The team discovered evidence of sensitivity to common allergens (atopy) in 27 per cent of children who had developed quickly in early pregnancy but faltered later in pregnancy, as compared with 4 per cent in those with a slow early growth trajectory and quicker growth in late pregnancy.    

Professor Stephen Holgate, from the Medical Research Council, says: "Unravelling the complex interplay between immunity and disease, over the course of a person's life, including before they are even born, is a core part of the MRC's research strategy. Furthering our understanding of the body's natural resilience is critical to developing new advances in the treatment of infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases and allergies." 

Ian Jarrold, Research Manager at the British Lung Foundation, adds: "Children's lung health can be complex so this research, funded by the British Lung Foundation, is a considerable step forward in understanding why some children are more likely to develop allergies and asthma.

"The most commonly reported long-term illnesses in children and babies are conditions of the respiratory system. Increasing our understanding of childhood lung conditions is vital for developing new ways of diagnosing and treating lung diseases earlier in life."

thorax.bmj/content/early/2010/10/18/thx.2010.134742.abstract