Study Overview

Study Goals:

1. Investigate relationships of several factors (clinical, environmental, genetic, prenatal, and early-life) in the development of food allergy and atopic dermatitis from pregnancy through age 3.
2. Understand the mechanisms behind the development of food allergy and atopic dermatitis.
3. Develop a varied collection of samples for future study of allergic diseases.

Why this matters: Predicting Allergic Disease

We want to be better able to predict who may develop allergic disease, so that we can provide them targeted guidance and treatments early! This study will help us understand what factors may be predictors.

Studies have consistently shown that atopic dermatitis (aka eczema) is associated with the subsequent development of allergic disease, such as food allergy and asthma or allergic rhinitis. There is increasing evidence that atopic dermatitis, associated as it is with an impaired skin barrier and inflammation, could be the precursor to allergic sensitization and consequent allergic disease.

Study design: Prospective Cohort

This is a prospective cohort study, meaning that we will follow all of our participants for a total of about three years! To learn about the many different factors that may possibly contribute to the development of food allergy and atopic dermatitis in your baby, we will collect information from mom during pregnancy, from the baby’s biological father, and from the baby themselves.

The information we collect will include clinical exams, questionnaires, and samples from the environment.

Inclusion Criteria:	Exclusion Criteria:
Participant is pregnant and will give birth at Stanford If pregnant with multiples, participant will enroll only one baby Participant willing to be followed up to 9 months (prenatal) & up to 3 years after baby is born	Participant experiences a serious pregnancy complication Baby has a major chromosomal anomaly Participant is pregnant as a result of egg donation Participant plans to give baby up for adoption

Clinical Endpoints:

1. We will check for laboratory-confirmed food allergies starting at child’s 5-month visit.
2. We will assess for development of eczema starting at the child’s 2-month visit.

 

Thank you to our generous funding source for this study: