejda J. Increasing prevalence of asthma, respiratory symptoms, and allergic diseases: Four repeated surveys from 1993-2014. Respir Med 2015; 109:982-90. [PMID: 26153339 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2015.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Published data shows different prevalence trends depending on the region of Europe. AIM The aim of the study was to analyze time trends of the frequency of the respiratory symptoms and allergic diseases in school children (Silesia, Poland) over the last 21 years. METHODS We compared the results of four population-based surveys performed in a town of Chorzow in 1993, 2002, 2007 and 2014 in children aged 7-10 years. All four studies had the same study protocol, recruitment (cluster, school-based sampling), questionnaire (WHO respiratory health questionnaire) and the same principal investigator The surveys included 1130 children in 1993, 1421 children in 2002, 1661 children in 2007 and 1698 in 2014. RESULTS The results covered a 21 year span and showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in the prevalence of the following physician-diagnosed disorders (1993-2002-2007-2014): asthma (3.4%-4.8%-8.6%-12,6%); allergic rhinitis (4.3%-11.9%-15.9%-13.9%); atopic dermatitis (3.6%-7.9%-12.0%-13.9%); allergic conjunctivitis (4.3%-7.9%-8.3%-7.9%); A simultaneous increasing trend (p < 0.05) in the attacks of dyspnea (3.9%-5.9%-7.0%-7.3%) and symptoms (wheeze, dyspnea, cough) induced by exercise (7.5%-10.6%-22.0%-22.4%) and - at the same time - decrease (p < 0.05) in the prevalence of cough (31.6%-19.6%15.4%-14.4%). Among children with diagnosed asthma during the 21 year span there was significantly (p < 0.05) increased proportion of treated children (51.3%-51.3%-69.5%-60.7%) and a lower frequency of presenting current symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Our findings are in line with the concept of a real increase in the occurrence of asthma and allergic disease in children. The pattern involves not only physician-diagnosed allergic diseases but also occurrence of symptoms related to respiratory disorders. Diagnosed asthma is better treated and better controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Brozek
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Medykow 18 Str, 40-752 Katowice, Poland.
| | - Joshua Lawson
- Department of Medicine and Canadian Center for Health and Safety in Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan, 104 Clinic Place, PO Box 23, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4, Canada.
| | - Dawid Szumilas
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Medykow 18 Str, 40-752 Katowice, Poland.
| | - Jan Zejda
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Medykow 18 Str, 40-752 Katowice, Poland.
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Natural progression of childhood asthma symptoms and strong influence of sex and puberty. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2015; 11:939-44. [PMID: 24896645 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.201402-084oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Asthma prevalence, onset, remission and relapse, and healthcare use have been intensively studied. However, asthma symptom progression through childhood and adolescence has not been well studied, in part due to the challenges in obtaining consistent and robust long-term follow-up data on a large series of subjects with asthma. OBJECTIVES To use the asthma diary symptom data of the Childhood Asthma Management Program placebo group (5 yr, 418 subjects, and total 564,518 records) to establish sex-specific high-resolution time courses of the natural progression of asthma symptoms through childhood and adolescence. METHODS We used the asthma diary symptom code as a measure of daily disease severity. Annual records of Tanner stage were used to determine the influence of puberty on severity. A data alignment technique was used to derive 13-year time courses of mean symptoms and mean Tanner stage. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Data analyses showed three age- and sex-related phases of asthma symptom progression: Phase 1 (ages 5 and 6 yr)-greater severity in boys; Phase 2 (ages 7 to 9 yr)-no sex difference in severity; and Phase 3 (age 10-17 yr)-greater severity in girls. The continuous decline of symptoms in both sexes stops abruptly at the onset of puberty. CONCLUSIONS The severity of asthma symptoms varies through childhood and adolescence, and patterns differ by sex. Puberty has a strong influence on symptom progression in both sexes. Progression of symptoms is a distinct aspect of asthma epidemiology.
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Hagstad S, Bjerg A, Ekerljung L, Backman H, Lindberg A, Rönmark E, Lundbäck B. Passive smoking exposure is associated with increased risk of COPD in never smokers. Chest 2014; 145:1298-1304. [PMID: 24356778 DOI: 10.1378/chest.13-1349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Passive smoking, or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), is a risk factor for lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and childhood asthma, but a relationship with COPD has not been fully established. Our aim was to study ETS as a risk factor for COPD in never smokers. METHODS Data from three cross-sectional studies within the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) database were pooled. Of the 2,182 lifelong never smokers, 2,118 completed structured interviews and spirometry of acceptable quality. COPD was defined according to the GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) criteria using postbronchodilator spirometry. The association of COPD with ETS in single and multiple settings was calculated by multivariate logistic regression adjusting for known risk factors for COPD. RESULTS COPD prevalence was associated with increased ETS exposure: 4.2% (no ETS), 8.0% (ETS ever at home), 8.3% (ETS at previous work), and 14.7% (ETS ever at home and at both previous and current work), test for trend P = .003. Exclusion of subjects aged ≥ 65 years and subjects reporting asthma yielded similar results. ETS in multiple settings, such as ever at home and at both previous and current work, was strongly associated to COPD (OR, 3.80; 95% CI, 1.29-11.2). CONCLUSIONS In this population-based sample of never smokers, ETS was independently associated with COPD. The association was stronger for ETS in multiple settings. ETS in multiple settings was, after age, the strongest risk factor for COPD and comparable to personal smoking of up to 14 cigarettes/d in comparable materials. The findings strongly advocate measures against smoking in public places.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stig Hagstad
- Krefting Research Centre, Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg; Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies, Department of Medicine, Sunderby Central Hospital of Norrbotten, Luleå.
| | - Anders Bjerg
- Krefting Research Centre, Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg; Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies, Department of Medicine, Sunderby Central Hospital of Norrbotten, Luleå
| | - Linda Ekerljung
- Krefting Research Centre, Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg
| | - Helena Backman
- Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies, Department of Medicine, Sunderby Central Hospital of Norrbotten, Luleå
| | - Anne Lindberg
- Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies, Department of Medicine, Sunderby Central Hospital of Norrbotten, Luleå; Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Division of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Eva Rönmark
- Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies, Department of Medicine, Sunderby Central Hospital of Norrbotten, Luleå; Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Division of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bo Lundbäck
- Krefting Research Centre, Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg; Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies, Department of Medicine, Sunderby Central Hospital of Norrbotten, Luleå
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Uddenfeldt M, Janson C, Lampa E, Rask-Andersen A. Sensitization to pets is a major determinant of persistent asthma and new asthma onset in Sweden. Ups J Med Sci 2013; 118:111-21. [PMID: 23339512 PMCID: PMC3633326 DOI: 10.3109/03009734.2012.752772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Our knowledge about atopy as a longitudinal predictor of asthma is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognosis of asthma and risk factors for asthma onset, especially sensitization of specific allergens in a population sample. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cohort responded to a respiratory questionnaire in 1990 and 2003. At baseline, 2,060 subjects who, in the screening questionnaire, reported respiratory symptoms and 482 controls were investigated with interviews, spirometry, and skin-prick test. A total of 721 asthmatics and 976 subjects without respiratory disease were clinically verified. At follow-up in 2003, 340 subjects with persistent asthma and 186 subjects with asthma remission were identified, while 76 subjects reported new asthma onset. RESULTS Sensitization to pets and a high symptom score were significant determinants of persistent asthma (odds ratio (OR) 3.2 (95% CI 1.9-5.6) and 5.7 (2.5-13.3), respectively) and onset of asthma (OR 2.6 (1.1-6.0), and 1.7 (1.2-2.3)). A high self-reported responsiveness to airway irritants (OR 1.6 (1.1-2.2)), and more asthma medications (OR 2.0 (1.3-2.9)) were additional indicators of persistent asthma at the follow-up. Belonging to the older age group decreased the risk both of having persistent asthma and asthma onset. DISCUSSION Asthmatics sensitized to pets have a more severe outcome than asthmatics not sensitized to pets. Sensitization to pets was also a strong predictor for onset of asthma. Special attention should be given to asthmatics who report having severe symptoms and problems with airway irritants as such patients are more likely to have persistent problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Uddenfeldt
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Primary Care, County of Gävleborg, Sweden
| | - Christer Janson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erik Lampa
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Rask-Andersen
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Covaciu C, Bergström A, Lind T, Svartengren M, Kull I. Childhood allergies affect health-related quality of life. J Asthma 2013; 50:522-8. [PMID: 23573965 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2013.789057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The majority of studies investigating the effects of allergy on the children's health-related quality of life (HRQoL) address one particular allergic disease, using a disease-specific HRQoL instrument. This work aims to assess the comparative impact on HRQoL of several allergic conditions of childhood (asthma, rhinitis, eczema, and food hypersensitivity) in a large, population-based sample of Swedish 8-year-olds. METHODS Data were obtained from a Swedish birth cohort (BAMSE). At the 8-year follow-up, parents of 3236 children completed the standardized generic HRQoL instrument EQ-5D and reported on the children's symptoms of asthma, rhinitis, eczema, and food hypersensitivity. Information on allergic sensitization and lung function was available for a sub-sample of the children (n = 2370 and 2425, respectively). RESULTS Children in the study population had a median EQ visual analog scale (VAS) of 98 (Inter Quartile Range, IQR, 90-100). The median EQ VAS was significantly lower in children with allergic diseases. Children with asthma had the lowest median EQ VAS (90, IQR 85-98) and reported the highest prevalence of problems of "pain or discomfort" (18.2%, compared to 5.5% in children without asthma). Frequent wheezing and effort-induced wheezing were associated with high prevalence of problems of "anxiety or depression" (23.3% and 15.4%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Swedish 8-year-olds enjoy a good HRQoL, which though is significantly impacted by allergic diseases and particularly by asthma. Asthma symptoms are important determinants of HRQoL and symptom control should be a major goal in asthma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Covaciu
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Hansen TE, Evjenth B, Holt J. Increasing prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema among schoolchildren: three surveys during the period 1985-2008. Acta Paediatr 2013; 102:47-52. [PMID: 22994385 DOI: 10.1111/apa.12030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Revised: 08/05/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
AIM The prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR) and eczema among children has increased worldwide in the last four decades, but recent studies disagree as to whether the prevalence is continuing to rise or is levelling off or declining. The aim of this study was to assess time trends in a subarctic population. METHODS A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was carried out in 2008 among children aged 7-14 years in randomly selected schools in Nordland County, Norway (n = 4150). The results are compared with results from identical studies in 1985 (n = 4870) and 1995 (n = 4456). RESULTS The main findings were an increasing prevalence of asthma ever (7.3% in 1985 to 17.6% in 2008, p for trend < 0.001) and AR ever (15.9% in 1985 to 24.5% in 2008, p for trend < 0.001), while the prevalence of eczema ever, after an increase between 1985 and 1995, remained unchanged in the last time period. The prevalence of current disease doubled and trebled between 1995 and 2008 for all three diseases. CONCLUSION A repeated cross-sectional survey between 1985 and 2008 documented an increasing prevalence of asthma ever and AR ever among schoolchildren (7-14 years), together with a considerably increase in current asthma, AR and eczema between 1995 and 2008.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bjørg Evjenth
- Division of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Woman's Health; Nordland Hospital; Bodø; Norway
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Sensibilisierungsstatus bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Heuschnupfen und anderen atopischen Erkrankungen. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2012; 55:318-28. [DOI: 10.1007/s00103-011-1440-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Commins SP, Kelly LA, Rönmark E, James HR, Pochan SL, Peters EJ, Lundbäck B, Nganga LW, Cooper PJ, Hoskins JM, Eapen SS, Matos LA, McBride DC, Heymann PW, Woodfolk JA, Perzanowski MS, Platts-Mills TAE. Galactose-α-1,3-galactose-specific IgE is associated with anaphylaxis but not asthma. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2012; 185:723-30. [PMID: 22281828 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201111-2017oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE IgE antibodies to the mammalian oligosaccharide galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-gal) are common in the southeastern United States. These antibodies, which are induced by ectoparasitic ticks, can give rise to positive skin tests or serum assays with cat extract. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the relationship between IgE antibodies to α-gal and asthma, and compare this with the relationship between asthma and IgE antibodies to Fel d 1 and other protein allergens. METHODS Patients being investigated for recurrent anaphylaxis, angioedema, or acute urticaria underwent spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide, questionnaires, and serum IgE antibody assays. The results were compared with control subjects and cohorts from the emergency department in Virginia (n = 130), northern Sweden (n = 963), and rural Kenya (n = 131). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Patients in Virginia with high-titer IgE antibodies to α-gal had normal lung function, low levels of exhaled nitric oxide, and low prevalence of asthma symptoms. Among patients in the emergency department and children in Kenya, there was no association between IgE antibodies to α-gal and asthma (odds ratios, 1.04 and 0.75, respectively). In Sweden, IgE antibodies to cat were closely correlated with IgE antibodies to Fel d 1 (r = 0.83) and to asthma (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These results provide a model of an ectoparasite-induced specific IgE response that can increase total serum IgE without creating a risk for asthma, and further evidence that the main allergens that are causally related to asthma are those that are inhaled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott P Commins
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Hedman L, Bjerg A, Lundbäck B, Rönmark E. Conventional epidemiology underestimates the incidence of asthma and wheeze-a longitudinal population-based study among teenagers. Clin Transl Allergy 2012; 2:1. [PMID: 22409857 PMCID: PMC3395824 DOI: 10.1186/2045-7022-2-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Because of shifts in the gender ratio and incidence and remission rates of asthma during the teen ages, the methodology of incidence studies among teenagers is important, i.e. if the time intervals between surveys are too long, the incident cases might not be properly identified. The aim was to study the impact of study design on the incidence rates of asthma and wheeze during the teen ages. Methods In a study about asthma and allergic diseases within the OLIN studies (Obstructive Lung Disease in northern Sweden), a cohort of school children (n = 3,430) was followed annually by questionnaire from age 8 yrs. In the endpoint survey (age 18 yrs) 2,582 (75% of original responders) participated. Incident cases from age 12-18 yrs were identified by two methods: annual questionnaire reports (AR) and baseline-endpoint surveys only (BE). Results The cumulative incidence of asthma and wheeze was significantly higher based on AR compared to BE. Compared to the incidence rates based on all the annual surveys, the calculated average annual rates based on BE were in general lower both among the boys and among the girls. There were no differences between boys and girls in incidence rates of asthma or wheeze during the early teen years. However, from the age of 15 years, the annual incidence rates were significantly or borderline significantly higher among girls than boys. At onset, the additional cases of current asthma identified by AR had significantly less severe asthma than those identified in BE (p < 0.02). Conclusion the size of the incidence of asthma and wheeze during the teen ages was influenced by study design. By using the conventional prospective study design with longer follow-up time, the incidence was underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnéa Hedman
- The OLIN-studies, Norrbotten County Council, S-971 89 Luleå, Sweden.
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Magnusson JÖ, Kull I, Mai XM, Wickman M, Bergström A. Early childhood overweight and asthma and allergic sensitization at 8 years of age. Pediatrics 2012; 129:70-6. [PMID: 22184644 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2010-2953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our aim was to examine the associations between high BMI and changes in BMI status during the first 7 years of life and asthma and allergic sensitization at age 8 years. METHODS A birth cohort of newborn infants was followed for 8 years. Repeated parental questionnaires provided information on environmental exposures and health outcomes. Information on height and weight during childhood was retrieved from preschool and school health care records. The analyses included the 2075 children for whom information was available on weight and height, as well as on asthma, at age 8 years. RESULTS A high BMI (≥85th percentile) at age 1, 4, and/or 7 years was associated with an increased risk of asthma at age 8 years. However, no significant association was observed among children with high BMI at age 12 and/or 18 months (early age) or at age 4 years who developed a normal BMI by age 7 years. The risk was increased among children with high BMI at age 7 years, regardless of their earlier weight. Moreover, we observed an increased risk of sensitization to inhalant allergens among children with high BMI at age 7 years. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that high BMI during the first 4 years does not increase the risk of asthma at school age among children who have developed a normal weight by age 7 years. However, high BMI at age 7 years is associated with an increased risk of asthma and sensitization to inhalant allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Öhman Magnusson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Lodge CJ, Lowe AJ, Gurrin LC, Hill DJ, Hosking CS, Khalafzai RU, Hopper JL, Matheson MC, Abramson MJ, Allen KJ, Dharmage SC. House dust mite sensitization in toddlers predicts current wheeze at age 12 years. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2011; 128:782-788.e9. [PMID: 21820717 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2011.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2010] [Revised: 06/10/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of children at risk of developing asthma provides a window of opportunity for risk-reducing interventions. Allergen sensitization might identify high-risk children. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine whether skin prick tests (SPTs) to individual allergens up to age 2 years predict wheeze at age 12 years. METHODS In a birth cohort of 620 children oversampled for familial allergy, sensitization was assessed by using SPTs (monosensitized, polysensitized, or either) to 6 allergens at ages 6, 12, and 24 months. Wheeze and eczema were recorded 18 times during the first 2 years. Current wheeze was recorded at age 12 years. Adjusted associations were evaluated by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS A positive SPT to house dust mite (HDM) at age 1 or 2 years predicted wheeze at age 12 years (adjusted odds ratio: 1 year, 3.31 [95% CI 1.59-6.91]; 2 years, 6.37 [95% CI, 3.48-11.66]). Among wheezy 1-year-olds, those who were HDM sensitized had a 75% (95% CI, 51% to 91%) probability of wheeze at age 12 years compared with a 36% (95% CI, 23% to 50%) probability among those not sensitized. Among eczematous 1-year-olds, those who were HDM sensitized had a 67% (95% CI, 45% to 84%) probability of wheeze at age 12 years compared with a 35% (95% CI, 25% to 45%) probability among those not sensitized. Among 1-year-old children with both eczema and wheeze, the probability of wheeze at age 12 years was 64% (95% CI, 35% to 87%) if HDM sensitized and 50% (95% CI, 26% to 74%) if not. CONCLUSION HDM sensitization at age 1 or 2 years in wheezing and eczematous children at increased familial allergy risk predicts asthma and may inform management of these high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline J Lodge
- Centre for MEGA Epidemiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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Bjerg A, Hedman L, Perzanowski M, Lundbäck B, Rönmark E. A strong synergism of low birth weight and prenatal smoking on asthma in schoolchildren. Pediatrics 2011; 127:e905-12. [PMID: 21422092 PMCID: PMC3387890 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2010-2850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal smoke exposure is associated with airway inflammation and asthma in children. It also increases the risk of low birth weight (LBW). LBW is associated with decreased lung function independently of smoking. OBJECTIVE To study the independent and joint effects of prenatal smoking and LBW on childhood asthma. METHODS In 1996, all children aged 7 to 8 years in 3 cities in northern Sweden were invited to an International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood questionnaire survey. This study focused on the follow-up of children aged 11 to 12 years, in which 3389 children (96%) participated. A subset of 2121 children underwent skin-prick testing. Self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma has been clinically validated. RESULTS Mean birth weight was 3360 g in children exposed to prenatal smoking and 3571 g in nonexposed children (P < .001). The association of prenatal smoking with physician-diagnosed asthma was stronger in LBW children (risk ratio: 8.8 [95% confidence interval: 2.1-38]) than in normal birth weight children (risk ratio: 1.3 [95% confidence interval: 1.0-1.8]). LBW alone was not an independent predictor of asthma. These associations were similar in multivariate analysis, and the interaction term LBW × smoking was highly statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS There was a strong interaction of LBW and prenatal-smoking on the risk of physician-diagnosed asthma, which has not been demonstrated previously. This was consistently seen with adjustment for known risk factors, including allergic sensitization. Plausibly, airway inflammation from prenatal smoke exposure induces obstructive symptoms more easily in the underdeveloped airways of LBW children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Bjerg
- OLIN Studies, Department of Medicine, Sunderby Central Hospital of Norrbotten, Luleå, Sweden.
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von Ungern-Sternberg BS, Boda K, Chambers NA, Rebmann C, Johnson C, Sly PD, Habre W. Risk assessment for respiratory complications in paediatric anaesthesia: a prospective cohort study. Lancet 2010; 376:773-83. [PMID: 20816545 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(10)61193-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perioperative respiratory adverse events in children are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality during paediatric anaesthesia. We aimed to identify associations between family history, anaesthesia management, and occurrence of perioperative respiratory adverse events. METHODS We prospectively included all children who had general anaesthesia for surgical or medical interventions, elective or urgent procedures at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Australia, from Feb 1, 2007, to Jan 31, 2008. On the day of surgery, anaesthetists in charge of paediatric patients completed an adapted version of the International Study Group for Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. We collected data on family medical history of asthma, atopy, allergy, upper respiratory tract infection, and passive smoking. Anaesthesia management and all perioperative respiratory adverse events were recorded. FINDINGS 9297 questionnaires were available for analysis. A positive respiratory history (nocturnal dry cough, wheezing during exercise, wheezing more than three times in the past 12 months, or a history of present or past eczema) was associated with an increased risk for bronchospasm (relative risk [RR] 8.46, 95% CI 6.18-11.59; p<0.0001), laryngospasm (4.13, 3.37-5.08; p<0.0001), and perioperative cough, desaturation, or airway obstruction (3.05, 2.76-3.37; p<0.0001). Upper respiratory tract infection was associated with an increased risk for perioperative respiratory adverse events only when symptoms were present (RR 2.05, 95% CI 1.82-2.31; p<0.0001) or less than 2 weeks before the procedure (2.34, 2.07-2.66; p<0.0001), whereas symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection 2-4 weeks before the procedure significantly lowered the incidence of perioperative respiratory adverse events (0.66, 0.53-0.81; p<0.0001). A history of at least two family members having asthma, atopy, or smoking increased the risk for perioperative respiratory adverse events (all p<0.0001). Risk was lower with intravenous induction compared with inhalational induction (all p<0.0001), inhalational compared with intravenous maintenance of anaesthesia (all p<0.0001), airway management by a specialist paediatric anaesthetist compared with a registrar (all p<0.0001), and use of face mask compared with tracheal intubation (all p<0.0001). INTERPRETATION Children at high risk for perioperative respiratory adverse events could be systematically identified at the preanaesthetic assessment and thus can benefit from a specifically targeted anaesthesia management. FUNDING Department of Anaesthesia, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Swiss Foundation for Grants in Biology and Medicine, and the Voluntary Academic Society Basel.
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Romberg K, Tufvesson E, Bjermer L. Asthma is more prevalent in elite swimming adolescents despite better mental and physical health. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2010; 22:362-71. [PMID: 20807384 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2010.01177.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An increased risk of developing asthma has been reported among swimmers exposed to chloramine in pool arenas. The aim of the present study was to compare the prevalence of asthma and respiratory symptoms among elite aspiring swimmers compared with age-matched controls with different degrees of physical activity. We also aimed to relate these findings to mental and psychosocial factors. One hundred and one elite swimmers and 1628 age-matched controls answered a questionnaire containing questions about respiratory symptoms, lifestyle factors, mental and physical well-being. The controls were divided into three different groups according to the degree of physical activity, no physical activity, recreational training and elite training. Swimmers reported significantly more asthma symptoms, with 36.6% having physician-diagnosed asthma, compared with 16.2% among the controls. Use of regular medication was more common (14.9% vs 8.0%) and more swimmers reported an exacerbation of their asthma during the previous 12 months (16.8%) vs (5.8%) for the controls. Despite an increased prevalence of asthma symptoms, the swimmers reported best physical performance and best mental and physical well-being. They also had a healthier lifestyle without smoking and low alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Romberg
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Rönmark E, Bjerg A, Hedman L, Perzanowski M, Sundberg S, Lundbäck B. The Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) longitudinal paediatric study I--the first 10 years. CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2010; 2 Suppl 1:26-33. [PMID: 20298347 DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-699x.2008.00081.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prospective studies of asthma and allergic conditions based on the general population are scarce. AIM To summarize the methods and main results from a prospective study among school children. METHODS In 1996, a cohort of 3525 children aged 7/8 years in Northern Sweden were invited to a questionnaire survey using an expanded ISAAC protocol, and 97% participated. The cohort has been followed up yearly with high participation rate. Skin prick tests were conducted 1996, 2000 and 2006/2007. Allergens in dust from homes and schools have been analyzed. Sub samples have participated in interviews, lung function tests, bronchial hyper reactivity test, and analyses of IgE and IgG antibodies in serum. RESULTS The prevalence of asthma was 6% at age 7-8 years and increased by age. The incidence of physician-diagnosed asthma after the age of 7-8 years was around 1/100/year. The prevalence of positive skin prick test increased from 21% at age 7-8 to 30% at age 11-12 years. Remission of allergic sensitization was rare, while asthma remission was 5% yearly. The main risk factor for asthma and allergic sensitization increased in importance with increasing age. Allergic and non-allergic asthma had different risk factor pattern. Environmental risk factors decreased in impact after the age of 7. Avoidance of pets at home did not protect from asthma or allergic sensitization. CONCLUSION The study includes important sources of data for further longitudinal analyses that will contribute to the understanding of the development and the nature of asthma and allergic sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Rönmark
- The OLIN Studies, Department of Medicine, Sunderby Central Hospital of Norrbotten, Luleå, Sweden.
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Bjerg A, Rönmark E. Asthma in school age: prevalence and risk factors by time and by age. CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2010; 2 Suppl 1:123-6. [PMID: 20298361 DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-699x.2008.00095.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood is the most important age for asthma development. Recent reports indicate that the prevalence of asthma in children has plateaued after having increased for decades. AIMS To study prevalence and risk factor patterns of asthma by age and by time. METHODS In 1996, all children in grade 1-2 (age 7-8) in three cities in Northern Sweden were invited to an expanded International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. A total of 3430 children (97%) participated yearly until 2000 (age 11-12). A subset (n = 2454) was invited to skin-prick testing in 1996 and 2000 with 88% and 90% participation. In 2006, another cohort (n = 2704) was identified and studied by identical methods with 96% participation. A total of 1700 children (90% of invited) were skin-prick tested. RESULTS AND COMMENTS From age 7-8 to 11-12, the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma increased, 5.7%-7.7% (P < 0.01) while current wheeze decreased, 11.7%-9.4% (P < 0.01), indicating a less diverse spectrum of symptoms with age. The yearly remission from asthma was 10% (lasting remission 5%), largely determined by allergic sensitisation. Allergic sensitisation (OR 5) and a family history of asthma (OR 3) were important risk factors for asthma at age 7-8 and 11-12. However, several other significant risk factors at age 7-8 (low birth weight, respiratory infections and house dampness) lost importance until age 11-12. Maternal and paternal asthma were equally important risk factors (OR 3-4) at age 7-8. Sibling asthma was only a marker of parental disease. FUTURE PERSPECTIVES Through comparison with the 2006 cohort, trends in prevalence and in risk factors from 1996 to 2006 will be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bjerg
- The OLIN Studies, Department of Medicine, Sunderby Central Hospital of Norrbotten, Luleå, Sweden.
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Lundbäck B, Rönmark E. General population-based cohorts for studies of lung health in adults in Sweden. CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2010; 2 Suppl 1:2-9. [PMID: 20298345 DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-699x.2008.00079.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological population-based studies about lung health in Sweden have mostly been focused on obstructive airway diseases. From the 1960s to the 1980s, the epidemiological studies were cross-sectional, aiming at the study of the prevalence of asthma, chronic bronchitis and respiratory symptoms and their associations with mainly demographic data. With the exception of highly stratified samples, for instance the men born on 1913 in Gothenburg and cohorts of occupational groups or work places, general population-based cohorts for studies of lung health in adults are still not very common. Two large-scale studies of lung health have been in progress in Sweden for more than 20 years; the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) Studies, which started in 1985, and the Swedish part of European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) since 1989 with the follow-up survey labelled Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE). During the 1990s the comparative studies between Finland, Estonia and Sweden (The FinEsS Studies) started. These and other studies will be reviewed in the following exemplifying change of aims and study designs over time as well as change of focus of risk factors under study.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lundbäck
- Department of Internal Medicine/Lung Medicine and Allergology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Saarne T, Grönlund H, Kull I, Almqvist C, Wickman M, van Hage M. Cat sensitization identified by recombinant Fel d 1 several years before symptoms--results from the BAMSE cohort. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010; 21:277-83. [PMID: 20003163 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2009.00894.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to cat is one of the most important causes of allergic disease. The objective of this study was to investigate IgE reactivity to the recombinant major cat allergen, rFel d 1, as an early marker of cat sensitization. Based on questionnaires, 144 children with allergic symptoms due to cat, or where such symptoms were suspected, were selected from the birth cohort BAMSE and allocated into three study groups. Blood samples taken at age 4 and 8 yrs were analysed for IgE to rFel d 1 and cat dander extract (CDE) by quantitative ELISA (cut-off limit 0.037 kU(A)/l) and the ImmunoCAP System (cut-off limit 0.35 kU(A)/l), respectively. At 4 yrs, 25/33 children with certain allergic symptoms to cat had IgE to both rFel d 1 and CDE, while 14/42 of those suspecting symptoms at 4 had IgE to rFel d 1 and 9/42 to CDE. In a group developing symptoms after 4 yrs, 60/69 had IgE to rFel d 1 and 57/69 to CDE at 8, while 33/69 had IgE to rFel d 1 already at 4 and 26/69 to CDE. This was the only one of the three study groups where a significant increase in the IgE levels to rFel d 1 was found from 4 to 8 yrs (p < 0.001), even when only children with IgE to rFel d 1 already at 4 were included (p < 0.001). We show that the single major cat allergen rFel d 1 is at least as good as CDE in the diagnosis of cat allergy in childhood. With a sensitive rFel d 1 assay cat sensitization can be detected several years before symptoms to cat are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiiu Saarne
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Immunology and Allergy Unit, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Anandan C, Nurmatov U, van Schayck OCP, Sheikh A. Is the prevalence of asthma declining? Systematic review of epidemiological studies. Allergy 2010; 65:152-67. [PMID: 19912154 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02244.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 351] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Asthma prevalence has increased very considerably in recent decades such that it is now one of the commonest chronic disorders in the world. Recent evidence from epidemiological studies, however, suggests that the prevalence of asthma may now be declining in many parts of the world, which, if true is important for health service planning and also because this offers the possibility of generating and testing new aetiological hypotheses. Our objective was to determine whether the prevalence of asthma is declining worldwide. We undertook a systematic search of EMBASE, Medline, Web of Science and Google Scholar, for high quality reports of cohort studies, repeat cross-sectional studies and analyses of routine healthcare datasets to examine international trends in asthma prevalence in children and adults for the period 1990-2008. There were 48 full reports of studies that satisfied our inclusion criteria. The large volume of data identified clearly indicate that there are, at present, no overall signs of a declining trend in asthma prevalence; on the contrary, asthma prevalence is in many parts of the world still increasing. The reductions in emergency healthcare utilization being reported in some economically developed countries most probably reflect improvements in quality of care. There remain major gaps in the literature on asthma trends in relation to Africa and parts of Asia. There is no overall global downward trend in the prevalence of asthma. Healthcare planners will for the foreseeable future, therefore, need to continue with high levels of anticipated expenditure in relation to provision of asthma care.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Anandan
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
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Chen CM, Tischer C, Schnappinger M, Heinrich J. The role of cats and dogs in asthma and allergy--a systematic review. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2010; 213:1-31. [PMID: 20053584 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2009.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2009] [Revised: 12/07/2009] [Accepted: 12/07/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Studies have reported contradictory effects of cat and dog exposure on allergy, resulting in inconsistent recommendations on animal avoidance. We conducted a systematic review of observational studies published in English from 2000 to January 2009. It shows in this review that the reported exposure-response relationships are contradictory. A total of 17 and 13 birth cohort studies on cat and dog exposure, respectively, are included in the review. Most of the birth cohort studies found that cat or dog exposure in early life had no effect on the development of asthma or wheezing symptoms and dog exposure during infancy was found to protect children from developing sensitization against aeroallergens. A total of 7 and 6 prospective studies in school-age children or adults on cat and dog exposure, respectively, are included in this review and most of these studies suggested an inverse association between cat exposure and asthma and wheezing symptoms. As for cross-sectional studies, 26 and 21 studies on cat and dog exposure, respectively, are included in this review, which cover a broad range of age groups and geographical areas, and reported inconsistent results. The evidence summarised in this systematic review needs to be interpreted with caution, the inconsistent study results may be due to study design, exposure assessment, and avoidance measure. The exposure-response relationships may also alter in geographical areas where the community prevalence of cats and dogs are significantly different. However, as the evidence of the effects of pet keeping on subsequent development of asthma or allergic diseases presented in this review are not overwhelmingly strong, the decision of whether to keep a cat or a dog in the family should be based on arguments other than the concern of developing asthma and allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Mei Chen
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Neuherberg, Germany.
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Bjerg A, Sandström T, Lundbäck B, Rönmark E. Time trends in asthma and wheeze in Swedish children 1996-2006: prevalence and risk factors by sex. Allergy 2010; 65:48-55. [PMID: 19796226 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02105.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent data suggest that the previously rising trend in childhood wheezing symptoms has plateaued in some regions. We sought to investigate sex-specific trends in wheeze, asthma, allergic conditions, allergic sensitization and risk factors for wheeze. METHODS We compared two population-based cohorts of 7 to 8-year olds from the same Swedish towns in 1996 and 2006 using parental expanded ISAAC questionnaires. In 1996, 3430 (97%) and in 2006, 2585 (96%) questionnaires were completed. A subset was skin prick tested: in 1996, 2148 (88%) and in 2006, 1700 (90%) children participated. RESULTS No significant change in the prevalence of current wheeze (P = 0.13), allergic rhinitis (P = 0.18) or eczema (P = 0.22) was found despite an increase in allergic sensitization (20.6-29.9%, P < 0.01). In boys, however, the prevalence of current wheeze (12.9-16.4%, P < 0.01), physician-diagnosed asthma (7.1-9.3%, P = 0.03) and asthma medication use increased. In girls the prevalence of current symptoms and conditions tended to decrease. The prevalence of all studied risk factors for wheeze and asthma increased in boys relative to girls from 1996 to 2006, thus increasing the boy-to-girl prevalence ratio in risk factors. CONCLUSIONS The previously reported increase in current wheezing indices has plateaued in Sweden. Due to increased diagnostic activity, physician diagnoses continue to increase. Time trends in wheezing symptoms differed between boys and girls, and current wheeze increased in boys. This was seemingly explained by the observed increases in the prevalence of risk factors for asthma in boys compared with girls. In contrast to the current symptoms of wheeze, rhinitis or eczema, the prevalence of allergic sensitization increased considerably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Bjerg
- The OLIN Studies, Department of Medicine, Sunderby Central Hospital of Norrbotten, Luleå, Sweden
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Abstract
Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the conducting airways that has strong association with allergic sensitization. The disease is characterized by a polarized Th-2 (T-helper-2)-type T-cell response, but in general targeting this component of the disease with selective therapies has been disappointing and most therapy still relies on bronchodilators and corticosteroids rather than treating underlying disease mechanisms. With the disappointing outcomes of targeting individual Th-2 cytokines or manipulating T-cells, the time has come to re-evaluate the direction of research in this disease. A case is made that asthma has its origins in the airways themselves involving defective structural and functional behaviour of the epithelium in relation to environmental insults. Specifically, a defect in barrier function and an impaired innate immune response to viral infection may provide the substrate upon which allergic sensitization takes place. Once sensitized, the repeated allergen exposure will lead to disease persistence. These mechanisms could also be used to explain airway wall remodelling and the susceptibility of the asthmatic lung to exacerbations provoked by respiratory viruses, air pollution episodes and exposure to biologically active allergens. Variable activation of this epithelial-mesenchymal trophic unit could also lead to the emergence of different asthma phenotypes and a more targeted approach to the treatment of these. It also raises the possibility of developing treatments that increase the lung's resistance to the inhaled environment rather than concentrating all efforts on trying to suppress inflammation once it has become established.
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Hedman L, Bjerg A, Perzanowski M, Rönmark E. Good agreement between parental and self-completed questionnaires about allergic diseases and environmental factors in teenagers. J Clin Epidemiol 2009; 63:783-9. [PMID: 19959330 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2009.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2009] [Revised: 08/18/2009] [Accepted: 08/19/2009] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study whether the methodological change from parent to index subject as questionnaire respondent affected the prevalence estimates and risk factor patterns for allergic diseases in a longitudinal study. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING A prospective study of asthma and allergic diseases among children was begun in 1996 within the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden Study. In 2002, about 3,342 (95% of invited) teenagers (13 to 14 years) completed the annual questionnaire. A random sample of 294 (84% of invited) parents also completed the same extended International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. Skin prick tests were performed in 1996 and 2000. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the prevalence of rhinitis, eczema, or related environmental factors between parental and self-reports, except for the question of having a dog at home. The absolute agreement was high, whereas the kappa values were fair or moderate. Kappa values of questions regarding parental smoking were 0.8-0.9. Allergic sensitization was the major risk factor for both rhinitis and eczema, and the odds ratios were similar regardless of who reported the condition. CONCLUSION The agreement between the parental and teenagers' reports was good, and the methodological change did not affect the study results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea Hedman
- Obstructive Lung Disease In Northern Sweden Studies, Department of Medicine, Sunderby Central Hospital of Norrbotten, Luleå, Sweden.
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Rönmark E, Bjerg A, Perzanowski M, Platts-Mills T, Lundbäck B. Major increase in allergic sensitization in schoolchildren from 1996 to 2006 in northern Sweden. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009; 124:357-63, 63.e1-15. [PMID: 19577282 PMCID: PMC2747664 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2009.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2009] [Revised: 04/28/2009] [Accepted: 05/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Time trends for allergic sensitization are poorly known. OBJECTIVE To compare the trends in prevalence of allergic sensitization and associated risk factors in children. METHODS Two cohorts of children (age 7-8 years) were invited for skin prick tests (SPTs) 10 years apart, 1996 and 2006. The participation rates were 2148 (88%) and 1700 (90%), respectively. The methods were identical, and 10 common airborne allergens were used. An expanded International Study of Allergy and Asthma in Children questionnaire about symptoms and possible risk factors for allergic conditions was completed by the parents. RESULTS The prevalence of any positive SPT increased from 21% in 1996 to 30% in 2006 (P < .001). The pattern of sensitization remained similar, and sensitization to cat was most common both years, 13% and 19%, respectively. Sensitization to mites and mold was uncommon in both surveys. A family history of allergy was a significant risk factor for a positive SPT both years (odds ratio, 1.7). Factors that in 1996 had a protective effect, such as rural living and having several siblings, had lost this effect in 2006. The prevalence of most risk factors remained similar, but respiratory infections and smoking among parents decreased significantly. During the same period, there was no significant increase in the prevalence of current wheeze (11.9% to 12.4%, P = .636) or symptoms of rhinitis or eczema. CONCLUSION The prevalence of allergic sensitization increased significantly from 1996 to 2006, whereas no increase in clinical symptoms was found. The parallel decrease in parental smoking and respiratory infections indicate a different influence of environmental factors on allergic sensitization and clinical symptoms, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Rönmark
- Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden Studies, Department of Medicine, Sunderby Central Hospital of Norrbotten, Luleå, Sweden.
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