PD22 - Examination about eosinophilia, cytokine and gastrointestinal allergy in the preterm infant

Purpose Several studies have shown the relationship between eosinophilia and gastrointestinal allergy in preterm infants; however, its mechanism has not yet been established. Interleukin (IL)-5 was shown to be involved in allergic inflammation by promoting eosinophil differentiation and activation and inducing basophil production. In this study, we examined the changes in eosinophil and basophil counts and the association with cytokines in low birthweight infants showing a predominant symptom of abdominal distension with no serious symptoms such as blood in the stool and anaphylaxis. These infants were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in our hospital for 1 week or more after birth.