International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Scientists have identified a biomarker which could indicate early on whether a child may go on to develop atopy.

According to new research from Denmark, the signs of atopy may be present in children as young as one month old before symptoms are displayed.

In newborn babies, the level of urinary eosinophil protein-X (u-EPX), a marker of inflammatory cells, related to a higher risk of allergic sensitisation, nasal eosinophilia and eczema at six.

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen measured the levels of u-EPX and other inflammation markers in 369 healthy one-month-old babies.

Within the first year of their life, four per cent of the children developed symptoms of asthma, while more than a quarter (27 per cent) were diagnosed with eczema.

An elevated u-EPX level at one month was associated with a higher risk of allergic sensitisation, the study revealed.

"This knowledge may help us identify the highest risk groups of children from a very early age for targeted prevention as well as individualised intervention and treatment," said principle investigator Dr Hans Bisgaard.

Recently, the UK's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence advised parents against using alternative or high street tests to diagnose their children's food allergies.

Posted by David Smith