Objectives: A birth cohort was followed-up to age 4 years to record the development of
allergic disorders and to study the influence of genetic and environmental factors. Methods:
Information on family history and environmental factors was obtained at birth, and serum
cord IgE was measured. At age 4 years, 1218 children were reviewed. Results: By age 4
years, 27% of the children had symptoms of allergic disease. Period prevalence of asthma
increased from 8.7% in infancy to 14.9% at 4 years. Family history of atopy was the single …