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High fat mass in newborns increases risk for atopic dermatitis
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Maternal atopic history and high fat mass in newborns increase the risk for atopic dermatitis in infants, according to study results.
The researchers noted that proposed risk factors for atopic disease such as smoking, body mass index and age of complementary feeding did not increase an infant’s risk for persistent atopic dermatitis.
Sinéad M. O’Donovan, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher at the University College Cork in Ireland, and colleagues conducted a single-center birth cohort study collecting data on early-life events, infant feeding, and nutritional and environmental exposures of 709 participants at 15 weeks’ gestation, birth, 2, 6 and 12 months of age.
The researchers hoped to assess risk factors for atopic dermatitis (AD) in the first year of life in infants.
Researchers used questionnaires that captured details on demography, maternal and paternal self-reported atopy, environment during pregnancy and the baby’s early-life environment at day 2 and at 2, 6 and 12 months.
The researchers also collected information regarding early infant nutrition such as feeding method, frequency of feeds and feeding behaviors at each time point.
Seventy-one percent of participants initiated some form of breast-feeding among their children and by 6 months, 22% of infants still received breast milk in combination with infant formula, solid food or both.
Researchers reported mean birth weight of 3.5 kg among the newborns, with a median fat mass of 0.35 kg at day 2.
The researchers also noted 14.2% of infants at 6 months and 13.7% of infants at 12 months had AD.
Self-reported maternal atopy (OR = 2.99; 95% CI, 1.35-6.59) and high fat mass in infants at day 2 (OR = 2.31; 95% CI, 1.02-5.25) indicated the highest risk for AD during the first year of life.
The researchers wrote that more research is warranted to possibly enhance the prediction of AD.
“Future studies should determine whether impaired immune responses are exhibited early in life among infants with a high fat mass,” the researchers wrote. “Early identification of at-risk subjects might enhance the prediction of AD and could provide an opportunity for early preventative measures for these infants.” – by Ryan McDonald
Disclosure: O’Donovan reports receiving research support from the European Union FP7. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
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