A. Høst - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by A. Høst
Danish medical bulletin, 1997
Growth standards of birth weight, birth length and birth head circumference were constructed base... more Growth standards of birth weight, birth length and birth head circumference were constructed based on a population of Danish newborn boys and girls in gestational weeks twenty-five to forty-three. Study populations were residents of the municipality of Odense for later gestational ages and residents of the county of Funen for early gestational ages. Strict selection criteria were employed.
Ugeskrift for laeger, Jan 6, 1989
Pediatric Radiology, 1988
Two neonates with complex cyanotic congenital heart disease, receiving long-term prostaglandin E1... more Two neonates with complex cyanotic congenital heart disease, receiving long-term prostaglandin E1 infusion, for 59 and 78 days respectively, demonstrated significant radiographic changes of symmetric cortical hyperostosis of the long bones. Bone biopsies from one of the patients elucidated the histological changes and serial X-rays revealed regression of the hyperostosis. Long-term follow-up after 13 months did not reveal any late bony changes or growth disturbance.
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 2005
A rising prevalence of food hypersensitivity (FHS) and severe allergic reactions to food has been... more A rising prevalence of food hypersensitivity (FHS) and severe allergic reactions to food has been reported the last decade. To estimate the prevalence of FHS to the most common allergenic foods in an unselected population of children and adults. We investigated a cohort of 111 children <3 yr of age, 486 children 3 yr of age, 301 children older than 3 yr of age and 936 adults by questionnaire, skin prick test, histamine release test and specific immunoglobulin E followed by oral challenge to the most common allergenic foods. In total, 698 cases of possible FHS were recorded in 304 (16.6%) participants. The prevalence of FHS confirmed by oral challenge was 2.3% in the children 3 yr of age, 1% in children older than 3 yr of age and 3.2% in adults. The most common allergenic foods were hen's egg affecting 1.6% of the children 3 yr of age and peanut in 0.4% of the adults. Of the adults, 0.2% was allergic to codfish and 0.3% to shrimp, whereas no challenges with codfish and shrimp were positive in the children. The prevalence of clinical reactions to pollen-related foods in pollen-sensitized adults was estimated to 32%. This study demonstrates the prevalence of FHS confirmed by oral challenge to the most common allergenic foods in an unselected population of children and adults.
Allergy, 1985
Thirty children 8-13 years old, with perennial asthma and with a reversibility of greater than or... more Thirty children 8-13 years old, with perennial asthma and with a reversibility of greater than or equal to 20% in lung function (FEV1) were given a sustained-release preparation of terbutaline sulphate 5 mg twice a day and ordinary tablets 2.5 mg three times a day; each treatment lasted 1 week. The design of the study was double-blind, cross-over, with a randomized allocation of the drugs. Both drugs improved the lung function significantly. The children had significantly less coughing during the night when they took depot tablets than when they took ordinary tablets. The side effects were few with both treatments. Most of the patients preferred the depot tablets.
Allergy, 1992
Prospectively, serum levels of IgE, specific IgE antibodies (AB) to whole cow milk protein (CMP),... more Prospectively, serum levels of IgE, specific IgE antibodies (AB) to whole cow milk protein (CMP), bovine se-albumin, bovine immunoglobulin, bovine lactoferrin, bovine lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin (BLG), IgG and IgG subclass antibodies to ovalbumin (OA) and BLG, and IgG4 RAST to CMP (bovine whey) were measured in 39 infants with cow milk protein allergy (CMPA) at birth (cord blood), at time of diagnosis and before and after milk challenge at the age of 12 months. Immunological measurements were also undertaken in 33 control infants without CMPA at birth, at 6 months and at 18 months. At no time, were differences found between the levels of IgG and IgG subclass AB to OA and BLG in control versus infants with CMPA. In the 39 infants with CMPA no correlation was found between the levels of IgE, IgG and IgG subclass AB in cord blood and subsequent levels of these values, irrespective of the type of CMPA (IgE-mediated (CMA) or non-IgE-mediated (CMI)), and irrespective of whether remission had occurred. In cord blood 25/33 (76%) of the infants with CMPA had specific IgE-AB to one or more of the bovine milk proteins indicating a prenatal intrauterine sensitization to cow milk protein. At 6 months the frequency of specific IgE-AB to bovine milk proteins was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher in infants with CMA versus CMI, and at 12 months total serum-IgE and the increase of these specific IGE-AB and RAST to CMP were significantly higher (p less than 0.05) in infants with persistent CMA. From 6 to 12 months withholding milk resulted in a significant fall in specific IgE-AB to CMP, and IgG, IgG1 and IgG4 anti-BLG followed by an increase after milk challenge. Decreasing levels of IgG anti-OA from birth to 6 months reflect passive maternal transfer of IgG through the placenta, and increasing levels of IgG anti-BLG, already from birth to 6 months, may represent an early exposure to CMP in all infants. Significantly higher levels (p less than 0.05) of IgG anti-OA AB, IgG1 and IgG4 anti-BLG AB were found in infants with persistent CMA, indicating a close relation between the synthesis of IgE and IgG and between IgE and IgG subclasses (IgG1 and IgG4) in symptomatic cow milk-allergic individuals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Acta Paediatrica, 1982
In a series of 635 single non-malformed newborn infants with a gestational age ranging from 35 to... more In a series of 635 single non-malformed newborn infants with a gestational age ranging from 35 to 43 weeks we found venous haematocrit values of 60% or greater (range 60-72%) in 117 (18%); 30 neonates (4.7%) had haematocrits above 65%, and of these, 7 had values above 70%. Only 13 developed symptoms, all minor, which might be ascribed to polycythaemia, and all 117 survived. Haemodilution was not performed in any case. Ninety-eight children were followed up at the age of 2.5 years with a physical examination and a Denver Developmental Screening Test. At the age of 6 years an interval story concerning development and health was obtained from a questionnaire in 92 children; 4 children were lost to both follow-up investigations. Of the 113 children, 104 (92%) were classified as normal. The remaining children suffered from febrile convulsions (one case), nocturnal enuresis (five cases), speech defect (one case), gross motor clumsiness (two cases) and hyperkinetic behaviour (one case). None had epilepsy or cerebral palsy. The findings were minor and showed no association to haematocrit levels or possible polycythaemic symptoms in the neonatal period. Hence we do not consider preventive haemodilution to be indicated in neonatal polycythaemia with minor or no symptoms within the studied range.
Pediatric allergy and immunology : official publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Jan 2, 2015
We agree on most of the comments by the author of this letter. However, we do not agree that the ... more We agree on most of the comments by the author of this letter. However, we do not agree that the criteria for diagnosis of eczema in our study (1) were not precise enough. That has been shown in another study from the municipality of Odense comparing different diagnostic criteria for atopic eczema in infants (2) including both the diagnostic criteria used in our study and Hanifin & Rajka criteria. Although there was a slight overrepresentation of eczema in our study among those who have completed the follow-up, we do not suspect any significant bias because there were no differences regarding other background data and environmental factors between those seen at follow-ups and those with incomplete follow-up. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Indoor air, Jan 11, 2014
Little is known about the geographic variation and determinants of bacterial endotoxin and β -(1,... more Little is known about the geographic variation and determinants of bacterial endotoxin and β -(1,3)-d-glucan in Danish house dust. In a population of 317 children, we: (i) described loads and concentrations of floor dust, endotoxin, and β-(1→3)-d-glucan and (ii) their correlations and (iii) assessed their determinants; (iv) Finally, we compared our findings with previous European studies. Bedroom floor dust was analyzed for endotoxin content by the kinetic limulus amoebocyte lysate assay and for β-(1→3)-d-glucan by the inhibition enzyme immunoassay. The parents answered questions regarding potential determinants. We found: geometric means (geometric standard deviations) 186 mg/m(2) (4.3) for dust; 5.46 × 10(3) EU/m(2) (8.0) and 31.1 × 10(3) EU/g (2.6) for endotoxin; and 142 μg/m(2) (14.3) and 0.71 × 10(3) μg/g (7.3) for β-(1→3)-d-glucan. High correlations (r > 0.75) were found between floor dust and endotoxin and β-(1→3)-d-glucan loads, while endotoxin and β-(1→3)-d-glucan conce...
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 2014
Asthma and allergic diseases have become one of the epidemics of the 21st century in developed co... more Asthma and allergic diseases have become one of the epidemics of the 21st century in developed countries. Much of the success of other areas of medicine, such as infectious diseases, lies on preventive measures. Thus, much effort is also being placed lately in the prevention of asthma and allergy. This manuscript reviews the current evidence, divided into four areas of activity. Interventions modifying environmental exposure to allergens have provided inconsistent results, with multifaceted interventions being more effective in the prevention of asthma. Regarding nutrition, the use of hydrolyzed formulas in high-risk infants reduces the incidence of atopic dermatitis, while there is for now not enough evidence to recommend other dietary modifications, prebiotics, probiotics, or other microbial products. Pharmacologic agents used until now for prevention have not proved useful, while there is hope that antiviral vaccines could be useful in the future. Allergen-specific immunotherapy is effective for the treatment of allergic patients with symptoms; the study of its value for primary and secondary prevention of asthma and allergy is in its very preliminary phases. The lack of success in the prevention of these disorders lies on their complexity, which involves many genetic, epigenetic, and environmental interactions. There is a need to identify target populations, involved mechanisms and interactions, and the best interventions. These must be effective, feasible, implementable, and affordable.
Revue Française d'Allergologie et d'Immunologie Clinique, 2005
Scandinavian Journal of Clinical & Laboratory Investigation, 1988
Abnormal serum zinc and copper concentrations in pregnant women have been associated with a numbe... more Abnormal serum zinc and copper concentrations in pregnant women have been associated with a number of maternal and foetal complications during pregnancy and delivery. However, the results of previous studies are contradictory and few large scale studies have been reported. In this study we measured serum zinc and copper concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord blood from 500 Danish mothers at delivery, looking for an association between serum zinc and copper levels and various maternal and foetal complications. Preterm infants (n = 30) had significantly lower serum copper concentrations than reference infants (n = 346) (p = 0.01), whereas there was no difference in serum zinc concentrations. Mothers of preterm infants (n = 34) did not differ in serum zinc or copper concentrations from reference mothers (n = 220). Small for date infants (n = 37) and mothers of small for date infants (n = 47) had higher serum copper levels than reference infants and mothers (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively), whereas there was no difference in serum zinc concentrations. Serum zinc and copper concentrations in malformed infants (n = 14) and their mothers (n = 17) did not differ from concentrations in reference infants and mothers. Serum zinc and copper concentrations in mothers with various other complications during pregnancy and delivery did not differ from values in mothers with normal pregnancies and deliveries.
Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 2011
There is no systematic identification of parents with excessive alcohol use who have a child admi... more There is no systematic identification of parents with excessive alcohol use who have a child admitted to hospital. Children in families with excessive alcohol issues form a high risk group as substantial alcohol consumption has a damaging influence on a child emotionally, cognitively, socially and physically. Alcohol consumption is a sensitive issue, and health staff needs knowledge, qualifications and adequate training in communicating with parents about this taboo. • To identify specific patterns in subgroups of parents by comparing results from screening and demographic variables • To identify systematic patterns in staff members by demographic variables to decide whether these factors influence the screening results. During 1 year, screening and brief intervention (SBI) was accomplished, including health staff conducting dialogues with parents of a hospitalized child using motivational interviewing (MI) and screening for risky alcohol behaviour by Cut down, Annoyance from others, feel Guilty, Early-morning Craving (CAGE)-C. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics, and relationships were tested with a statistical significance level of 0.05, using SPSS (version 16.0). Motivational dialogues with 779 parents were conducted by 43 staff members, and 11% of the parents were screened positive for risky alcohol behaviour. Drinking alcohol 4 days a week or more and drinking alcohol outside mealtimes were main risk factors. Parents&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; gender was the strongest predictor of screening positive and OR was 6.8 for men (CI 4.03-11.74) compared to women, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.0001. An OR of 1.2 for parents&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; age (CI 1.02-1.42) indicates the risk of screening positive increases with age, p=0.027. Brief intervention using CAGE-C and MI has proven successful in mapping parents&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; alcohol consumption patterns and in identifying parents with risky alcohol consumption habits. Health staff is able to manage health promotion and prevention when having the right competences and when being supervised.
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 2003
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 1993
In a prospective study of a 1-year birth cohort of 158 high-risk infants the effect of feeding br... more In a prospective study of a 1-year birth cohort of 158 high-risk infants the effect of feeding breastmilk, a casein hydrolysate (Nutramigen) or a new ultrafiltrated whey hydrolysate (Profylac) on the development of cow milk protein allergy/intolerance (CMPA/CMPI) was assessed and compared. All the infants had biparental or severe single atopic predisposition, the latter combined with cord blood IgE > or = 0.5 kU/L. At birth all infants were randomized to Nutramigen or Profylac, which was used when breastfeeding was insufficient or not possible during the first 6 months of life. During the same period this regimen was combined with avoidance of solid foods and cow milk protein. All mothers had unrestricted diets and were encouraged to do breastfeeding only. Moreover, avoidance of daily exposure to tobacco smoking, furred pets and dust-collecting materials in the bedroom was advised. The infants were followed prospectively from birth to 18 months of age. All possible atopic symptoms were registered and controlled elimination/challenge studies were performed when symptoms suggested CMPA/CMPI. A total of 154 (97%) were followed up and 141 followed the diet strictly. Eighty-eight (62%) of the infants were breastfed for at least 6 months, 20 (14%) were breastfed exclusively, 59 and 62 had varying amounts of Nutramigen or Profylac respectively. CMPA/CMPI was diagnosed in 1/20, 1/59 and 3/62 in the breastfed, the Nutramigen and Profylac groups respectively, but 1 of the latter also had Nutramigen. None of the infants showed reactions against Nutramigen or Profylac. In 4 infants symptoms were provoked by breastmilk when the mother ingested cow milk and in 1 only by cow milk.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 2000
The aim of this study was to compare the allergy-preventive effect of a partially hydrolyzed form... more The aim of this study was to compare the allergy-preventive effect of a partially hydrolyzed formula with two extensively hydrolyzed formulas, in infants with a high risk for development of allergic disease. High-risk infants from four Danish centres were included in the period from June 1994 to July 1995. Five-hundred and ninety-five high-risk infants were identified. High-risk infants were defined as having biparental atopy, or a single atopic first-degree relative combined with cord blood immunoglobulin E (IgE)&amp;gt; or =0.3 kU/l. At birth all infants were randomized to one of three different blinded formulas. All mothers had unrestricted diets during pregnancy and lactation and were encouraged to breast-feed exclusively. If breast-feeding was insufficient, one of the three formulas, according to randomization, was given during the first 4 months. It was recommended not to introduce cow&amp;#39;s milk, cow&amp;#39;s milk products. and solid foods until the age of 4 months. After the age of 4 months a normal unrestricted diet and conventional cow&amp;#39;s milk-based formula were given when needed. All infants were followed-up prospectively with interview and physical examination at the age of 6, 12, and 18 months, and if any possible atopic symptoms were reported. If food allergy was suspected, controlled elimination/challenge procedures were performed in a hospital setting. Of 550 infants included in the study, 514 were seen at all visits and 36 were excluded owing to noncompliance. Of 478 infants who completed the study, 232 were exclusively breast-fed, 79 received an extensively hydrolyzed casein formula (Nutramigen), 82 an extensively hydrolyzed whey formula (Profylac), and 85 a partially hydrolyzed whey formula (Nan HA), during the first 4 months of life. These four groups were identical in regard to atopic predisposition, cord blood IgE, birthplace, and gender. Exclusively breast-fed children were exposed less to tobacco smoke and pets at home and belonged to higher social classes, whereas the three formula groups were identical concerning environmental factors. The frequency of breast-feeding was high; only eight (2%) children were not breast-fed at all. The three formula groups were identical in regard to duration of breast-feeding and age at introduction of formula and solid foods. No significant differences were found in the three groups of infants receiving formula milk regarding the cumulative incidence of atopic dermatitis or respiratory symptoms. The cumulative incidence of parental-reported cow&amp;#39;s milk allergy was significantly higher in children fed partially hydrolyzed formula (Nan HA) compared with extensively hydrolyzed formula (Nutramigen or Profylac) at 12 and 18 months (NanHA, 7.1%; Nutramigen, 2.5%; Profylac, 0%; p=0.033). The cumulative incidence of confirmed cow&amp;#39;s milk allergy was 1.3% (three of 232) in exclusively breast-fed infants, 0.6% (one of 161) in infants fed extensively hydrolyzed formula (Nutramigen or Profylac), and 4.7%(four of 85) in infants fed partially hydrolyzed formula (Nan HA). Partially hydrolyzed formula was found to be less effective than extensively hydrolyzed formula in preventing cow&amp;#39;s milk allergy, 0.6% vs. 4.7% (p=0.05), but because of the small number of cases the results should be interpreted with caution. Compared with other similar studies the frequency ofatopic symptoms was low, even though the dietetic intervention did not include either maternal diet during lactation or dietary restrictions to the children after the age of 4 months.
Danish medical bulletin, 1997
Growth standards of birth weight, birth length and birth head circumference were constructed base... more Growth standards of birth weight, birth length and birth head circumference were constructed based on a population of Danish newborn boys and girls in gestational weeks twenty-five to forty-three. Study populations were residents of the municipality of Odense for later gestational ages and residents of the county of Funen for early gestational ages. Strict selection criteria were employed.
Ugeskrift for laeger, Jan 6, 1989
Pediatric Radiology, 1988
Two neonates with complex cyanotic congenital heart disease, receiving long-term prostaglandin E1... more Two neonates with complex cyanotic congenital heart disease, receiving long-term prostaglandin E1 infusion, for 59 and 78 days respectively, demonstrated significant radiographic changes of symmetric cortical hyperostosis of the long bones. Bone biopsies from one of the patients elucidated the histological changes and serial X-rays revealed regression of the hyperostosis. Long-term follow-up after 13 months did not reveal any late bony changes or growth disturbance.
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 2005
A rising prevalence of food hypersensitivity (FHS) and severe allergic reactions to food has been... more A rising prevalence of food hypersensitivity (FHS) and severe allergic reactions to food has been reported the last decade. To estimate the prevalence of FHS to the most common allergenic foods in an unselected population of children and adults. We investigated a cohort of 111 children <3 yr of age, 486 children 3 yr of age, 301 children older than 3 yr of age and 936 adults by questionnaire, skin prick test, histamine release test and specific immunoglobulin E followed by oral challenge to the most common allergenic foods. In total, 698 cases of possible FHS were recorded in 304 (16.6%) participants. The prevalence of FHS confirmed by oral challenge was 2.3% in the children 3 yr of age, 1% in children older than 3 yr of age and 3.2% in adults. The most common allergenic foods were hen's egg affecting 1.6% of the children 3 yr of age and peanut in 0.4% of the adults. Of the adults, 0.2% was allergic to codfish and 0.3% to shrimp, whereas no challenges with codfish and shrimp were positive in the children. The prevalence of clinical reactions to pollen-related foods in pollen-sensitized adults was estimated to 32%. This study demonstrates the prevalence of FHS confirmed by oral challenge to the most common allergenic foods in an unselected population of children and adults.
Allergy, 1985
Thirty children 8-13 years old, with perennial asthma and with a reversibility of greater than or... more Thirty children 8-13 years old, with perennial asthma and with a reversibility of greater than or equal to 20% in lung function (FEV1) were given a sustained-release preparation of terbutaline sulphate 5 mg twice a day and ordinary tablets 2.5 mg three times a day; each treatment lasted 1 week. The design of the study was double-blind, cross-over, with a randomized allocation of the drugs. Both drugs improved the lung function significantly. The children had significantly less coughing during the night when they took depot tablets than when they took ordinary tablets. The side effects were few with both treatments. Most of the patients preferred the depot tablets.
Allergy, 1992
Prospectively, serum levels of IgE, specific IgE antibodies (AB) to whole cow milk protein (CMP),... more Prospectively, serum levels of IgE, specific IgE antibodies (AB) to whole cow milk protein (CMP), bovine se-albumin, bovine immunoglobulin, bovine lactoferrin, bovine lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin (BLG), IgG and IgG subclass antibodies to ovalbumin (OA) and BLG, and IgG4 RAST to CMP (bovine whey) were measured in 39 infants with cow milk protein allergy (CMPA) at birth (cord blood), at time of diagnosis and before and after milk challenge at the age of 12 months. Immunological measurements were also undertaken in 33 control infants without CMPA at birth, at 6 months and at 18 months. At no time, were differences found between the levels of IgG and IgG subclass AB to OA and BLG in control versus infants with CMPA. In the 39 infants with CMPA no correlation was found between the levels of IgE, IgG and IgG subclass AB in cord blood and subsequent levels of these values, irrespective of the type of CMPA (IgE-mediated (CMA) or non-IgE-mediated (CMI)), and irrespective of whether remission had occurred. In cord blood 25/33 (76%) of the infants with CMPA had specific IgE-AB to one or more of the bovine milk proteins indicating a prenatal intrauterine sensitization to cow milk protein. At 6 months the frequency of specific IgE-AB to bovine milk proteins was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher in infants with CMA versus CMI, and at 12 months total serum-IgE and the increase of these specific IGE-AB and RAST to CMP were significantly higher (p less than 0.05) in infants with persistent CMA. From 6 to 12 months withholding milk resulted in a significant fall in specific IgE-AB to CMP, and IgG, IgG1 and IgG4 anti-BLG followed by an increase after milk challenge. Decreasing levels of IgG anti-OA from birth to 6 months reflect passive maternal transfer of IgG through the placenta, and increasing levels of IgG anti-BLG, already from birth to 6 months, may represent an early exposure to CMP in all infants. Significantly higher levels (p less than 0.05) of IgG anti-OA AB, IgG1 and IgG4 anti-BLG AB were found in infants with persistent CMA, indicating a close relation between the synthesis of IgE and IgG and between IgE and IgG subclasses (IgG1 and IgG4) in symptomatic cow milk-allergic individuals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Acta Paediatrica, 1982
In a series of 635 single non-malformed newborn infants with a gestational age ranging from 35 to... more In a series of 635 single non-malformed newborn infants with a gestational age ranging from 35 to 43 weeks we found venous haematocrit values of 60% or greater (range 60-72%) in 117 (18%); 30 neonates (4.7%) had haematocrits above 65%, and of these, 7 had values above 70%. Only 13 developed symptoms, all minor, which might be ascribed to polycythaemia, and all 117 survived. Haemodilution was not performed in any case. Ninety-eight children were followed up at the age of 2.5 years with a physical examination and a Denver Developmental Screening Test. At the age of 6 years an interval story concerning development and health was obtained from a questionnaire in 92 children; 4 children were lost to both follow-up investigations. Of the 113 children, 104 (92%) were classified as normal. The remaining children suffered from febrile convulsions (one case), nocturnal enuresis (five cases), speech defect (one case), gross motor clumsiness (two cases) and hyperkinetic behaviour (one case). None had epilepsy or cerebral palsy. The findings were minor and showed no association to haematocrit levels or possible polycythaemic symptoms in the neonatal period. Hence we do not consider preventive haemodilution to be indicated in neonatal polycythaemia with minor or no symptoms within the studied range.
Pediatric allergy and immunology : official publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Jan 2, 2015
We agree on most of the comments by the author of this letter. However, we do not agree that the ... more We agree on most of the comments by the author of this letter. However, we do not agree that the criteria for diagnosis of eczema in our study (1) were not precise enough. That has been shown in another study from the municipality of Odense comparing different diagnostic criteria for atopic eczema in infants (2) including both the diagnostic criteria used in our study and Hanifin & Rajka criteria. Although there was a slight overrepresentation of eczema in our study among those who have completed the follow-up, we do not suspect any significant bias because there were no differences regarding other background data and environmental factors between those seen at follow-ups and those with incomplete follow-up. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Indoor air, Jan 11, 2014
Little is known about the geographic variation and determinants of bacterial endotoxin and β -(1,... more Little is known about the geographic variation and determinants of bacterial endotoxin and β -(1,3)-d-glucan in Danish house dust. In a population of 317 children, we: (i) described loads and concentrations of floor dust, endotoxin, and β-(1→3)-d-glucan and (ii) their correlations and (iii) assessed their determinants; (iv) Finally, we compared our findings with previous European studies. Bedroom floor dust was analyzed for endotoxin content by the kinetic limulus amoebocyte lysate assay and for β-(1→3)-d-glucan by the inhibition enzyme immunoassay. The parents answered questions regarding potential determinants. We found: geometric means (geometric standard deviations) 186 mg/m(2) (4.3) for dust; 5.46 × 10(3) EU/m(2) (8.0) and 31.1 × 10(3) EU/g (2.6) for endotoxin; and 142 μg/m(2) (14.3) and 0.71 × 10(3) μg/g (7.3) for β-(1→3)-d-glucan. High correlations (r > 0.75) were found between floor dust and endotoxin and β-(1→3)-d-glucan loads, while endotoxin and β-(1→3)-d-glucan conce...
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 2014
Asthma and allergic diseases have become one of the epidemics of the 21st century in developed co... more Asthma and allergic diseases have become one of the epidemics of the 21st century in developed countries. Much of the success of other areas of medicine, such as infectious diseases, lies on preventive measures. Thus, much effort is also being placed lately in the prevention of asthma and allergy. This manuscript reviews the current evidence, divided into four areas of activity. Interventions modifying environmental exposure to allergens have provided inconsistent results, with multifaceted interventions being more effective in the prevention of asthma. Regarding nutrition, the use of hydrolyzed formulas in high-risk infants reduces the incidence of atopic dermatitis, while there is for now not enough evidence to recommend other dietary modifications, prebiotics, probiotics, or other microbial products. Pharmacologic agents used until now for prevention have not proved useful, while there is hope that antiviral vaccines could be useful in the future. Allergen-specific immunotherapy is effective for the treatment of allergic patients with symptoms; the study of its value for primary and secondary prevention of asthma and allergy is in its very preliminary phases. The lack of success in the prevention of these disorders lies on their complexity, which involves many genetic, epigenetic, and environmental interactions. There is a need to identify target populations, involved mechanisms and interactions, and the best interventions. These must be effective, feasible, implementable, and affordable.
Revue Française d'Allergologie et d'Immunologie Clinique, 2005
Scandinavian Journal of Clinical & Laboratory Investigation, 1988
Abnormal serum zinc and copper concentrations in pregnant women have been associated with a numbe... more Abnormal serum zinc and copper concentrations in pregnant women have been associated with a number of maternal and foetal complications during pregnancy and delivery. However, the results of previous studies are contradictory and few large scale studies have been reported. In this study we measured serum zinc and copper concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord blood from 500 Danish mothers at delivery, looking for an association between serum zinc and copper levels and various maternal and foetal complications. Preterm infants (n = 30) had significantly lower serum copper concentrations than reference infants (n = 346) (p = 0.01), whereas there was no difference in serum zinc concentrations. Mothers of preterm infants (n = 34) did not differ in serum zinc or copper concentrations from reference mothers (n = 220). Small for date infants (n = 37) and mothers of small for date infants (n = 47) had higher serum copper levels than reference infants and mothers (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively), whereas there was no difference in serum zinc concentrations. Serum zinc and copper concentrations in malformed infants (n = 14) and their mothers (n = 17) did not differ from concentrations in reference infants and mothers. Serum zinc and copper concentrations in mothers with various other complications during pregnancy and delivery did not differ from values in mothers with normal pregnancies and deliveries.
Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 2011
There is no systematic identification of parents with excessive alcohol use who have a child admi... more There is no systematic identification of parents with excessive alcohol use who have a child admitted to hospital. Children in families with excessive alcohol issues form a high risk group as substantial alcohol consumption has a damaging influence on a child emotionally, cognitively, socially and physically. Alcohol consumption is a sensitive issue, and health staff needs knowledge, qualifications and adequate training in communicating with parents about this taboo. • To identify specific patterns in subgroups of parents by comparing results from screening and demographic variables • To identify systematic patterns in staff members by demographic variables to decide whether these factors influence the screening results. During 1 year, screening and brief intervention (SBI) was accomplished, including health staff conducting dialogues with parents of a hospitalized child using motivational interviewing (MI) and screening for risky alcohol behaviour by Cut down, Annoyance from others, feel Guilty, Early-morning Craving (CAGE)-C. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics, and relationships were tested with a statistical significance level of 0.05, using SPSS (version 16.0). Motivational dialogues with 779 parents were conducted by 43 staff members, and 11% of the parents were screened positive for risky alcohol behaviour. Drinking alcohol 4 days a week or more and drinking alcohol outside mealtimes were main risk factors. Parents&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; gender was the strongest predictor of screening positive and OR was 6.8 for men (CI 4.03-11.74) compared to women, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.0001. An OR of 1.2 for parents&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; age (CI 1.02-1.42) indicates the risk of screening positive increases with age, p=0.027. Brief intervention using CAGE-C and MI has proven successful in mapping parents&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; alcohol consumption patterns and in identifying parents with risky alcohol consumption habits. Health staff is able to manage health promotion and prevention when having the right competences and when being supervised.
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 2003
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 1993
In a prospective study of a 1-year birth cohort of 158 high-risk infants the effect of feeding br... more In a prospective study of a 1-year birth cohort of 158 high-risk infants the effect of feeding breastmilk, a casein hydrolysate (Nutramigen) or a new ultrafiltrated whey hydrolysate (Profylac) on the development of cow milk protein allergy/intolerance (CMPA/CMPI) was assessed and compared. All the infants had biparental or severe single atopic predisposition, the latter combined with cord blood IgE > or = 0.5 kU/L. At birth all infants were randomized to Nutramigen or Profylac, which was used when breastfeeding was insufficient or not possible during the first 6 months of life. During the same period this regimen was combined with avoidance of solid foods and cow milk protein. All mothers had unrestricted diets and were encouraged to do breastfeeding only. Moreover, avoidance of daily exposure to tobacco smoking, furred pets and dust-collecting materials in the bedroom was advised. The infants were followed prospectively from birth to 18 months of age. All possible atopic symptoms were registered and controlled elimination/challenge studies were performed when symptoms suggested CMPA/CMPI. A total of 154 (97%) were followed up and 141 followed the diet strictly. Eighty-eight (62%) of the infants were breastfed for at least 6 months, 20 (14%) were breastfed exclusively, 59 and 62 had varying amounts of Nutramigen or Profylac respectively. CMPA/CMPI was diagnosed in 1/20, 1/59 and 3/62 in the breastfed, the Nutramigen and Profylac groups respectively, but 1 of the latter also had Nutramigen. None of the infants showed reactions against Nutramigen or Profylac. In 4 infants symptoms were provoked by breastmilk when the mother ingested cow milk and in 1 only by cow milk.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 2000
The aim of this study was to compare the allergy-preventive effect of a partially hydrolyzed form... more The aim of this study was to compare the allergy-preventive effect of a partially hydrolyzed formula with two extensively hydrolyzed formulas, in infants with a high risk for development of allergic disease. High-risk infants from four Danish centres were included in the period from June 1994 to July 1995. Five-hundred and ninety-five high-risk infants were identified. High-risk infants were defined as having biparental atopy, or a single atopic first-degree relative combined with cord blood immunoglobulin E (IgE)&amp;gt; or =0.3 kU/l. At birth all infants were randomized to one of three different blinded formulas. All mothers had unrestricted diets during pregnancy and lactation and were encouraged to breast-feed exclusively. If breast-feeding was insufficient, one of the three formulas, according to randomization, was given during the first 4 months. It was recommended not to introduce cow&amp;#39;s milk, cow&amp;#39;s milk products. and solid foods until the age of 4 months. After the age of 4 months a normal unrestricted diet and conventional cow&amp;#39;s milk-based formula were given when needed. All infants were followed-up prospectively with interview and physical examination at the age of 6, 12, and 18 months, and if any possible atopic symptoms were reported. If food allergy was suspected, controlled elimination/challenge procedures were performed in a hospital setting. Of 550 infants included in the study, 514 were seen at all visits and 36 were excluded owing to noncompliance. Of 478 infants who completed the study, 232 were exclusively breast-fed, 79 received an extensively hydrolyzed casein formula (Nutramigen), 82 an extensively hydrolyzed whey formula (Profylac), and 85 a partially hydrolyzed whey formula (Nan HA), during the first 4 months of life. These four groups were identical in regard to atopic predisposition, cord blood IgE, birthplace, and gender. Exclusively breast-fed children were exposed less to tobacco smoke and pets at home and belonged to higher social classes, whereas the three formula groups were identical concerning environmental factors. The frequency of breast-feeding was high; only eight (2%) children were not breast-fed at all. The three formula groups were identical in regard to duration of breast-feeding and age at introduction of formula and solid foods. No significant differences were found in the three groups of infants receiving formula milk regarding the cumulative incidence of atopic dermatitis or respiratory symptoms. The cumulative incidence of parental-reported cow&amp;#39;s milk allergy was significantly higher in children fed partially hydrolyzed formula (Nan HA) compared with extensively hydrolyzed formula (Nutramigen or Profylac) at 12 and 18 months (NanHA, 7.1%; Nutramigen, 2.5%; Profylac, 0%; p=0.033). The cumulative incidence of confirmed cow&amp;#39;s milk allergy was 1.3% (three of 232) in exclusively breast-fed infants, 0.6% (one of 161) in infants fed extensively hydrolyzed formula (Nutramigen or Profylac), and 4.7%(four of 85) in infants fed partially hydrolyzed formula (Nan HA). Partially hydrolyzed formula was found to be less effective than extensively hydrolyzed formula in preventing cow&amp;#39;s milk allergy, 0.6% vs. 4.7% (p=0.05), but because of the small number of cases the results should be interpreted with caution. Compared with other similar studies the frequency ofatopic symptoms was low, even though the dietetic intervention did not include either maternal diet during lactation or dietary restrictions to the children after the age of 4 months.