NEONATAL LEUKOCYTE CAMP-PHOSPHODIESTERASE DETERMINATION IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ALLERGY PREDICTION

The atopy-predictive value of cord blood (CB) cyclic adenosine monopho sphate-phosphodiesterase (cAMP-PDE) in mononuclear leukocytes (MN) was studied prospectively in 57 neonates. Reliable determination of cAMP- PDE was achieved in only 20 CB samples. The levels tended to be higher in infants developing signs of atopy up to 18 months of age. The comb ination of CB cAMP-PDE and family history (FH) of allergy showed a hig her predictive value (P = 0.040) than each of them separately (P = 0.3 70 and P = 0.102, respectively). The cAMP-PDE levels in CB also correl ated to FH of allergy/atopy in accordance with earlier studies (P = 0. 027). In conclusion, determination of cAMP-PDE in neonates may have so me predictive value, but it is not suitable for general screening.