STRESS AND SENSITIZATION IN CHILDREN - A CONTROLLED PROSPECTIVE PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL STUDY OF CHILDREN EXPOSED TO INTERNATIONAL RELOCATION

This controlled prospective study investigated the development of sens itization as a result of international relocation in children, using t he analyzing system Phadiatop, The effects of climate and predispositi on to allergy were also measured, Children were examined prior to and during their first year of living abroad. A control group living at ho me was also examined during the same period. Participants answered a q uestionnaire before and after 1 year abroad, and blood samples were co llected to determine sensitization. Before going abroad, there were no significant differences in atopic sensitization between groups nor in other key variables. After 1 year abroad, the proportion of children showing sensitization had increased significantly as compared with the control group at home. The exposed group reported an increase in skin symptoms during the year abroad. This study suggests that unidentifie d factors associated with foreign relocation increase the risk of sens itization in predisposed children. Stress might be one factor. (C) 199 7 Elsevier Science Inc.