Maternal C-reactive protein levels in pregnancy are associated with wheezing and lower respiratory tract infections in the offspring

OBJECTIVE: We assessed whether maternal C-reactive protein (CRP) levels during pregnancy and CRP gene variations are associated with wheezing and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in offspring. STUDY DESIGN: Information on wheezing and LRTIs in the offspring at 6 and 14 months of age, and maternal CRP levels and genotype was obtained from a population-based birth cohort. RESULTS: A total of 63 children (12.5%) experienced recurrent wheezing and 61 (12.4%) a recurrent diagnosis of LRTIs. Children in the highest tertile of maternal CRP levels had a higher risk of experiencing recurrent wheezing (adjusted odds ratio, 2.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-6.71) and being diagnosed with recurrent LRTIs (odds ratio, 2.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-5.55), as compared with children in the lowest tertile. The rs1205 polymorphism influenced maternal serum CRP levels but not the risk of the offspring outcomes. CONCLUSION: Higher CRP levels in pregnancy are associated with wheezing and LRTIs in offspring. However, genetic variation in CRP influencing maternal levels is not related to these phenotypes.