SELECTED ARTICLES FROM THE RECENT LITERATURE 2007

September 27, 2007

Family history, environmental exposures in infancy and childhood asthma

Summary
Background - Asthma prevalence is increasing in US children with likely complex etiology factors.

Findings - These factors were reviewed by Ly and Celedon of the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. Maternal factors likely involve both genetic and environmental factors particularly in very young children. In utero exposures to environmental agents may be part of this effect. In comparison paternal asthma appears to be a determinant in asthma with onset past age 5 years. Environmental tobacco smoke exposure is a likely strong factor in the development/triggering of childhood asthma.

Reference
J Allergy Clin Immunol 2007;120:271-72

Editor's Comments
This brief but perceptive Editorial highlights the etiologic complexities involved in childhood asthma.

 

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