Neonatal BCG vaccination and atopic dermatitis before 13 months of age: A randomized clinical trial

L.M. Thøstesen, J. Kjærgaard, G.T. Pihl, N.M. Birk, T.N. Nissen, P. Aaby, A.K.G. Jensen, A.W. Olesen, L.G. Stensballe, D. L. Jeppesen, C S Benn, P.-E. Kofoed

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Studies have suggested that Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination may reduce the risk of allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis. Methods: The Danish Calmette Study was conducted 2012-2015. Within 7 days of birth new-borns were randomised 1:1 to BCG or no BCG. Exclusion criteria were gestational age <32 weeks, birth weight <1000 g, known immunodeficiency or no Danish-speaking parent. Data were collected through telephone interviews and clinical examinations until 13 months. Results: Clinical atopic dermatitis was diagnosed in 466/2,052 (22.7%) children in the BCG group and 495/1,952 (25.4%) children in the control group (RR = 0.90 [95% confidence intervals 0.80-1.00]). The effect of neonatal BCG vaccination differed significantly between children with atopic predisposition (RR 0.84 (0.74-0.95)) and children without atopic predisposition (RR 1.09 [0.88-1.37]) (test of no interaction, P =.04). Conclusion: Among children with atopic predisposition, the number-needed-to-treat with BCG to prevent one case of atopic dermatitis was 21 (12-76).

Original languageEnglish
JournalAllergy
Volume73
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)498-504
Number of pages7
ISSN0105-4538
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2018

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