SELECTED ARTICLES FROM THE RECENT LITERATURE 2008 6/16/2008 A Challenge to Concept of In Utero Sensitization Summary Cord and six-month blood samples were obtained from 243 children whose mothers had asthma. 14% of cord blood samples showed allergen specific IgE (many to inhalant allergens), six-month blood samples showed no allergen specific IgE In addition, specific IgE in cord blood reflected maternal blood as far as allergen specificity, specific IgE level, and total to specific IgE ratio. These findings indicate that the specific IgE detected in cord blood was due to contamination by maternal blood (rather than placental transfer). These findings challenge the concept of in utero sensitization and therefore the potential efficacy of of allergen avoidance during pregnancy. Reference Bonnelykke K, et al. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2008; 121:646-651.   © Copyright 1997-2008 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology All rights reserved