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Influence of maternal and cord blood C ‐reactive protein on childhood respiratory symptoms and eczema
Author(s) -
Sonnenscheinvan der Voort Agnes M. M.,
Jaddoe Vincent W. V.,
Moll Henriëtte A.,
Hofman Albert,
Valk Ralf J. P.,
Jongste Johan C.,
Duijts Liesbeth
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
pediatric allergy and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.269
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1399-3038
pISSN - 0905-6157
DOI - 10.1111/pai.12094
Subject(s) - medicine , c reactive protein , cord blood , respiratory tract , respiratory tract infections , asthma , population , immunology , pregnancy , prospective cohort study , respiratory system , physiology , inflammation , environmental health , biology , genetics
Background Inflammatory processes during pregnancy might affect fetal lung development and immune responses. We examined the associations of maternal and cord blood C ‐reactive protein levels with respiratory symptoms and eczema in preschool children. Methods This study was embedded in a population‐based prospective cohort study of 4984 children. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess the effect of C ‐reactive protein levels on respiratory symptoms or eczema. C‐reactive protein levels were measured during early pregnancy and at birth. Wheezing, lower respiratory tract infections, and eczema until the age of 4 yr were annually obtained by questionnaires. Results Maternal C ‐reactive protein was not associated with the risks of wheezing and lower respiratory tract infections. Compared to children with maternal C ‐reactive protein in the lowest quarter, children in the highest quarter had increased risks of eczema OR 1.20 (1.03, 1.40). Compared to children with cord blood C ‐reactive protein lower than 0.20 mg/l, those with levels higher than 0.20 mg/l had increased risks of wheezing, OR 1.21 (1.07, 1.36), and lower respiratory tract infections, OR 1.21 (1.05, 1.39), but not of eczema. Conclusions Our results suggest that elevated maternal C ‐reactive protein in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of eczema, and C ‐reactive protein in cord blood with a higher risk of wheezing and lower respiratory tract infections in the first 4 yrs.