A new study published in the American Journal of Perinatology assessed the association between different characteristics of neonatal jaundice and common types of allergic diseases in childhood, such as – bronchial asthma, acute urticaria and allergic rhinitis.

This was a case-control study, that recruited 300 allergic and 300 healthy children (control group) at Fayoum University Hospital. The study duration was 2 years (2016-18).

The findings revealed that children with neonatal jaundice are more likely to develop allergy; that is,57% higher than neonates without jaundice. Statistically significant associations were found between early onset jaundice and treatment by phototherapy and the development of allergic diseases.

In inference, it was stated that different aspects of neonatal jaundice are associated with the development of common allergic diseases in children.

Source: American Journal of Perinatology. 2020 Nov;37(13):1357-1363.