Risk factors for infantile atopic dermatitis and recurrent wheezing.

■ Abstract Background: The pathogenic mechanisms of atopic dermatitis (AD) and recurrent wheezing (RW) during infancy are not fully understood. Objective: We evaluated immunologicalmarkers associated with AD and RW during infancy. Methods: We followed a cohort (n=314) from birth to 14 months of age. Some of the participants underwent a physical examination and blood test at 6 and 14 months of age. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were performed to fiwhich immunologicalmarkers could be risk factors for AD and RW. Results: Of 16 immunologicalmarkers found in cord blood, only immunoglobulin (Ig) E was associated with AD at 6 months of age (adjusted OR [aOR], 1.607). None of the markers was associated with AD or RW at 14 months of age. Of 23 immunologicalmarkers at 6 months of age, total IgE (aOR, 1.018) and sensitization to egg white(aOR, 23.246) were associated with AD at 14 months of age. Phytohemagglutinin(PHA)‐induced production of interleukin (IL) 4 from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) (aOR, 1.043) was associated with RW at 14 months of age. Conclusion: Cord bloodIgE was a risk factor for AD at 6 months of age. Total IgE and sensitization to egg whiteat 6 months of age were risk factors for AD at 14 months of age. PHA-induced IL-4 production in PBMCs at 6 months of age was a risk factor for RW at 14 months of age.