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Age-specific associations of early life infections and preterm birth with subsequent atopic diseases
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  • Tadao Nagasaki,
  • Takahiro Tabuchi,
  • Hisako Matsumoto,
  • Kenta Horimukai
Tadao Nagasaki
Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine

Corresponding Author:nagasaki@kuhp.kyoto-u.ac.jp

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Takahiro Tabuchi
Osaka International Cancer Institute
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Hisako Matsumoto
Kindai University Faculty of Medicine Hospital
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Kenta Horimukai
Jikei University Katsushika Medical Center
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Abstract

Background: The effects of infection and developmental adaptations in infancy on the prevalence of subsequent atopy-related diseases at different ages during childhood are not fully determined. This study aims to examine the similarities and differences in the age-specific association of asthma, allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis with early life infection (i.e., daycare, older siblings, and severe airway infection) and developmental adaptations (i.e., preterm birth and overweight gain) in children. Methods: In this longitudinal cohort study (n = 47,015), children were followed from 0.5 to 11 years. The potential risks and protective factors, including daycare attendance at 0.5 years, existence of older siblings, history of hospitalization due to cold/bronchitis/bronchiolitis/pneumonia during 0.5–1.5 years, preterm birth, and overweight gain at 1.5 years, were assessed using multivariable logistic regression with adjustments for potential confounders. Results: A negative association was observed between early life daycare attendance and asthma at 5.5–9 years, which disappeared after 10 years. A negative association was also noted throughout childhood between early life daycare attendance and the presence of older siblings with allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis. However, the association between early daycare and atopic dermatitis was found to be positive during childhood. In contrast, the early life history of hospitalization owing to cold/bronchitis/bronchiolitis/pneumonia was identified to be a risk factor for developing both asthma and allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis. Preterm birth was a significant risk factor for childhood asthma. Conclusion: Different age-specific patterns were demonstrated in the relationship between early life daycare, severe airway infection, preterm birth, and atopy-related diseases in childhood.
18 Aug 2021Submitted to Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
19 Aug 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
21 Oct 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
22 Oct 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Major
20 Jan 20221st Revision Received
21 Jan 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
24 Jan 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
28 Mar 2022Editorial Decision: Accept