ROLE OF INFANT FEEDING IN CHILDHOOD ALLERGY

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The Role of Infant Feeding in Childhood Allergy is a prospective observational study of asthmatic and non-asthmatic mothers and their infants enrolled within 2 weeks of birth and followed through 9-12 months postpartum. The aims of the study are to 1) compare the peripheral cytokine phenotypes of breastfed and non-breastfed infants between 9-12 months of age, accounting for maternal history of asthma, 2) compare the cytokine phenotypes of the milk of asthmatic and non-asthmatic mothers, and 3) examine the relationship between cytokine concentrations in maternal milk and the infants' peripheral cytokine phenotypes, accounting for maternal history of asthma and maternal and infant cytokine genotypes. Eligible mothers who consent to participate complete a baseline questionnaire at 2-3 weeks postpartum. Data related to maternal health history, birth history, infant feeding, maternal diet, and demographic characteristics is collected. A sample of human milk is collected at home from all breastfeeding mothers approximately 4-weeks postpartum. Monthly questionnaires are then completed for all subjects to collect data on infant and maternal illness, asthma severity symptoms, and infant feeding. All questionnaires are completed by telephone interview. At 9-12 months postpartum, a blood sample is collected for all mothers and infants during the one outpatient study visit. Allergy skin testing for the mother and her infant is also completed at this visit. Subjects are referred for follow-up with their physician or an allergist for any positive skin test results.