Immunoglobulin E and the eczema-asthma syndrome in early childhood.

250 infants from atopic families were investigated to determine the relation between serum IgE concentrations and the development of atopic symptoms. In 44 (17.6%) atopy developed before the age of two years, 60 (24%) had doubtful symptoms, and 146 (58.4%) were clinically clear. Those who were definitely affected had higher serum IgE than those who were unaffected but 50% of them had serum IgE within the normal range. 9% of the clinically unaffected infants had raised serum IgE. Breast-feeding was in no way protective against either the development of atopy or an increase in IgE to abnormal levels.