Table 1

Demographic characteristics and possible risk factors for atopy at baseline

VariableProbiotic arm*Placebo arm*
Socioeconomic status (Townsend rank; N; median, IQR)220; 949 (333–1514)234; 864 (330–1558)
Mother smoked during pregnancy41/205 (20.0%)47/218 (21.6%)
Vaginal delivery152/216 (70.4%)157/232 (67.7%)
House
 Cat, dog, rodent or bird kept indoors112/220 (50.9%)120/234 (51.3%)
 Damp and/or mould as reported by participants59/217 (27.2%)56/232 (24.1%)
No. households with
 1 adult10/220 (4.6%)9/234 (3.9%)
 ≥3 adults20/220 (9.1%)25/234 (10.7%)
 no other children81/220 (36.8%)93/234 (39.7%)
 ≥3 other children16/220 (7.3%)18/234 (7.7%)
No. infants at increased risk of atopy†197/220 (89.6%)205/234 (87.6%)
  • This table gives the number of participants (%) unless otherwise stated.

  • *Denominator varies according to information provided by parents/carers and compliance with follow-up.

  • †Defined as first degree relative with either asthma or eczema diagnosed by a health professional or allergic rhinitis treated by a doctor.