Factors influencing the neurodevelopment of children with family history of allergy in North-Eastern Bulgaria

Abstract

Introduction

Allergic diseases in first degree family members—parents and siblings, increase the risk of allergy in the child, which recently has been associated with a higher incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. A relationship has been established between the nervous and immune systems, but their association in the early stages of life when they are still developing has not been studied in details yet.

Aim

The aim of this article is to explore the sociodemographic, nutritional and health factors influencing neurodevelopment of children with family history of allergy.

Materials and Methods

A cohort study was conducted in Varna, Bulgaria in the period 2017–2020.  A total of 120 term children from atopic families were recruited (n=120). They were with a normal birth weight over 2500 g and followed until 13 to 31 months (24.0 ± 3.9 months). A direct individual questionnaire was applied for the sociodemographic characteristics in the family. Neurodevelopment was assessed by Dеvelopmental Profile-3 methodology, past medical history survey was applied, and anthropometrics were measured

Results

Comparing the neurodevelopment at the age of 24–30 months, using the DP-3 methodology of the children in the sample with values, measured during the validation of the questionnaire, a statistically significant difference was found in all areas. Other significant factors influencing the neurodevelopment were: the age of parents, the number and duration of the infections of the digestive tract, the number of severe infections of the respiratory system, and the child’s weight at 1 year.

Conclusion

Attention must be paid to the factors influencing neurodevelopment of children with family history of allergy because of the increased risk of delay in this vulnerable group.