|
|
Introduction: From 1997 on, a research project on the effect of risk factors before and after birth (perinatal) on the occurrence of asthma and allergies in children has started. The project is called PIPO-study which stands for Prospective study on the Influence of Perinatal factors on the Occurrence of asthma and allergies in newborns. Pregnant women are asked to participate and their children will be followed until at least the age of 4. Meanwhile approximately 800 subjects participate and recruitment will continue until May 2001, resulting in approximately 1,200 children included in the study. Research questions of the PIPO-study: 1) What determinants during the perinatal period detemine the occurrence of asthma and other atopic diseases (rhinitis, atopical eczema)? 2) What determinants (effect modifiers) determine the degree of association between exposure to common allergens (house dust mite, cat dander) and the occurrence of asthma and allergy? 3) How does the immunological reaction to these allergens develop over time and what is its relationship to clinical symptoms? 4) Are the determinants for the occurrence of asthma and allergy avoidable? Aim of the project: Performance of the follow-up of the children of the PIPO-study at the age of 4 years, since the study population has already mainly been formed. Working plan: During the project two dust samples have been taken: at 5 months pregnancy and 3 months after birth. The amount of house dust mite allergens in these dust samples will be determined. Moreover, 2 extended questionnaires are being taken, in which several risk factors will be established (familial predisposition, smoking behaviour, nutrition, indoor factors,'). Especially determinants before, around and after birth (peri-natal) will be asked for. During the first year, the parents record allergic and respiratory symptoms once a week. The physician of family wellfare clinic (`Kind&Gezin') or the general practitioner will be asked to fill in a medical questionnaire 4 times a year. At the age of one, when the parents give permission, all children will be physically examined by a research physician and a blood sample will be taken for an evaluation of the allergy status. Since asthma and allergy especially occur at later age, the further follow-up of these children is very important. This project will therefore carry out this follow-up. During the entire research period, data of all children on changes in environmental determinants and the
|
