Cord and blood levels of newborn IgE: Correlation, role and influence of maternal IgE

The role of cord blood immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in predicting the development of atopy has been widely investigated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between serum and cord blood total IgE in newborns and the possible influence of the atopic status of the mother on them. It was also investigated the possible role of gestational age on neonatal total IgE levels. We considered 763 deliveries, 724 ≥ 37 weeks of gestation and 39 < 37 weeks of gestation. 14% of mothers (13.7% at term, 15.4% preterm) showed high total IgE levels. The results showed a significant correlation between serum and cord IgE levels both in preterm and term newborns. The data revealed also that mother's total IgE levels affect both neonatal serum and cord total IgE levels. For the latters we also found child gender as an additional independent predictor. On the contrary total IgE levels are not affected by gestational age. Clinical limitations of total IgE is known but their determination can be useful to define atopy and to suggest follow-up of the children.