Gil F et al. – This study investigated if certain perinatal factors may influence the development of cow milk allergy (CMA) immunoglobulin E (IgE)+. The authors concluded that perinatal factors play an important role in the development of CMA IgE+. Influence of breastfeeding duration, formula feeding in hospital (FFH) and caesarean delivery were shown as risk factors and prematurity was shown as a protective factor. Although, family history did not have any important role, environmental factors were more decisive.

Methods

• Retrospective, observational study with case and control groups.
• Information on variables (sex, age, pregnancy tolerance, duration of pregnancy, type of delivery, isolated doses of FFH, duration of breastfeeding, and family history of allergy [≥1 first–degree family member with allergic disease] was collected from patients with CMA IgE+ (1990–2013).

Results

• A total of 211 cases were included in this study.
• Multivariate analysis revealed the influence of duration of breastfeeding and FFH to be a risk factor (odds ratio [OR] 4.94; 95% CI 2.68–9.08), especially in caesarean delivery (OR 11.82; 95% CI 2.64–47.50), and prematurity (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.09–0.92) to be a protective factor.