Prevention of atopic disease in at risk newborns.

At least 15% of children have at least one atopic disease and genetic factors play an important role in the development. Screening of family history and high serum cord IgE permits introduction of dietary and environmental measures to prevent atopy. Environmental, prenatal, perinatal factors, exposure to household allergens, infections, cigarette smoking, dietary factors, including those during pregnancy, duration of breast feeding, dietary measures during lactation, all have effects in modifying the atopic response.