Biomarkers for allergy found in newborn infants

Monday, 18 July 2011 10:06

Elevated levels of eosinophil protein-X in urine in at-risk newborn infants has been found to be an indicator of later development of allergic sensitization within the first 6 years of life.

The group from the University of Copenhagen who discovered the biomarker believe eosinophil granulocytes are activated early in life, sometimes years before the development of atopy-related symptoms. However, they say the causes of this activation are still unclear.

The study analysed urine samples from 369 newborns born to asthmatic mothers.

Reference: Chawes et al. 2011 American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. DOI:10.1164/rccm.201101-0111OC