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T Hirsch

Publications and source records attributed to T Hirsch.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Polybrene improves transfection efficacy of recombinant replication-deficient adenovirus in cutaneous cells and burned skin.

BACKGROUND: The hostile environment found in acute and chronic wounds decreases the physiological half-life of purified synthetic or recombinant peptides dramatically. Gene therapy, on the other hand, may be a viable option since it relies on the cellular machinery of the host to locally manufacture the proteins of interest. The aim of this study was to evaluate and optimize the local administration of transient cutaneous adenoviral gene delivery in wounds. METHODS: Primary human keratinocytes (HKC) and HaCaT cells were transfected with replication-deficient adenovirus (Ad5) containing the reporter gene for beta-galactosidase (LacZ). The vector was used alone or precoated with either (1) Lipofectamine 2000, (2) FuGENE 6, or (3) Polybrene. For in vivo testing a rat burn model was used. Animals were randomized into three groups: (1) Ad5-LacZ alone; (2) Ad5-LacZ precoated with Polybrene, or (3) carrier control (phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)). Samples were harvested from burned and unburned tissue sections after either 48 h or 7 days. Transgene expression was quantified by bioluminometric assay and localized using immunohistochemistry. A BrdU assay was performed to determine the influence of the used transfection reagents on cell proliferation. RESULTS: Transfection efficacy was significantly improved in vitro (p < 0.001) as well as in partial thickness burned (p = 0.015) and unburned skin (p > 0.001) after precoating Ad5 with Polybrene compared to Ad5 alone. Transgene expression was 10-fold higher in burned skin (9305 pg/mg protein) compared to unburned skin (859 pg/mg protein). CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to improve transfection efficacy in vitro and in vivo by precoating the adenovirus with Polybrene.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2005

Transient cutaneous adenoviral gene therapy with human host defense peptide hCAP-18/LL-37 is effective for the treatment of burn wound infections.

Host defense peptides (HDP) are naturally occurring effector molecules of the innate immune system, which might be an alternative to currently used antibiotics. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficiency of transient cutaneous adenoviral transfection with human cathelicidin hCAP-18/LL-37 in infected burn wounds. Specific transgene expression was analyzed in vitro on mRNA and protein level using real-time PCR and Western-blot. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=40) received a second degree scald burn on both flanks (5% BSA), which were inoculated with 10(8) colony-forming units (CFU) Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Two days later, rats were randomized into the following groups: (1) adenoviral delivery of LL-37 (Ad5-hCAP-18, n=10), (2) synthetic host defense peptide LL-37 (1 mg; n=10), (3) carrier control (PBS, n=10) and (4) empty-virus control (Ad5-LacZ, n=10). Agents were injected intradermally and subcutaneously into both flanks. After either 2 or 7 days, skin samples were harvested and homogenized. CFU per gram tissue were determined. The hCAP-18/LL-37 expression was confirmed by real-time PCR and localized using in situ hybridization. In vitro transfection of cutaneous cells delivered a specific response on mRNA production. Western blot analysis revealed protein expression of hCAP-18/LL-37 in conditioned medium and cell pellet. The host defense peptide LL-37 was detectable after cleavage of the inactive pro-form hCAP-18/LL-37 with human elastase. Ad5-hCAP-18 showed a significant bacterial inhibition of approximately 10 000 fold compared to the control group (P<0.001) and 1000-fold (P<0.001) compared to the synthetic HDP LL-37 7 post-transfection. No inhibition was observed for the carrier or empty-virus control. Real-time PCR and in situ hybridization confirmed expression of hCAP-18/LL-37. In conclusion, transient cutaneous adenoviral delivery of the host defense peptide hCAP-18/LL-37 is significantly more effective than administration of synthetic host defense peptides and might be a potential adjunct for wound treatment in the near future.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2005

Modulation and source of procalcitonin in reduced renal function and renal replacement therapy.

Serum procalcitonin (PCT), an accurate marker of severe infection, is moderately increased in chronic kidney disease (CKD), peritoneal dialysis (PD) and haemodialysis (HD). We studied the extent of PCT elevation and factors accounting for elevated PCT in CKD and dialysis, and whether peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) contribute to increased PCT. In 37 controls, 281 CKD, 31 PD, and 65 HD patients without infection, PCT was measured and correlated with CKD stage, PD, HD, C-reactive protein (CRP), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other clinical parameters. PCT release by PBMC from controls, advanced CKD, PD and HD patients (12 subjects each) was measured. PCT increased in parallel to the deterioration of CKD. Oliguria, advanced CKD, PD, HD, CVD and elevated CRP were independently associated with PCT elevation. PCT release from PBMC significantly increased in advanced CKD, PD and HD. PCT release from PBMC correlated closely with the corresponding serum PCT values (r=0.76, P <0.001). In the absence of infection, PCT may increase due to reduced renal elimination and increased synthesis, as due to PBMC. Furthermore, serum PCT could serve as a marker of low-grade inflammation and CVD, which substantially increase mortality in CKD and dialysis.

C-Reactive Protein↗
PubMed2005

Atopic dermatitis, extrinsic atopic dermatitis and the hygiene hypothesis: results from a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Atopic Dermatitis (AD), hayfever and asthma are commonly summarized as atopic diseases. The spatial distribution of AD differs from that of asthma and hayfever, suggesting that AD might follow a different risk pattern than these diseases. AD can be differentiated into an allergic extrinsic form (EAD) and a non-allergic intrinsic form (IAD). Only EAD might follow the distribution and risk pattern that have been ascribed to asthma and hayfever. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution and risk factor profile of AD and EAD focusing on environmental factors relating to the hygiene hypothesis. METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional study on 12,601 children aged 5-7 and 9-11 years from Dresden (Eastern Germany) and Munich (Western Germany). Information was obtained by International Study of Asthma and Allergic Childhood questionnaires, dermatological examinations and skin prick testing. AD-diagnosis ever, current AD-symptoms and visible eczema were investigated with their respective extrinsic forms. RESULTS: Maternal and paternal history of AD were equally strong determinants of the child's AD status. Factors related to the hygiene hypothesis like day-care attendance and number of older siblings were not associated with a decreased risk of AD. The proportion of EAD within AD was higher in Eastern than in Western Germany. The determinants of the diseases appeared to be similar for both EAD and IAD. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence of the hygiene hypothesis holding true for AD or EAD. AD might be a separate entity than respiratory atopic diseases. Little is known about the risk factors of AD and factors different from those of respiratory allergic diseases should be considered in future research.

Child↗
PubMed2004

Alpha1 antitrypsin and the prevalence and severity of asthma.

In a random sample of children (aged 9-11 years; n = 5629), who were studied according to the ISAAC phase II protocol, heterozygosity of the alpha1 antitrypsin (alpha1-AT) Pi genotypes MS or MZ, or low alpha1-AT plasma levels, were not associated with an increased risk of developing asthma. Asthmatics with low levels of alpha1-AT were particularly prone to develop airway hyperresponsiveness and reduced lung function.

Asthma↗
PubMed2002

Lung function of school children with low levels of alpha1-antitrypsin and tobacco smoke exposure.

Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and other air pollutants has been associated with small decrements in lung function. The susceptibility to pollution exposure may, however, vary substantially between individuals. Children with an impaired protease-antiprotease balance may be particularly vulnerable. Therefore this study aimed to investigate the effects of ETS exposure on children with reduced levels of alpha1-antitrypsin (alpha1-AT). Random samples of school children (aged 9-11 yrs) (n=3,526) were studied according to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase II protocol, including parental questionnaires, pulmonary function and allergy testing. Blood samples were obtained to measure plasma levels of alpha1-AT and to genotype for pleomorphic protein inhibitor (Pi)Z and PiS alleles. Children with low levels of alpha1-AT (< or = 116 mg x dL(-1)) showed significant, albeit small decrements in baseline lung function. When exposed to ETS, pronounced decrements of pulmonary function, particularly in measures of mid- to end-expiratory flow rates, were seen in these children as compared to exposed children with normal levels of alpha1-AT. The mean levels of % predicted+/-SE in both groups were: maximum expiratory flow at 50% of vital capacity 79.4+/-7.2 versus 99.0+/-1.5, maximum expiratory flow at 25% of vital capacity 67.4+/-10.0 versus 100.3+/-2.1, maximal midexpiratory flow 73.7+/-8.6 versus 99.9+/-1.7. These findings suggest that school children with low levels of alpha1-antitrypsin are at risk of developing pronounced decrements in pulmonary function, particularly if they are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. Parents of children with heterozygous alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency resulting in significantly reduced blood concentrations should be advised to prevent their children from being exposed to environmental tobacco smoke and dissuade them from taking up smoking.

Child↗
PubMed2002

The management of childhood asthma in the community.

The aim of the present study was to assess the management of children with asthma in the community. Community-based random samples of children aged 5-7 and 9-11 yrs in Dresden and Munich, Germany, were studied in 1995-1996 using the phase II protocol of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. Detailed information on the use of antiasthma drugs and accessory treatment in the past year was collected by parental questionnaire. A total of 11,094 (response rate 83%) children participated. Among children with wheeze in the last year, 36% had used bronchodilators and 19% were on regular anti-inflammatory treatment. The strongest determinant of treatment was a physician's diagnosis of asthma. Forty-seven per cent of the children with current wheeze had not been diagnosed as asthmatics and received hardly any treatment (9% bronchodilators and 2% anti-inflammatory drugs), despite an increased prevalence of severe asthma symptoms, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and atopic sensitisation compared with children without asthma symptoms. The proportion of children regularly using inhaled steroids was small (6%) among current wheezers and reached only 21% among children with diagnosed asthma and >12 wheezing attacks in the last year. Inhaled steroid use was lower in Munich than in Dresden and inversely related to the use of alternative remedies. Further efforts to improve the diagnosis and treatment of childhood asthma are needed. These should aim to increase awareness of the chronic nature of asthma and the need for treatment according to current guidelines.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗
PubMed2001

Inverse association of overweight and breast feeding in 9 to 10-y-old children in Germany.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether breast feeding is associated with prevalent overweight in pre-adolescent children. METHODS: Cross-sectional studies of 9 to 10-y-old children attending fourth grade in 1995/1996 in Dresden (n=1046) and Munich (n=1062), Germany, according to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase II protocol. A comprehensive questionnaire including detailed breast feeding history was filled out by the child's parent. Height and weight were measured in a random subsample of children undergoing spirometry. Overweight was defined as body mass index > or =90th age- and sex-specific percentile of the German reference. RESULTS: While the prevalence of overweight differed substantially between Dresden (girls 9.1%, boys 12.5%) and Munich (17% both), we observed a markedly lower overweight prevalence among breast fed than non-breast fed children in both cities. Controlling for age, sex and city, breast-fed children were substantially less likely to be overweight at 9-10 y (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.41-0.74). Results were slightly attenuated after adjustment for nationality, socio-economic status, number of siblings, parental smoking (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.52-0.87). A longer overall duration and duration of exclusive breast feeding was associated significantly with decreasing prevalence of overweight. CONCLUSION: The results highlight the importance and possible preventive potential of early nutrition in the development of overweight in children. Both feeding behaviors acquired by the nursing infant and metabolic effects may contribute to the observed inverse association of breast feeding and overweight in children.

Body Mass Index↗
PubMed2001

[Complications in children with varicella in 4 hospitals in Santiago, Chile: clinical spectrum and estimation of direct costs].

BACKGROUND: The knowledge of varicella complications and their associated cost may help for a better evaluation of varicella immunization benefits. AIM: To determine frequency, type, outcome and affected population of varicella complications in children requiring hospitalization, and to estimate their direct costs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records of children admitted to four hospitals in Santiago, Chile, due to varicella complications between January 1997 and February 1999. Calculation of direct costs of hospitalizations in a sample of 30 patients. RESULTS: One hundred fifty four patients were identified, 74% were younger than 5 years old, only one was immunocompromised. Complications identified were skin and soft tissue infections in 63%, invasive infections in 25.3%, neurological in 7.1% and miscellaneous in 4.5%. Staphylococcus aureus and Group A beta-haemolytic Streptococcus (GABS) were predominantly isolated. S. aureus was the main agent identified in superficial infections and GABS in invasive infections (sterile sites). Two patients died due to invasive infections (streptococcal toxic shock and S. aureus septicaemia) and 11 required surgical procedures. The average cost per hospitalization was US$ 600 in public hospitals and US$ 1,800 in the private hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Varicella complications requiring hospitalization are due mainly to bacterial infections and they affect immunocompetent toddlers. These complications can be severe and even fatal.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

House-dust-mite allergen concentrations (Der f 1) and mold spores in apartment bedrooms before and after installation of insulated windows and central heating systems.

BACKGROUND: It has been hypothesized that changes in heating systems and insulation of homes in developed countries have generated an indoor climate favorable to organisms that excrete allergens inducing sensitization and allergic disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of the installation of highly insulated windows and central heating systems on indoor climate, and mite-allergen (Der f 1) and mold spore concentrations. METHODS: The bedrooms of 98 apartments were examined before and 7 months (mean) after installation of insulated windows and central heating systems. The air-exchange rate, temperature, and humidity were measured. In settled dust on carpets and mattresses, the number of colony-forming mold spores and the Der f 1 concentration were determined. The inhabitants completed a questionnaire about their lifestyles and housing conditions. RESULTS: The air-exchange rate decreased from geometric mean 0.73 to 0.52 per hour (P=0.029). Temperature (mean 13.4 vs 17.5 degrees C, P<0.001), and absolute humidity (mean 4.6 g vs 6.2 g H2O/kg air, P<0.001) increased. Relative humidity remained nearly unchanged (mean 47.6 vs 49.1%). Der f 1 concentrations on carpets (geometric mean 0.65 vs 1.28 microg/g dust, P < 0.001) and mattresses (geometric mean 1.56 vs 2.40 microg/g, P=0.002) increased. Among the fungi that were analyzed, only the thermotolerant species Aspergillus fumigatus increased (geometric mean 20 vs. 60 colony-forming units/g carpet dust, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that the installation of insulated windows and central heating systems is associated with an increase of Der f 1 concentrations in carpet and mattress dust and of A. fumigatus in carpet dust in apartment bedrooms.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed2000

Exposure and allergic sensitization to cockroach allergen in East Germany.

BACKGROUND: Some studies suggest that the prevalence of sensitization to cockroach allergens may be higher in the United States than in Europe, but there are no comparable data from population-based studies. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of allergic sensitization to German cockroach (GCR) in German schoolchildren and to assess its clinical relevance; and to determine the exposure to the major GCR allergen Bla g 2 in non-selected homes and nurseries. METHODS: The prevalence of allergic sensitization to GCR and other allergens was determined by measurement of specific IgE and skin-prick tests in a cross-sectional study of 2993 children aged 5-11 years in Dresden, Germany. The prevalence of atopic disease was determined by questionnaire, and pulmonary function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to hypertonic saline were measured. Bla g 2 exposure was determined on floors of 187 kitchens and 47 nurseries by a commercial sandwich ELISA. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-seven (4.2%) of the children had specific IgE (> 0.7 kU/L) against GCR. Among children with current wheeze, 8.4% were GCR-sensitized. Compared to data from the United States, the prevalence of sensitization to cockroach was similar in children without asthma (3.9%), but less frequent in asthmatic children from Dresden (6.1%). After adjustment for positive reactions to other allergens (SX1 test) no significant impact of GCR sensitization on wheeze or other symptoms and diagnoses was found. Bla g 2 was detected in 29% of the kitchens and 43% of the nurseries. None of these sites had exposure levels above the proposed threshold for causing disease of 80 ng/g dust. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that allergic sensitization to GCR is less frequent in asthmatics from Dresden, Germany than in US cities. The data indicate that GCR sensitization is not an independent risk factor for asthma and other atopic diseases in 5-11-year-olds from this city.

Allergens↗
PubMed2000

Traffic exposure and allergic sensitization against latex in children.

BACKGROUND: Latex antigens have been found in urban air samples and in debris deposited near freeways. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether exposure to road traffic in a large city is associated with allergic sensitization against latex in children. METHODS: A population-based sample of 2505 children aged 5 to 11 years was examined in a cross-sectional study in the city of Dresden, Germany. Specific IgE levels against latex and a panel of common aeroallergens (timothy grass, rye, birch, mugwort, Cladosporium herbarum, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cat dander, and dog dander) was determined by using a fluorescence immunoassay (CAP Pharmacia). Traffic exposure was assessed by (1) parental self-report on traffic frequency and truck traffic in the street of residence, (2) traffic counts, and (3) measurements of benzene at 182 points on a 1-km(2) grid for 1 year, which were used to estimate the children's individual exposure at the home address. RESULTS: Eight hundred fifty-four (34.1%) of the children were sensitized against any of the allergens, and 150 (6.0%) had specific IgE (>0.35 kU/L) against latex. The prevalence of latex sensitization was not positively associated with self-reported traffic exposure, traffic counts in the street of residence (adjusted prevalence odds ratio for >5000 vs < or =5000 cars/d, 0.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.4-1.3), or benzene exposure (adjusted prevalence odds ratio for an increase of 1 microg/m(3) air, 0.8; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-1.05). CONCLUSION: The data suggest that exposure to road traffic is not associated with allergic sensitization to latex in children.

Automobiles↗
PubMed1999

Endotoxin tolerance in rats: expression of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, VCAM-1 AND HSP 70 in lung and liver during endotoxin shock.

Endotoxin can induce a state of tolerance against its own pathological effects, commonly referred to as endotoxin tolerance. This phenomenon has been found to be associated with reduced serum levels of cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6 and IL-10. In the present study the expression of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, the adhesion molecule VCAM-1 and the heat shock protein 70 was determined in vivo in lung and liver of LPS-tolerant and naive rats by means of semiquantitative RT-PCR after i.v. LPS injection. TNFalpha, IL-6, IL-10, HSP 70 and VCAM-1 were induced in lung and liver after LPS injection. In liver and lung of endotoxin-tolerant rats TNF-alpha and IL-6 were induced to a lower degree after LPS treatment when compared to non-tolerant controls. The LPS-induced IL-10 expression was also slightly attenuated in the lung of tolerant rats, but in the liver no differences between tolerant and non-tolerant animals were observed. HSP 70 and VCAM-1 were expressed after systemic LPS treatment in liver and lung. The degree of induction, however, was the same in tolerant and untreated controls. The presented data show that endotoxin tolerance is reflected by a reduced cytokine expression in lung and liver in vivo. On the other hand, levels of expression of the adhesion molecule VCAM-1 and the stress protein HSP 70 do not appear to be changed by endotoxin tolerance.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Consumption of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in former East and West Germany and changes in East Germany after the reunification.

The dietary intake of Omega-3 (omega-3) and Omega-6 (omega-6) fatty acids (FA) may influence the development of atopic diseases. Based on the results of two dietary surveys, the intake of omega-3-FA and omega-6-FA in West Germany in 1985-1989 and in Dresden, East Germany in 1988-1989 and 1990-1991 was estimated. The intake of omega-6-FA but not of omega-3-FA was slightly higher in the West German population before 1990, mainly because of a higher intake of vegetable oil. Immediately after 1990 the omega-6-FA-intake in the observed East German sample increased because of an increase in the consumption of margarine [from a mean of 16 (SD 17) to 38 (24) g day-1]. Additional information indicates that, in contrast, East German infant formulas contained higher amounts of omega-6-FA (linoleic acid) and lower amounts of omega-3-FA (alpha-linolenic acid) than West German formulas. Whether there is a causal relation between the amounts of omega-6-FA and omega-3-FA consumed and the prevalence of atopy in children from East and West Germany remains to be clarified.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Frequency of infections and risk of asthma, atopy and airway hyperresponsiveness in children.

The role of repeated infections early in life in the development of childhood asthma and allergies has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of repeated episodes of fever and antibiotic treatments during the first years of life on the prevalence of asthma, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), and atopy at school age in a representative population. Random samples of schoolchildren aged 5-7 yrs (n=7,545) and 9-11 yrs (n=7,498) were studied using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase II protocol. To assess the prevalence of disease and early childhood exposures, parental questionnaires were administered (response rates 82.2% and 85.3%, respectively). In addition, children underwent skin prick tests, hypertonic saline challenge and blood sampling for the measurement of serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E. Repeated episodes of fever and antibiotic treatment in early life were strongly associated with the prevalence of asthma (odds ratio (OR)=7.95; 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.02-10.50) and current wheeze at school age. Within asthmatic children the number of fever episodes and antibiotic courses were strongly inversely related to the prevalence of atopy (OR=0.25; 95% CI 0.11-0.54 for skin test reactivity) and BHR (OR=0.31; 95% CI 0.10-0.92). Furthermore, asthmatic children with recurrent early childhood infections were at a lower risk of being symptomatic at school age. When considering atopic and nonatopic asthmatic children separately, the highest risk of asthma with repeated early childhood infections was found for nonatopic asthma (OR=24.29; 95% Cl 11.86-49.76). These findings suggest that a subgroup of children with a triggering or inducing of asthmatic symptoms through repeated early childhood infections exists within the "asthma syndrome" which has a better prognosis and is less related to the atopic phenotype.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Inner city air pollution and respiratory health and atopy in children.

The impact of inner city air pollution on the development of respiratory and atopic diseases in childhood is still unclear. In a cross sectional study in Dresden, Germany, 5,421 children in two age groups (5-7 yrs and 9-11 yrs) were studied according to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase II protocol. The prevalences of wheezing and cough as well as doctor diagnosed asthma and bronchitis were assessed by parental questionnaires. Children also underwent skin-prick testing, venipuncture for the measurement of serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E, lung function testing and a bronchial challenge test (4.5% saline) to assess airway hyperresponsiveness. Exposure was assessed on an individual basis by relating mean annual air pollution levels (SO2, NO2, CO, benzene, and O3) which had been measured on a 1 km2 grid, to the home and school address of each study subject. After adjusting for potential confounding factors an increase in the exposure to benzene of 1 microg x m3 air was associated with an increased prevalence of morning cough (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)): 1.15; 1.04-1.27) and bronchitis (aOR: 1.11; 1.03-1.19). Similar associations were observed for NO2 and CO. In turn, the prevalences of atopic sensitization, symptoms of atopic diseases and bronchial hyperresponsiveness were not positively associated with exposure to any of these pollutants. It is concluded that in this study a moderate increase in exposure to traffic-related air pollution was associated with an increased prevalence of cough and bronchitis, but not with atopic conditions in children.

Air Pollution↗
PubMed1999

Prevalence of respiratory and atopic disorders among children in the East and West of Germany five years after unification.

Living conditions in eastern Germany have changed rapidly since unification in 1990 and little is known about how these changes affect the prevalence of atopic diseases. This study describes methods and prevalences of a large epidemiological project investigating determinants of childhood asthma and allergies in eastern (Dresden and Leipzig) and western (Munich) Germany in 1995/1996. Community based random samples of 9-11 yr old children in Dresden (n=3,017) and Munich (n=2,612), and of 5-7 yr old children in Dresden (n=3,300), Leipzig (n=3,167) and Munich (n=2,165) were studied by parental questionnaires, bronchial challenges with hypertonic saline, skin examination, skin-prick tests, and measurements of specific and total serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E using Phase II modules of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). In 9-11 yr old children, the prevalence of physician diagnosed asthma (7.9% versus 10.3%; p<0.01) and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (15.7% versus 19.9%; p<0.05) was lower in Dresden than in Munich. No difference between Munich and Dresden was observed in the prevalence of diagnosed hay fever, skin test reactivity to > or = 1 allergen, and increased levels (>0.35 kU x L(-1)) of specific IgE against inhalant and food allergens. Symptoms and visible signs of atopic eczema tended to be more prevalent in Dresden. Similar East-West differences between the three study areas were seen in the younger age group. These findings are in line with recently observed increases in the prevalence of hay fever and atopic sensitization, but not of asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness, among 9-11 yr old children in Leipzig.

Air Pollution↗