1. Vaccination and Allergic Disease: A Birth Cohort Study
Abstract
“An unexplained increase in the prevalence of allergic disease has occurred in the developed world in the past few decades. During the same period, there has been an increase in mass immunization, leading to the hypothesis that certain vaccines may increase the risk of allergic disease. There are 2 proposed mechanisms by which immunization may influence the development of allergic disease. The first is that vaccination could have a direct impact on the immune system, and there is evidence that pertussis vaccine enhances humans’ response to histamine2 and leads to raised immunoglobulin E levels. The second potential mechanism is that vaccination reduces the burden of childhood illness. Children with more older siblings are at a reduced risk of developing atopy and allergic disease. It has been suggested that exposure to infection in childhood reduces a child’s risk of developing allergic disease; this is commonly known as the hygiene hypothesis. In addition, there is also evidence that acceptance of vaccination is related to child birth order. Evidence to date has both supported and refuted the association between vaccination and allergic disease. It is clearly important to gain a detailed understanding of the relationship between vaccination and allergic disease, because a perception that vaccination is harmful may have an adverse impact on the effectiveness of immunization programs.”
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1448377/
Citation:
Mckeever, Tricia M., Sarah A. Lewis, Chris Smith, and Richard Hubbard. "Vaccination and Allergic Disease: A Birth Cohort Study." American Journal of Public Health 94.6 (2004): 985-89
“An unexplained increase in the prevalence of allergic disease has occurred in the developed world in the past few decades. During the same period, there has been an increase in mass immunization, leading to the hypothesis that certain vaccines may increase the risk of allergic disease. There are 2 proposed mechanisms by which immunization may influence the development of allergic disease. The first is that vaccination could have a direct impact on the immune system, and there is evidence that pertussis vaccine enhances humans’ response to histamine2 and leads to raised immunoglobulin E levels. The second potential mechanism is that vaccination reduces the burden of childhood illness. Children with more older siblings are at a reduced risk of developing atopy and allergic disease. It has been suggested that exposure to infection in childhood reduces a child’s risk of developing allergic disease; this is commonly known as the hygiene hypothesis. In addition, there is also evidence that acceptance of vaccination is related to child birth order. Evidence to date has both supported and refuted the association between vaccination and allergic disease. It is clearly important to gain a detailed understanding of the relationship between vaccination and allergic disease, because a perception that vaccination is harmful may have an adverse impact on the effectiveness of immunization programs.”
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1448377/
Citation:
Mckeever, Tricia M., Sarah A. Lewis, Chris Smith, and Richard Hubbard. "Vaccination and Allergic Disease: A Birth Cohort Study." American Journal of Public Health 94.6 (2004): 985-89
2. Timing of routine immunisations and subsequent hay fever risk
Abstract
Background:
Suggestions that immunisation influences allergic disease risk, either positively (pertussis) or negatively (BCG) are of concern for vaccination policy. Aims: To determine whether DTP, MMR, and BCG vaccination in infancy influenced hay fever risk.
Methods:
Case-control study of 7098 hay fever cases and controls, within two primary care databases. One control per case was matched for practice, age, and sex. Odds ratios (OR) were derived using conditional logistic regression.
Results:
Compared to those completing in month 5 (base group) (39.3%), DTP unvaccinated children (4.3%) had a similar risk of hay fever (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.23). However, those completing after 12 months (4.2%) had a reduced risk (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.76) compared to the base group. Compared to those vaccinated in month 14 (base group) (29.5%), MMR unvaccinated children (2.3%) had an OR of 0.79 (95% CI 0.58 to 1.08). Completion of MMR after two years was associated with reduced hay fever risk (OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.80) compared to the base group. The effects of late immunisation with DTP and MMR were independent. Those vaccinated with BCG by age 2 (2.4%) had an odds ratio of 1.28 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.70). Adjustment for consulting behaviour, social factors, or sibship size did not alter these associations.
Conclusions:
Immunisation against DTP or MMR does not increase the risk of hay fever. The lower confidence limit for BCG vaccination contradicts the hypothesised protective effect. The reduced risk of hay fever among children immunised late may be explained by a third factor causing both postponement and reduced risk such as intercurrent febrile illnesses
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15908618
Citation:
Bremner, S. A. "Timing of Routine Immunisations and Subsequent Hay Fever Risk." Archives of Disease in Childhood 90.6 (2005): 567-73.
Background:
Suggestions that immunisation influences allergic disease risk, either positively (pertussis) or negatively (BCG) are of concern for vaccination policy. Aims: To determine whether DTP, MMR, and BCG vaccination in infancy influenced hay fever risk.
Methods:
Case-control study of 7098 hay fever cases and controls, within two primary care databases. One control per case was matched for practice, age, and sex. Odds ratios (OR) were derived using conditional logistic regression.
Results:
Compared to those completing in month 5 (base group) (39.3%), DTP unvaccinated children (4.3%) had a similar risk of hay fever (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.23). However, those completing after 12 months (4.2%) had a reduced risk (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.76) compared to the base group. Compared to those vaccinated in month 14 (base group) (29.5%), MMR unvaccinated children (2.3%) had an OR of 0.79 (95% CI 0.58 to 1.08). Completion of MMR after two years was associated with reduced hay fever risk (OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.80) compared to the base group. The effects of late immunisation with DTP and MMR were independent. Those vaccinated with BCG by age 2 (2.4%) had an odds ratio of 1.28 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.70). Adjustment for consulting behaviour, social factors, or sibship size did not alter these associations.
Conclusions:
Immunisation against DTP or MMR does not increase the risk of hay fever. The lower confidence limit for BCG vaccination contradicts the hypothesised protective effect. The reduced risk of hay fever among children immunised late may be explained by a third factor causing both postponement and reduced risk such as intercurrent febrile illnesses
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15908618
Citation:
Bremner, S. A. "Timing of Routine Immunisations and Subsequent Hay Fever Risk." Archives of Disease in Childhood 90.6 (2005): 567-73.
3. Reported pertussis infection and risk of atopy in 8- to 12-yr-old vaccinated and nonvaccinated children
Abstract
“Pertussis infection has been suspected to be a potential causal factor in the development of atopic disease because of the effect of pertussis immunization on specific IgE antibodies. Although several studies found a positive association between pertussis infection and atopic disorders, this relationship has not yet been studied in a population stratified by vaccination status. To assess the association between pertussis infection and atopic disorders in pertussis-unvaccinated children and in pertussis-vaccinated children. Using data from a previously conducted study on the relationship between the diphtheria-tetanuspertussis-(inactivated) poliomyelitis vaccination in the first year of life and atopic disorders, the study population of 1872 8–12 yr old was divided into children pertussis-unvaccinated and children pertussisvaccinated in the first year of life. Within each group, the association between pertussis infection and atopic disorders (both as reported by the parents) was assessed. In the unvaccinated group, there were no significant associations between pertussis infection and atopic disorders. In the vaccinated group, all associations between pertussis infection and atopic disorders were positive, the associations with asthma [odds ratio (OR) ¼ 2.24, 95% confidence interval (CI95%): 1.36–3.70], hay fever (OR ¼ 2.35, CI95%: 1.46–3.77) and food allergy (OR ¼ 2.68, CI95%: 1.48–4.85) being significant. There was a positive association between pertussis infection and atopic disorders in the pertussis vaccinated group only. From the present study, it cannot be concluded whether this association is causal or due to reverse causation.”
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18086216
Citation:
Bernsen, Roos M. D., Nico J. D. Nagelkerke, Carel Thijs, and Johannes C. Van Der Wouden. "Reported Pertussis Infection and Risk of Atopy in 8- to 12-yr-old Vaccinated and Non-vaccinated Children." Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 19.1 (2007): 46-52.
“Pertussis infection has been suspected to be a potential causal factor in the development of atopic disease because of the effect of pertussis immunization on specific IgE antibodies. Although several studies found a positive association between pertussis infection and atopic disorders, this relationship has not yet been studied in a population stratified by vaccination status. To assess the association between pertussis infection and atopic disorders in pertussis-unvaccinated children and in pertussis-vaccinated children. Using data from a previously conducted study on the relationship between the diphtheria-tetanuspertussis-(inactivated) poliomyelitis vaccination in the first year of life and atopic disorders, the study population of 1872 8–12 yr old was divided into children pertussis-unvaccinated and children pertussisvaccinated in the first year of life. Within each group, the association between pertussis infection and atopic disorders (both as reported by the parents) was assessed. In the unvaccinated group, there were no significant associations between pertussis infection and atopic disorders. In the vaccinated group, all associations between pertussis infection and atopic disorders were positive, the associations with asthma [odds ratio (OR) ¼ 2.24, 95% confidence interval (CI95%): 1.36–3.70], hay fever (OR ¼ 2.35, CI95%: 1.46–3.77) and food allergy (OR ¼ 2.68, CI95%: 1.48–4.85) being significant. There was a positive association between pertussis infection and atopic disorders in the pertussis vaccinated group only. From the present study, it cannot be concluded whether this association is causal or due to reverse causation.”
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18086216
Citation:
Bernsen, Roos M. D., Nico J. D. Nagelkerke, Carel Thijs, and Johannes C. Van Der Wouden. "Reported Pertussis Infection and Risk of Atopy in 8- to 12-yr-old Vaccinated and Non-vaccinated Children." Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 19.1 (2007): 46-52.
4. Effects of Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis or Tetanus Vaccination on Allergies and Allergy-Related Respiratory Symptoms Among Children and Adolescents in the United States
Abstract
Background:
Findings from animal and human studies confirm that diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis (DTP) and tetanus vaccinations induce allergic responses; associations between childhood vaccinations and subsequent allergies have been reported recently.
Objective:
The association of DTP or tetanus vaccination with allergies and allergy-related respiratory symptoms among children and adolescents in the United States was assessed.
Methods:
Data were used from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey on infants aged 2 months through adolescents aged 16 years. DTP or tetanus vaccination, lifetime allergy history, and allergy symptoms in the past 12 months were based on parental or guardian recall. Logistic regression modeling was performed to estimate the effects of DTP or tetanus vaccination on each allergy.
Results:
The odds of having a history of asthma was twice as great among vaccinated subjects than among unvaccinated subjects (adjusted odds ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.59 to 6.74). The odds of having had any allergy-related respiratory symptom in the past 12 months was 63% greater among vaccinated subjects than unvaccinated subjects (adjusted odds ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 2.54). The associations between vaccination and subsequent allergies and symptoms were greatest among children aged 5 through 10 years.
Conclusions:
DTP or tetanus vaccination appears to increase the risk of allergies and related respiratory symptoms in children and adolescents. Although it is unlikely that these results are entirely because of any sources of bias, the small number of unvaccinated subjects and the study design limit our ability to make firm causal inferences about the true magnitude of effect. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2000; 23:81-90)
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10714532
Citation:
Hurwitz, Eric L., and Hal Morgenstern. "Effects of Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis or Tetanus Vaccination on Allergies and Allergy-related Respiratory Symptoms among Children and Adolescents in the United States." Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 23.2 (2000): 81-90.
Background:
Findings from animal and human studies confirm that diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis (DTP) and tetanus vaccinations induce allergic responses; associations between childhood vaccinations and subsequent allergies have been reported recently.
Objective:
The association of DTP or tetanus vaccination with allergies and allergy-related respiratory symptoms among children and adolescents in the United States was assessed.
Methods:
Data were used from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey on infants aged 2 months through adolescents aged 16 years. DTP or tetanus vaccination, lifetime allergy history, and allergy symptoms in the past 12 months were based on parental or guardian recall. Logistic regression modeling was performed to estimate the effects of DTP or tetanus vaccination on each allergy.
Results:
The odds of having a history of asthma was twice as great among vaccinated subjects than among unvaccinated subjects (adjusted odds ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.59 to 6.74). The odds of having had any allergy-related respiratory symptom in the past 12 months was 63% greater among vaccinated subjects than unvaccinated subjects (adjusted odds ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 2.54). The associations between vaccination and subsequent allergies and symptoms were greatest among children aged 5 through 10 years.
Conclusions:
DTP or tetanus vaccination appears to increase the risk of allergies and related respiratory symptoms in children and adolescents. Although it is unlikely that these results are entirely because of any sources of bias, the small number of unvaccinated subjects and the study design limit our ability to make firm causal inferences about the true magnitude of effect. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2000; 23:81-90)
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10714532
Citation:
Hurwitz, Eric L., and Hal Morgenstern. "Effects of Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis or Tetanus Vaccination on Allergies and Allergy-related Respiratory Symptoms among Children and Adolescents in the United States." Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 23.2 (2000): 81-90.
5. Determinants of atopic sensitization in Turkish school children: Effects of preand post-natal events and maternal atopy
Abstract
“Emergence of new environmental risk factors, and/or loss of protective factors of a traditional lifestyle may explain the increase, or variations in prevalence of allergic diseases. The aim of this study was to delineate the prevalence and spectrum of, and to reveal the causal and/or protective factors for atopic sensitization among a heterogenous cohort of Turkish children, for the first time in our country. The study design adhered to International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase II protocol. A self-administered parental questionnaire about demographic characteristics and detailed risk factors, and skinprick test with 13 allergens were employed in a clustered random sample of 8–11-yr-old Turkish school children. Atopy was defined as the presence of at least one positive skin reaction to any allergen tested. The association between a total of 78 risk factors and different aspects of atopy were analyzed in 1144 children with multivariate logistic regression analysis. The overall prevalence of atopy was 20.6%. Most common sensitizations were to grass pollens, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Blatella germanica. Day care attendance, high paternal education level, male gender and maternal asthma were significant risk factors for atopy. Breastfeeding more than 6 months (compared with 0–6 months), maternal smoking during pregnancy and a birth weight under 2500 g were inversely related to (or protective factors for) atopic sensitization. Maternal atopic disease had significant effects on risk factors pattern. In children with a maternal atopy history a low birth weight, day care attendance and maternal smoking during the first year of life independently increased the risk of atopic sensitization. Gender, breastfeeding and paternal education did not show any association with atopy in this group of children. A history of measles and low gestational age were significant protective factors for mite sensitization. This study showed that children of atopic mothers showed a different profile of risk factors associated with atopic sensitization, when compared with other children. Prenatal and early childhood events had important associations with atopic sensitization.”
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14998384
Citation:
Kuyucu, Semanur, Yildiz Saraclar, Ayfer Tuncer, Cansin Sackesen, Gonul Adalioglu, Vildan Sumbuloglu, and Bulent Enis Sekerel. "Determinants of Atopic Sensitization in Turkish School Children: Effects of Pre- and Post-natal Events and Maternal Atopy." Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 15.1 (2004): 62-71.
“Emergence of new environmental risk factors, and/or loss of protective factors of a traditional lifestyle may explain the increase, or variations in prevalence of allergic diseases. The aim of this study was to delineate the prevalence and spectrum of, and to reveal the causal and/or protective factors for atopic sensitization among a heterogenous cohort of Turkish children, for the first time in our country. The study design adhered to International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase II protocol. A self-administered parental questionnaire about demographic characteristics and detailed risk factors, and skinprick test with 13 allergens were employed in a clustered random sample of 8–11-yr-old Turkish school children. Atopy was defined as the presence of at least one positive skin reaction to any allergen tested. The association between a total of 78 risk factors and different aspects of atopy were analyzed in 1144 children with multivariate logistic regression analysis. The overall prevalence of atopy was 20.6%. Most common sensitizations were to grass pollens, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Blatella germanica. Day care attendance, high paternal education level, male gender and maternal asthma were significant risk factors for atopy. Breastfeeding more than 6 months (compared with 0–6 months), maternal smoking during pregnancy and a birth weight under 2500 g were inversely related to (or protective factors for) atopic sensitization. Maternal atopic disease had significant effects on risk factors pattern. In children with a maternal atopy history a low birth weight, day care attendance and maternal smoking during the first year of life independently increased the risk of atopic sensitization. Gender, breastfeeding and paternal education did not show any association with atopy in this group of children. A history of measles and low gestational age were significant protective factors for mite sensitization. This study showed that children of atopic mothers showed a different profile of risk factors associated with atopic sensitization, when compared with other children. Prenatal and early childhood events had important associations with atopic sensitization.”
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14998384
Citation:
Kuyucu, Semanur, Yildiz Saraclar, Ayfer Tuncer, Cansin Sackesen, Gonul Adalioglu, Vildan Sumbuloglu, and Bulent Enis Sekerel. "Determinants of Atopic Sensitization in Turkish School Children: Effects of Pre- and Post-natal Events and Maternal Atopy." Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 15.1 (2004): 62-71.
6. Delay in diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus vaccination is associated with a reduced risk of childhood asthma
Abstract
“Background:
Early childhood immunizations have been viewed as promoters of asthma development by stimulating a TH2-type immune response or decreasing microbial pressure, which shifts the balance between TH1 and TH2 immunity.
Objective:
Differing time schedules for childhood immunizations may explain the discrepant findings of an association with asthma reported in observational studies. This research was undertaken to determine whether timing of diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT) immunization has an effect on the development of childhood asthma by age 7 years.
Methods:
This was a retrospective longitudinal study of a cohort of children born in Manitoba in 1995. The complete immunization and health care records of cohort children from birth until age 7 years were available for analysis. The adjusted odds ratio for asthma at age 7 years according to timing of DPT immunization was computed from multivariable logistic regression.
Results:
Among 11, 531 children who received at least 4 doses of DPT, the risk of asthma was reduced to ½ in children whose first dose of DPT was delayed by more than 2 months. The likelihood of asthma in children with delays in all 3 doses was 0.39 (95% CI, 0.18-0.86).
Conclusion:
We found a negative association between delay in administration of the first dose of whole-cell DPT immunization in childhood and the development of asthma; the association was greater with delays in all of the first 3 doses. The mechanism for this phenomenon requires further research. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2008;121:626-31.)”
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18207561
Citation:
Mcdonald, Kara L., Shamima I. Huq, Lisa M. Lix, Allan B. Becker, and Anita L. Kozyrskyj. "Delay in Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus Vaccination Is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Childhood Asthma." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 121.3 (2008): 626-31.
“Background:
Early childhood immunizations have been viewed as promoters of asthma development by stimulating a TH2-type immune response or decreasing microbial pressure, which shifts the balance between TH1 and TH2 immunity.
Objective:
Differing time schedules for childhood immunizations may explain the discrepant findings of an association with asthma reported in observational studies. This research was undertaken to determine whether timing of diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT) immunization has an effect on the development of childhood asthma by age 7 years.
Methods:
This was a retrospective longitudinal study of a cohort of children born in Manitoba in 1995. The complete immunization and health care records of cohort children from birth until age 7 years were available for analysis. The adjusted odds ratio for asthma at age 7 years according to timing of DPT immunization was computed from multivariable logistic regression.
Results:
Among 11, 531 children who received at least 4 doses of DPT, the risk of asthma was reduced to ½ in children whose first dose of DPT was delayed by more than 2 months. The likelihood of asthma in children with delays in all 3 doses was 0.39 (95% CI, 0.18-0.86).
Conclusion:
We found a negative association between delay in administration of the first dose of whole-cell DPT immunization in childhood and the development of asthma; the association was greater with delays in all of the first 3 doses. The mechanism for this phenomenon requires further research. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2008;121:626-31.)”
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18207561
Citation:
Mcdonald, Kara L., Shamima I. Huq, Lisa M. Lix, Allan B. Becker, and Anita L. Kozyrskyj. "Delay in Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus Vaccination Is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Childhood Asthma." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 121.3 (2008): 626-31.
7. Chickenpox in childhood is associated with decreased atopic disorders, IgE, allergic sensitization, and leukocyte subsets
Abstract
Background:
Wild-type varicella zoster infection (WTVZV) up to 8 yr of age has been shown to protect against atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma. We sought to determine whether WTVZV in childhood protects against atopic disorders, allergic sensitization or decreases serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective, practice-based study of outpatient pediatric practices in NY. One hundred children with WTVZV up to 8 yr of age and 323 children who received varicella vaccine (VV) were randomly selected.
Results:
WTVZV up to 8 yr of age is associated with decreased odds of subsequent asthma (exact logistic regression; OR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.03–0.57, p = 0.003), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.05–0.49, p = 0.0003), and AD (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.33–0.96, p = 0.02), but not food allergies (p = 0.78); decreased total serum IgE levels [mixed linear model, LSM (95% CI): 129.09 (33.22–501.63) vs. 334.21 (102.38–1091.04) IU/ml; p = 0.02] remained signifi- cant at all time intervals after WTVZV (10) compared with VV (p = 0.003–0.03). WTVZV was associated with decreased allergic sensitization (logistic regression, OR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.03–0.38, p = 0.0004). WTVZV is also associated with persistently decreased numbers of peripheral blood lymphocytes (p < 0.0001) for up to 12 yr (p = 0.0003–0.047), monocytes (p = 0.002) for up to 16 yr (p < 0.001) and basophils at ages 4–6, 10–12, and 14–16 (p < 0.03).
Conclusion:
WTVZV up to 8 yr of age protects against atopic disorders, which is likely mediated by suppression of IgE production and allergic sensitization, as well as altered leukocyte distributions.”
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22017482
Citation:
Silverberg, Jonathan I., Edward Kleiman, Nanette B. Silverberg, Helen G. Durkin, Rauno Joks, and Tamar A. Smith-Norowitz. "Chickenpox in Childhood Is Associated with Decreased Atopic Disorders, IgE, Allergic Sensitization, and Leukocyte Subsets." Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 23.1 (2011): 50-58.
Background:
Wild-type varicella zoster infection (WTVZV) up to 8 yr of age has been shown to protect against atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma. We sought to determine whether WTVZV in childhood protects against atopic disorders, allergic sensitization or decreases serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective, practice-based study of outpatient pediatric practices in NY. One hundred children with WTVZV up to 8 yr of age and 323 children who received varicella vaccine (VV) were randomly selected.
Results:
WTVZV up to 8 yr of age is associated with decreased odds of subsequent asthma (exact logistic regression; OR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.03–0.57, p = 0.003), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.05–0.49, p = 0.0003), and AD (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.33–0.96, p = 0.02), but not food allergies (p = 0.78); decreased total serum IgE levels [mixed linear model, LSM (95% CI): 129.09 (33.22–501.63) vs. 334.21 (102.38–1091.04) IU/ml; p = 0.02] remained signifi- cant at all time intervals after WTVZV (10) compared with VV (p = 0.003–0.03). WTVZV was associated with decreased allergic sensitization (logistic regression, OR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.03–0.38, p = 0.0004). WTVZV is also associated with persistently decreased numbers of peripheral blood lymphocytes (p < 0.0001) for up to 12 yr (p = 0.0003–0.047), monocytes (p = 0.002) for up to 16 yr (p < 0.001) and basophils at ages 4–6, 10–12, and 14–16 (p < 0.03).
Conclusion:
WTVZV up to 8 yr of age protects against atopic disorders, which is likely mediated by suppression of IgE production and allergic sensitization, as well as altered leukocyte distributions.”
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22017482
Citation:
Silverberg, Jonathan I., Edward Kleiman, Nanette B. Silverberg, Helen G. Durkin, Rauno Joks, and Tamar A. Smith-Norowitz. "Chickenpox in Childhood Is Associated with Decreased Atopic Disorders, IgE, Allergic Sensitization, and Leukocyte Subsets." Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 23.1 (2011): 50-58.
8. Atopy in children of families with an anthroposophic lifestyle.
Abstract
Background
Increased prevalence of atopic disorders in children may be associated with changes in types of childhood infections, vaccination programmes, and intestinal microflora. People who follow an anthroposophic way of life use antibiotics restrictively, have few vaccinations, and their diet usually contains live lactobacilli, which may affect the intestinal microflora. We aimed to study the prevalence of atopy in children from anthroposophic families and the influence of an anthroposophic lifestyle on atopy prevalence.
Methods
In a cross-sectional study, 295 children aged 5–13 years at two anthroposophic (Steiner) schools near Stockholm, Sweden, were compared with 380 children of the same age at two neighbouring schools in terms of history of atopic and infectious diseases, use of antibiotics and vaccinations, and social and environmental variables. Skin-prick tests were done for 13 common allergens, and we took blood samples from children and their parents for analysis of allergen-specific serum IgE-antibodies.
Findings
At the Steiner schools, 52% of the children had had antibiotics in the past, compared with 90% in the control schools. 18% and 93% of children, respectively, had had combined immunisation against measles, mumps, and rubella, and 61% of the children at the Steiner schools had had measles. Fermented vegetables, containing live lactobacilli, were consumed by 63% of the children at Steiner schools, compared with 4·5% at the control schools. Skin-prick tests and blood tests showed that the children from Steiner schools had lower prevalence of atopy than controls (odds ratio 0·62 [95% CI 0·43–0·91]). There was an inverse relation between the number of characteristic features of an anthroposophic lifestyle and risk of atopy (p for trend=0·01).
Interpretation
Prevalence of atopy is lower in children from anthroposophic families than in children from other families. Lifestyle factors associated with anthroposophy may lessen the risk of atopy in childhood.”
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10232315
Citation:
Alm, Johan S., Jackie Swartz, Gunnar Lilja, Annika Scheynius, and Göran Pershagen. "Atopy in Children of Families with an Anthroposophic Lifestyle." The Lancet 353.9163 (1999): 1485-488.
Background
Increased prevalence of atopic disorders in children may be associated with changes in types of childhood infections, vaccination programmes, and intestinal microflora. People who follow an anthroposophic way of life use antibiotics restrictively, have few vaccinations, and their diet usually contains live lactobacilli, which may affect the intestinal microflora. We aimed to study the prevalence of atopy in children from anthroposophic families and the influence of an anthroposophic lifestyle on atopy prevalence.
Methods
In a cross-sectional study, 295 children aged 5–13 years at two anthroposophic (Steiner) schools near Stockholm, Sweden, were compared with 380 children of the same age at two neighbouring schools in terms of history of atopic and infectious diseases, use of antibiotics and vaccinations, and social and environmental variables. Skin-prick tests were done for 13 common allergens, and we took blood samples from children and their parents for analysis of allergen-specific serum IgE-antibodies.
Findings
At the Steiner schools, 52% of the children had had antibiotics in the past, compared with 90% in the control schools. 18% and 93% of children, respectively, had had combined immunisation against measles, mumps, and rubella, and 61% of the children at the Steiner schools had had measles. Fermented vegetables, containing live lactobacilli, were consumed by 63% of the children at Steiner schools, compared with 4·5% at the control schools. Skin-prick tests and blood tests showed that the children from Steiner schools had lower prevalence of atopy than controls (odds ratio 0·62 [95% CI 0·43–0·91]). There was an inverse relation between the number of characteristic features of an anthroposophic lifestyle and risk of atopy (p for trend=0·01).
Interpretation
Prevalence of atopy is lower in children from anthroposophic families than in children from other families. Lifestyle factors associated with anthroposophy may lessen the risk of atopy in childhood.”
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10232315
Citation:
Alm, Johan S., Jackie Swartz, Gunnar Lilja, Annika Scheynius, and Göran Pershagen. "Atopy in Children of Families with an Anthroposophic Lifestyle." The Lancet 353.9163 (1999): 1485-488.
9. Allergic disease and sensitization in Steiner school children
Abstract
“Background:
The anthroposophic lifestyle has several features of interest in relation to allergy: for example, a restrictive use of antibiotics and certain vaccinations. In a previous Swedish study, Steiner school children (who often have an anthroposophic lifestyle) showed a reduced risk of atopy, but specific protective factors could not be identified.
Objective:
To investigate factors that may contribute to the lower risk of allergy among Steiner school children.
Methods:
Cross-sectional multicenter study including 6630 children age 5 to 13 years (4606 from Steiner schools and 2024 from reference schools) in 5 European countries”
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16387585
Citation:
Floistrup, H., J. Swartz, A. Bergstrom, J. Alm, A. Scheynius, M. Vanhage, M. Waser, C. Braunfahrlander, D. Schrambijkerk, and M. Huber. "Allergic Disease and Sensitization in Steiner School Children." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 117.1 (2006): 59-66.
“Background:
The anthroposophic lifestyle has several features of interest in relation to allergy: for example, a restrictive use of antibiotics and certain vaccinations. In a previous Swedish study, Steiner school children (who often have an anthroposophic lifestyle) showed a reduced risk of atopy, but specific protective factors could not be identified.
Objective:
To investigate factors that may contribute to the lower risk of allergy among Steiner school children.
Methods:
Cross-sectional multicenter study including 6630 children age 5 to 13 years (4606 from Steiner schools and 2024 from reference schools) in 5 European countries”
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16387585
Citation:
Floistrup, H., J. Swartz, A. Bergstrom, J. Alm, A. Scheynius, M. Vanhage, M. Waser, C. Braunfahrlander, D. Schrambijkerk, and M. Huber. "Allergic Disease and Sensitization in Steiner School Children." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 117.1 (2006): 59-66.