Trends in prevalence of atopic diseases and allergic sensitization in children in Eastern Germany

Abstract

Trends in prevalence of atopic diseases and allergic sensitization in children from Eastern Germany during the 1990s were analysed.The study consisted of three regional cross-sectional surveys of a total of 7,632 children (aged 5-14 yrs) in 1992-1993, 1995-1996, and 1998-1999. Information was gathered on atopic diseases and potential predictors by a parental questionnaire. Allergic sensitization for birch, grass, mite, cat, and cladosporium were assessed by radioallergosorbent test (RAST).After adjustment for age, sex and the study area of the participants, prevalence increased between the first and third survey for hay fever, for asthma and for atopic eczema. The adjusted prevalence of allergic sensitization (RASTw0.35 kU?L -1 ) showed a decrease, whereas the prevalence of strong sensitization (RAST o17.5 kU?L -1 ) increased significantly, specifically in cohorts born after 1989. Further adjustment for possible determinants of these atopic diseases did not change the trend estimates.A clear increase in the prevalence of atopic diseases, with the exception of hay fever, was observed as well as a shift towards a stronger allergic sensitization, which might affect the onset of clinical manifestations of atopic diseases.Differences in the epidemiology of respiratory symptoms, illnesses and allergies between populations living in the former East Germany and those living in the former West Germany have been reported. Among East German children, lower prevalence rates of asthma, and positive skin-prick tests were observed compared to West German children in the early 1990s [1][2][3][4][5]. Similarly, among East German adults, lower specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels and lower prevalence rates of asthma, wheezing, positive methacholine-challenge tests, allergic rhinitis, and positive skin-prick tests have been reported compared to those of West German adults [6,7].

Characteristics of Heavy Metals Emitted from a Heavy Oil-Fueled Power Plant in Northern Taiwan

“…Findings show that exposure to transition metals associated with ambient particles originating from industrial sources elicit airway inflammation in healthy subjects (Ghio and Devlin, 2001;Schaumann et al, 2004;Wang et al, 2008). Highly concentrated airborne metals in industrial areas could play a role in regional prevalence of allergic conditions (Heinrich et al, 2002;Kuo et al, 2007). This hypothesis is supported by evidence that sensitized mice exposed to PM 2.5 extracts rich in Zn, Mn, Pb, Cu and Cd, exhibited increased airway responsiveness to metacholine and lung inflammatory cells (Gavett et al, 2003).…”

The prevalence of asthma in children: a reversing trend

“…It has been suggested that the underlying cause of the increase in asthma cases could be due to changes towards a western lifestyle [21][22][23]. These lifestyle factors would play a dominant role just before and after birth, which could be the explanation as to why an increase is observed especially in young children [24]. Interestingly, children who were born after the re-unification in former East-Germany showed an increase in asthma prevalence [25].…”

Metal composition of ambient PM2.5 influences severity of allergic airways disease in mice.

“…After German reunification, levels of total PM and sulfur dioxide in eastern Germany decreased throughout the 1990s, and regional differences in the prevalence of bronchitis, sinusitis, and frequent colds declined (Heinrich et al 2000(Heinrich et al , 2002a. However, the difference in the prevalence of allergies between the two cities continued, despite the convergence of ambient PM concentrations (Heinrich et al 2002b), suggesting that the composition of Hettstedt PM may also contribute to the higher prevalence of allergies in that area.…”