The Role of Neonatal Sepsis in the Development of Allergic Diseases in Childhood

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to demonstrate the effect of neonatal sepsis on the development of allergic diseases at later ages. Materials and Methods: For the study, 126 children who were diagnosed with sepsis in the neonatal period, and hospitalized between 2001 and 2003 were recruited, and divided into two groups. Group one consisted of children who had sepsis in the neonatal period. Group two children were chosen from among group one's siblings as controls in whom genetic and environmental factors leading to allergic diseases were similar. The prevalence of allergic diseases were compared between the two groups. The Turkish version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children questionnaire was used via the face-to-face methodology. Additionally, total blood count was studied for potential eosinophilia, total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were measured, and skin prick tests were performed on each subject. Results: Total IgE levels and sensitivity to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinea were significantly lower (p<0.05) in group one. Also the prevalence of asthma and allergic symptoms were significantly less common (p<0.05) in the first group. Interestingly, we found no significant difference in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis between the two groups. Conclusion: The present study highlighted that contact with severe infections such as sepsis in the neonatal period can be a cause of decreased sensitivity to environmental allergens and the prevalence of asthma in childhood.