Prediction of the risk of atopy in the newborn

Abstract

Prediction of the risk of atopy with a view to establishing preventive measures has reveived increasing attention. IgE concentration in cord blood together with a family history of atopy are the most useful parameters in this way. In a population of 195 neonates in which cord blood IgE levels were determinated, we considered nine qualitative characters: sex, weight at birth, gestational age, history of infections during pregnancy, delivery, family socio-economic conditions, habitat, dwelling conditions and family history of atopy. By means of a multidimensional geometric plot of the populations and of the variables we have found that in the populations in which IgE levels were > 1 kU/l. the circomstances presumably predisposing to atopy were concentrated.