Few studies have examined the relationship between atopy in children and maternal asthma during pregnancy. Over 26 000 singletons born in Quebec to mothers with and without asthma were studied by Martel et al from the University of Montreal. Maternal asthma during pregnancy was associated with a small increased risk of atopic dermatitis but not of allergic rhinitis. However, maternal allergic rhinitis and intra-nasal corticosteroid use during pregnancy were associated with an increase risk of childhood allergic rhinitis. The authors suggest that children of mothers with asthma or allergic rhinitis during pregnancy should be closely monitored for the emergence of symptoms of atopy.
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