Prediction of Elevated Cord Blood IgE Levels by Maternal IgE Levels, and the Neonate's Gender and Gestational Age

Background: Elevation of cord blood immunoglobulin E (IgE) is used to predict childhood atopy. In an effort to catch such problems at an earlier time, we sought to identify the impact of parental atopy as well as gestational age, the baby's gender, and the season of delivery on cord blood IgE levels. Methods: The allergic history of parents was collected during pregnancy. Blood samples from parents were collected in the third trimester. Cord blood was collected immediately after birth. Total and specific IgE levels were determined using the Pharmacia CAP system. Results: In total, 437 core family blood samples were collected. Male babies had a significantly higher IgE level (0.535 ± 0.898 vs. 0.369 ± 0.565 KU/L, p = 0.021) and a higher frequency of IgE≥1.0 KU/L (14.6% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.018) compared to female babies. A cyclic trend in higher cord blood IgE levels was found in babies born in early summer and early winter. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that elevation of cord blood IgE levels could be predicted by higher maternal IgE levels (odds ratio [OR] = 6.35; p = 0.000), male baby gender (OR = 2.31; p = 0.021), and increases in gestational age by 1 week (OR = 1.34; p = 0.039). In contrast, neither the allergic history of parents nor elevation of paternal IgE levels could be correlated with elevated cord blood IgE levels of neonates. Conclusion: The baby's gender and gestational age, and maternal IgE levels influence cord blood IgE levels. Avoiding allergens and decreasing allergic activities during pregnancy may be the most important means of preventing the fetus from having allergic sensitization.