CORD-BLOOD IGE AGAINST MILK AND EGG ANTIGENS

The aim of the present study was to reevaluate the prenatal production of specific IgE for eggs and milk and, in those cases, to determine w hether there is a relation to the amount of maternal egg and milk inta ke. Total and specific IgEs from 160 cord blood samples were determine d by immunoassays using a paramagnetic particle solid phase and an enz yme-mediated chemiluminescent reaction for signal detection. The level s of cord blood IgE for total, egg, and milk were 0.63 +/- (SD) 1.10 I U/ml, 0.020 +/- 0.055, and 0.036 +/- 0.053 IU/ml, respectively. IgE le vels specific to egg and milk over 0.03 IU/ml were observed in 33 and 70 out of 160 cases, respectively. To address whether the maternal int ake of eggs and milk affects the level of cord blood IgEs, all mothers except 9 were interviewed, and the amount of eggs and milk taken duri ng pregnancy was recorded. No correlation was seen between egg and mil k intakes and cord blood IgE levels. Our data demonstrate a high incid ence of the prenatal production of specific IgE for eggs and milk whic h is independent of maternal egg and milk intakes.