Prediction of allergy by total serum IgE measurements in infancy: a 10-year-follow-up

Asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis are multifactorial disorders influenced by various
familial and environmental factors. Cord blood IgE levels may be predictive for subsequent allergy
onset. Serum IgE assessment has been rarely investigated. This study is aimed at evaluating serum
IgE levels during the first year of life and relating to subsequent allergies. Total serum IgE levels were
assessed in 102 newborns in the first days of life (2-3) and then again at 3, 5, 6, 11 and 12 months of
age. After ten years, paediatricians and general practitioners caring for these children were tracked
through the Local Healthcare Agency (LHA) database and asked about possible allergy of their patients,
including transient ones. F Serum IgE increased in allergic infants at 1 year of life. The predictive model
was significant. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that serum IgE may be predictive of subsequent
allergy onset, preferably if assessed at 1 year of age.