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G Lilja

Publications and source records attributed to G Lilja.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Relationship between maternal and child cytokine responses to allergen and phytohaemagglutinin 2 years after delivery.

Little is known at present about the relation between parental and child cytokine profiles. In this study we aimed to investigate the cytokine profile of 2-year-old children and their corresponding mothers, 2 years after delivery. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from IgE-sensitized (n=15) and non-esitized (n=58) 2-year-old children and their mothers. The responses to ovalbumin, cat and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) were investigated using the enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) technique. Interferon (IFN)-gamma-, interleukin (IL)-4-, IL-10- and IL-12-producing cells were enumerated. At 2 years of age, IgE-sensitized children exhibited increased numbers of IL-4-producing cells in response to PHA and also showed an increase in IL-10- and IL-12-producing cells to allergen that was more pronounced in response to ovalbumin than to cat. A statistically significant increase in the numbers of IFN-gamma-, IL-10- and IL-12-producing cells to the allergens, but not to PHA, was found in the mothers of IgE-sensitized children irrespective of their own atopic status. IgE levels and cytokine responses were correlated between the mothers and their children, indicating that cytokine responses to both allergen and PHA might be governed by genetic factors. We speculate that the increased cytokine response to allergen, as opposed to the allergic status of the mother, might be a better predictor and/or a risk factor for the child to develop IgE-sensitization in early life.

Allergens↗
PubMed2006

ImmunoCAP Phadiatop Infant--a new blood test for detecting IgE sensitisation in children at 2 years of age.

BACKGROUND: Correct diagnosis of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated disease is the prerequisite for secondary allergy prevention during early childhood. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of a new blood test, Phadiatop Infant, in detecting IgE sensitisation to food and inhalant allergens among children at 2 years of age. METHODS: Children (n = 239) were followed prospectively from birth to 2 years of age for the presence of IgE sensitisation and the development of atopic manifestations. Immunoglobulin E sensitisation was evaluated by skin prick test (SPT) and analysis of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in plasma to food and inhalant allergens. The children were classified into three groups: IgE-sensitised, non-IgE sensitised and inconclusive, depending on SPT and allergen-specific IgE results. RESULTS: Twenty-six (11%) of the children were classified as IgE-sensitised, 182 (76%) as non-IgE sensitised and 31 (13%) as inconclusive. Phadiatop Infant was positive in 50 (21%) of the children. Ten children (4%) with identified IgE antibodies against the selected food and inhalant allergens showed negative Phadiatop Infant. Three children showed positive Phadiatop Infant but were negative in the other tests performed. These results correspond to positive and negative predictive values for Phadiatop Infant of 89 and 99%, respectively. Children with clinical symptoms of atopic diseases had significantly increased levels for Phadiatop Infant (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Phadiatop Infant appears to be a reliable alternative to SPT and the measurement of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in plasma for detecting clinically important IgE sensitisation among children at 2 years of age.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2006

Fish consumption during the first year of life and development of allergic diseases during childhood.

BACKGROUND: Fish consumption during infancy has been regarded as a risk factor for allergic disease but later evidence suggests a protective role. However, methodological limitations in the studies make conclusions uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the association between fish consumption during the first year of life and development of allergic diseases by age 4. METHODS: A prospective birth cohort of 4089 new-born infants was followed for 4 years using parental questionnaires at ages 2 months, 1, 2 and 4 years to collect information on exposure and health effects. The response rate at 4 years was 90%. A clinical investigation was performed at age 4 years, which included blood sampling for analysis of specific IgE to common food and airborne allergens. RESULTS: Parental allergic disease and onset of eczema or wheeze during the first year of life delayed introduction of fish in the child's diet. After exclusion of such children to avoid disease-related modification of exposure, regular fish consumption during the first year of life was associated with a reduced risk for allergic disease by age 4, OR(adj) 0.76 (95% CI 0.61-0.94) and sensitization, OR(adj) 0.76 (0.58-1.0). The reduced risk appeared most pronounced for multiple disease, OR(adj) 0.56 (0.35-0.89). IgE-sensitization to fish was only present among 18 of the 2614 children. CONCLUSION: Regular fish consumption before age 1 appears to be associated with a reduced risk of allergic disease and sensitization to food and inhalant allergens during the first 4 years of life.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2005

Immunoglobulin G4-antibodies to rBet v 1 and risk of sensitization and atopic disease in the child.

BACKGROUND: In 1993 extremely high levels of birch-pollen were recorded in Stockholm, Sweden. This provided an opportunity to evaluate the effects of aeroallergen exposure (exp.) on the early immune response. OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of exp. to birch-pollen during pregnancy and infancy on the allergen-specific IgE- and IgG4-antibody (ab) response and the development of atopic disease in children. METHODS: A total of 970 children with atopic heredity and born in Stockholm 1992, 1993 or 1994 were investigated at age 4.5-5 years. They were divided into five groups; high-dose exp. at 1 year of age, high-dose exp. at 0-3 months, low-dose exp. at 0-3 months, high-dose exp. during pregnancy and low-dose exp. during pregnancy. The children were examined and skin prick tested with inhalant and food allergens. IgE abs (against birch-pollen and recombinant Bet v 1(rBet v1)) and IgG4 abs (against rBet v 1) were analysed in serum. All children were assembled in one group to assess the effects of different ab responses (IgE/IgG4) on the development of atopic disease. RESULTS: Children exposed to high doses of birch-pollen during the first 3 months of life more often had detectable levels of IgG4 abs to rBet v 1 than the children in the other groups (P < 0.001), independent of sensitization to birch. Overall, the risk of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis was increased among children sensitized to birch-pollen and appeared more pronounced in children without detectable levels of IgG4 ab to rBet v 1 (Odds ratio 9.4; 95% Confidence interval: 5.5-16.1). IgE sensitization to birch-pollen seemed to have a stronger influence on the development of atopic disease than the IgG4-ab response. CONCLUSION: Exposure to high doses of inhalant allergens during the early postnatal period is associated with detectable levels of allergen-specific IgG4 ab even at 5 years of age. An immune modulating effect by IgG4 on symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is suggested in children sensitized to birch.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2005

Quantitative analysis of IgE antibodies to food and inhalant allergens in 4-year-old children reflects their likelihood of allergic disease.

BACKGROUND: It is well established that early diagnosis of allergic disease is warranted. METHODS: In a prospective birth cohort study (BAMSE) 3743 children at 4 years of age were included. Children were classified as having any allergic disease, e.g. asthma, suspected allergic rhinitis (suspAR), eczema or oro-gastro-intestinal symptoms with questionnaire. Blood was obtained from 2612 of these children and analysed for IgE antibodies (ab) towards 14 common food and airborne allergens. RESULTS: Positive IgE ab results were found in 38% of the children with any allergic disease, whereas such IgE ab results were found in 17% among those without any allergic disease. Furthermore, among children with any allergic disease the median summated IgE ab levels were 10.7 kU(A)/l compared with 1.5 kU(A)/l among those without such symptoms. The highest IgE ab levels were found to birch, peanut, cat and horse. When the sum of the IgE-ab levels towards the selected allergens was at least 34 kU(A)/l, or, alternatively, more than four allergen tests were positive, there was a 75% likelihood of identifying the individual with any allergic disease. To identify those with asthma, as well as those with suspAR, a significant interaction was found for the combination of the sum of IgE-ab levels and number of allergens positive at test. For eczema only, the number of positive allergens at test was associated to the likelihood of such disease. CONCLUSIONS: In children, 4 years of age, allergic disease was frequently not associated with the presence of single positive IgE antibody results, whereas increased IgE ab levels were significantly more prevalent among those with allergic disease. Thus, testing a certain profile of airborne and food allergens, and utilizing the sum of the IgE-ab levels in combination with the number of allergens positive at tests, may represent a more efficient diagnostic tool then to use just single positive IgE-ab results.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Low numbers of interleukin-12-producing cord blood mononuclear cells and immunoglobulin E sensitization in early childhood.

BACKGROUND: Successful pregnancies are associated with skewing towards a Th2 cytokine profile. Cytokine responses to allergens can be detected in cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC), suggesting allergen priming already in utero. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cytokine profile in CBMC after in vitro stimulation with allergens and to relate the responses to the outcome in terms of allergic disease at 2 years of age. METHODS: CBMC were isolated from 82 children. The responses to ovalbumin (OVA), birch, cat and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) were investigated by the ELISpot technique. The numbers of IFN-gamma-, IL-4- and IL-12-producing CBMC were counted for each stimulation. The children were followed prospectively; skin prick test (SPT) and RAST towards food and inhalant allergens were assessed at 24 months of age. RESULTS: Sixteen (19.5%) children were classified as IgE sensitized (positive SPT; > or =3 mm and/or RAST; > or =0.35 kUA/L). The numbers of IL-12-producing CBMC after stimulation with birch, OVA and cat were lower among IgE-sensitized children, statistically significant for cat. IFN-gamma-producing cells, did not differ in numbers between the sensitized and non-sensitized children. Children who had atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS) during the observation (n=53) had significantly lower numbers of IFN-gamma-producing CBMC after stimulation with OVA and cat than their non-AEDS counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Although the numbers of infants in our study are limited our data suggest that a low number of IL-12-producing CBMC is associated with IgE sensitization during early childhood and that a reduced number of IFN-gamma-producing CBMC promotes the development of AEDS during the first 2 years of life.

Allergens↗
PubMed2004

Differential activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 in B cells from allergic children and their non-allergic siblings.

BACKGROUND: The germline (GL) epsilon promoter is regulated by IL-4 and is essential for class switching to IgE. IL-4-induced gene expression is largely mediated through activation of latent transcription factor STAT6 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 6). OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether increased levels of IgE in allergic individuals may be associated with alteration in the level or activation of STAT6 and subsequent increase in GL epsilon promoter activity. METHODS: Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and Western blotting assays were used to investigate the level of expression and activation of STAT6 in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed B cell lines from children with birch pollen allergy and their non-allergic siblings. The activity of the GL epsilon promoter was tested in a transient transfection assay. RESULTS: STAT6 was expressed at the same level in all B cell lines tested. In two out of five sibling pairs STAT6 was activated by IL-4 more efficiently in the allergic individuals but in the three other pairs the opposite was found. In transient transfections, no difference in IL-4-induced GL epsilon promoter function was detected, although basal promoter activity varied between allergic and healthy siblings in two out of five pairs. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate for the first time that upon IL-4 signalling STAT6 transcription factor activation differs in B cells from different individuals. Although we did not find any association between STAT6 activation and allergy, we do not exclude a possibility that stronger activation of this transcription factor is associated with an expression of allergic phenotype.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Monitoring of IgE-mediated food allergy in childhood.

UNLABELLED: Testing for IgE-mediated allergy is performed to reach or refute a suspected allergy. But a positive test does only indicate sensitization and not necessarily clinical allergy. A diagnostic challenge procedure is therefore necessary. Also, in the phase of tolerance development a challenge is needed as clinical tolerance is reached before allergen-specific IgE antibodies have disappeared. During recent years, an increasing interest has been given to the possibility of using the concentration of specific IgE and the size of the skin prick test wheal to tell the optimal time to do a challenge without exposing the child to a risk of a severe reaction. CONCLUSION: Algorithms on when to do and when not to do a food challenge may be useful but should be used with great caution. Reasonable consideration should be paid to the severity of previous reactions and the kind of allergen involved.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2003

Exposure to high doses of birch pollen during pregnancy, and risk of sensitization and atopic disease in the child.

BACKGROUND: The role of maternal allergen exposure during pregnancy in sensitization and development of atopic disease in the child remains controversial. In the spring of 1993, extremely high levels of birch pollen were recorded in Stockholm, Sweden. In 1994, the corresponding pollen levels were low. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of exposure during pregnancy to high/low doses of birch pollen on the risk of sensitization and development of atopic disease in children. In addition, a comparison was made with children exposed to birch pollen in early infancy. METHODS: Three hundred and eighty-seven children with atopic heredity, born in Stockholm in July-October 1993 or 1994 (mothers exposed during pregnancy), were investigated at age 4.5 years. The children were clinically examined and were skin prick tested (SPT) with inhalant and food allergens. IgE antibodies (RAST) against birch pollen and recombinant birch pollen allergen (rBet v 1) were analysed in serum. A comparison was made with a similar group of children exposed during the same incident, but in the first 3 months of life, in 1993. RESULTS: The children of mothers high-dose exposed during pregnancy in 1993 tended to be more sensitized (SPT > or = 3 mm) to birch pollen than the children with low-dose exposure during the corresponding period in 1994 (7.6 and 4.6%, respectively, OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 0.7-4.1). A similar but weak tendency was seen for positive RAST analyses (> or =0.35 kU/l) against birch pollen and rBet v 1. Children of mothers high-dose exposed during pregnancy were significantly less sensitized to birch pollen than the children high-dose exposed in early infancy (17.9%, OR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2-0.7). There was an overall trend towards a slightly increased prevalence of bronchial asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis in the group with mothers high-dose exposed during pregnancy, compared to those with low exposure. CONCLUSION: Exposure of the mother during pregnancy to high levels of birch pollen resulted in a tendency towards increased risk of sensitization to the same allergen and symptoms of atopic disease in children with atopic heredity. Furthermore, our data indicate that exposure of the mother during pregnancy to inhalant allergens is less likely to result in sensitization in the child than exposure of the child in early infancy.

Asthma↗
PubMed2003

Levels of soluble CD30 in cord blood and peripheral blood during childhood are not correlated with the development of atopic disease or a family history of atopy.

BACKGROUND: The CD30 molecule has been linked to Th2 responses. Furthermore, elevated levels of the soluble form of CD30 (sCD30) in blood as well as of the expression of CD30 on the plasma membrane of T cells are associated with atopic disease. OBJECTIVE: To assess the potential usefulness of sCD30 levels as a prognostic indicator of and/or diagnostic marker for the development of atopic disease in children. METHODS: sCD30 levels in cord blood and peripheral blood from 36 2-year-old (10 atopic and 26 non-atopic) and 74 7-year-old (35 atopic and 39 non-atopic) children were determined employing an ELISA procedure. Atopy was diagnosed on the basis of clinical evaluation in combination with a positive skin prick test. RESULTS: No significant correlation between sCD30 levels in cord blood and the development of atopic disease at 2 or 7 years of age was observed. At 7 years of age, the circulating sCD30 levels in children with atopic disease (median 41 U/mL, range 6-503 U/mL) did not differ from the corresponding values for non-atopic subjects (median 41 U/mL, range 8-402 U/mL). The same was true for children at 2 years of age. Furthermore, the sCD30 levels of children who had developed atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome by the age of 7 years (median 49 U/mL, range 14-503 U/mL) were not significantly elevated in comparison with those of the non-atopic children. Finally, neither sCD30 levels in cord blood nor peripheral blood at 2 or 7 years of age could be linked to a family history of atopy. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the sCD30 concentration in cord blood is not a reliable prognostic indicator of, nor a useful diagnostic marker for, atopic disease in children up to 7 years of age. If such correlations do exist, they might be masked by age-dependent variations in the circulating levels of sCD30, which may reflect individual differences in the maturation of children's immunological responses.

Aging↗
PubMed2002

Atopy in children in relation to BCG vaccination and genetic polymorphisms at SLC11A1 (formerly NRAMP1) and D2S1471.

The influence of the SLC11A1 (formerly NRAMP1) gene on the association between BCG vaccination and atopy in children was studied in 179 children, BCG vaccinated in infancy, and 307 children without BCG vaccination, all 3 to 8 years of age and with atopic heredity. DNAs were genotyped for a functional repeat polymorphism (designated GTn) in the promoter of SLC11A1 and a linked microsatellite D2S1471. Associations between genotype, atopic symptoms and allergen-specific IgE-antibodies in relation to the BCG status of the children were assessed. Atopy in relation to SLC11A1 GTn-alleles was similarly distributed between the two groups. In BCG vaccinated children, genotype associations were observed for D2S1471 and atopy, with carriage of allele 5 conferring increased risk of atopy (odds ratio (OR) 2.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-5.5; P = 0.01), and particularly IgE responses to airborne allergens (OR = 4.3; 95% CI 1.7-10.7; P = 0.002). No linkage disequilibrium was found between the SLC11A1 GTn repeat and the microsatellite D2S1471, and therefore no haplotype associations were observed for atopy in BCG- or non-BCG vaccinated children. Stratification by BCG vaccination unmasked a potential genetic risk factor for atopy in the region of the SLC11A1 locus, and point to the importance of genotype by environment interactions in determining disease susceptibility.

BCG Vaccine↗
PubMed2002

IgE is expressed on, but not produced by, fetal cells in the human placenta irrespective of maternal atopy.

The prevalence of atopic diseases in children has increased during the last decades. Atopic symptoms usually appear early in life. This implies an early priming for atopic disease, possibly even at the fetal level. We therefore compared the presence and production of IgE in the local in utero environment during pregnancy in atopic and non-atopic women. Eighty-six women were included in the study. Fifty women were demonstrated to be atopics, based on clinical symptoms of atopic disease together with a positive Phadiatop and/or skin prick test. Placentas from these term pregnancies were obtained. Slices covering the full thickness of the placenta were cut clockwise around the umbilical cord and were analysed with immunohistochemistry. Surprisingly, numerous IgE+ cells, located primarily in the fetal villous stroma, were detected in a majority of the investigated placentas irrespective of the atopy of the mother or maternal or fetal total serum IgE levels. The placental IgE could not be demonstrated to be bound to IgE receptors, but was shown to be bound to fetal macrophages, possibly via FcgammaRI. No evidence was found for local fetal IgE production, although cells producing epsilon transcripts were occasionally detected in the decidua. We describe here the novel finding of numerous IgE+ cells in the human placenta, suggesting an hitherto unknown role for IgE in a successful pregnancy outcome, irrespective of whether or not the mother is atopic.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Breast feeding and allergic diseases in infants-a prospective birth cohort study.

AIMS: To investigate the effect of breast feeding on allergic disease in infants up to 2 years of age. METHODS: A birth cohort of 4089 infants was followed prospectively in Stockholm, Sweden. Information about various exposures was obtained by parental questionnaires when the infants were 2 months old, and about allergic symptoms and feeding at 1 and 2 years of age. Duration of exclusive and partial breast feeding was assessed separately. Symptom related definitions of various allergic diseases were used. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated in a multiple logistic regression model. Adjustments were made for potential confounders. RESULTS: Children exclusively breast fed during four months or more exhibited less asthma (7.7% v 12%, OR(adj) = 0.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 0.8), less atopic dermatitis (24% v 27%, OR(adj) = 0.8, 95% CI 0.7 to 1.0), and less suspected allergic rhinitis (6.5% v 9%, OR(adj) = 0.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 1.0) by 2 years of age. There was a significant risk reduction for asthma related to partial breast feeding during six months or more (OR(adj) = 0.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 0.9). Three or more of five possible allergic disorders-asthma, suspected allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy related symptoms, and suspected allergic respiratory symptoms after exposure to pets or pollen-were found in 6.5% of the children. Exclusive breast feeding prevented children from having multiple allergic disease (OR(adj) = 0.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 0.9) during the first two years of life. CONCLUSION: Exclusive breast feeding seems to have a preventive effect on the early development of allergic disease-that is, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and suspected allergic rhinitis, up to 2 years of age. This protective effect was also evident for multiple allergic disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Asthma in children exposed to nitrogen dioxide in ice arenas.

Very high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) have been measured in arenas using combustion engine-powered resurfacing machines. This study was performed to compare the occurrence of asthma in children playing ice hockey in arenas using propane-powered machines and in children attending arenas using electric machines. Children regularly playing hockey in the arenas (nine propane, six electric) were sent a questionnaire, including questions on allergic disease and risk factors. Measurements of NO2 were performed with passive diffusion samplers during 3 consecutive days. The mean NO2 concentration in the propane arenas was 276 microg x m(-3) (range 28-1015 microg x m(-3)) and 11 microg x m(-3) (2-30) in the electric arenas. Questionnaires were answered by 1,536 children (78%), with an overall prevalence of asthma of 16%. The odds ratio (OR) for asthma was 0.9 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7-1.2) comparing propane arenas to electric. However, children in propane arenas with higher than median concentration of NO2 reported more wheezing (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-1.9) and nasal symptoms (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.3) than children in propane arenas with lower concentrations. In conclusion, children playing ice hockey in indoor arenas have a high prevalence of asthma, but it appears unlikely that increased exposure to combustion products, including nitrogen dioxide, is a major contributor to this excess risk.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[Both risky and "healthy" factors in the allergy prevention counseling].

Most recommendations in order to prevent childhood allergy are based on data gained in retrospective studies. In future it is important that such recommendations are based on intervention studies. Results from prospective birth cohort studies may also be used, since ethical issues must be taken into consideration when interfering on matters like parental smoking, breast-feeding, the keeping of furred pets and the unsuitability of living in damp houses.

Breast Feeding↗
PubMed2001

Influence of atopic heredity on IL-4-, IL-12- and IFN-gamma-producing cells in in vitro activated cord blood mononuclear cells.

Several reports have claimed that there is a greater risk for a child with an atopic mother to develop allergy as compared to a child with an atopic father. This suggests that the fetal environment during pregnancy might be of importance for the development of atopic disease. Both proliferative and cytokine responses have been detected in cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) after stimulation with allergens, suggesting allergen priming already in utero. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the atopic status of the mother influences cytokine production by CBMC. We compared interleukin (IL)-4, IL-12 and interferon (IFN)-gamma-producing CBMC from children with double atopic heredity (dh), maternal atopic heredity only (mh) or no atopic heredity (nh). CBMC were stimulated in vitro with allergens (birch, ovalbumin and cat), phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) or purified protein derivative (PPD) and cytokine-producing cells were measured by the enzyme-linked immunospot assay. In response to PHA, the frequency of IL-4-producing cells, as well as the ratio of IL-4/IFN-gamma-producing cells, were significantly higher in the dh group compared to the nh group. High numbers of IL-12-producing cells in response to allergens were detected, significantly highest in the nh group, followed by the dh and mh groups. Our results suggest that there is a stronger Th2 bias after in vitro stimulation of CBMC from children with atopic heredity, as reflected by higher IL-4/IFN-gamma ratios in response to PHA, and lower numbers of IL-12-producing cells after allergen stimulation. Whether these differences influence later allergy development will be evaluated when the atopic status of the children is assessed at 2 years of age.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Maternal analgesia during labor disturbs newborn behavior: effects on breastfeeding, temperature, and crying.

BACKGROUND: Newborns not exposed to analgesia, when placed on the mother's chest, exhibit an inborn prefeeding behavior. This study was performed to assess the effects of different types of analgesia during labor on the development of spontaneous breastfeeding movements, crying behavior, and skin temperature during the first hours of life in healthy term newborns. METHODS: Video recordings were made of 28 newborns who had been dried and placed in skin-to-skin contact between their mother's breasts immediately after delivery. The video recordings were analyzed blindly with respect to infant exposure to analgesia. Defined infant behaviors were assessed every 30 seconds. Group 1 mothers (n = 10) had received no analgesia during labor, group 2 mothers (n = 6) had received mepivacaine via pudendal block, and group 3 mothers (n = 12) had received pethidine or bupivacaine or more than one type of analgesia during labor. RESULTS: All infants made finger and hand movements, but the infant's massagelike hand movements were less frequent in infants whose mothers had received labor analgesia. A significantly lower proportion of group 3 infants made hand-to-mouth movements (p < 0.001), and a significantly lower proportion of the infants in groups 2 and 3 touched the nipple with their hands before suckling (p < 0.01), made licking movements (p < 0.01), and sucked the breast (p < 0.01). Nearly one-half of the infants, all in groups 2 or 3, did not breastfeed within the first 2.5 hour of life. The infants whose mothers had received analgesia during labor had higher temperatures (p = 0.03) and they cried more (p = 0.05) than infants whose mothers had not received any analgesia. CONCLUSIONS: The present data indicate that several types of analgesia given to the mother during labor may interfere with the newborn's spontaneous breast-seeking and breastfeeding behaviors and increase the newborn's temperature and crying.

Adult↗