Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Prevalence of allergen sensitization, most important allergens and factors associated with atopy in children.

Sao Paulo Medical Journal

Print version ISSN 1516-3180

Sao Paulo Med. J. vol.131 no.5 São Paulo 2013

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1516-3180.2013.1315502

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Prevalence of allergen sensitization, most important allergens and factors associated with atopy in children

Prevalência de sensibilização a alérgenos, alérgenos mais relevantes e fatores associados com a atopia em crianças

Raquel Prudente de Carvalho BaldaçaraI, Maria de Fátima Marcelos FernandesII, Leonardo BaldaçaraIII, Wilson Tartuce AunIV, João Ferreira de MelloV, Mario Cesar PiresVI

^IMD, MSc. Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT), Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil

^IIMD, MSc. Head of the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Division, Department of Allergy and Immunology, Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo (HSPE), São Paulo, Brazil

^IIIMD, PhD. Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT), Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil

^IVMD. Head of the Immunology Section, Department of Allergy and Immunology, Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo (HSPE), São Paulo, Brazil

^VMD, PhD. Director of the Department of Allergy and Immunology, Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo (HSPE), São Paulo, Brazil

^VIMD, PhD. Head of the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Division, Department of Dermatology, Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo (HSPE), São Paulo, Brazil

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:

Knowledge of the profile of allergen sensitization among children is important for planning preventive measures. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and profile of sensitization to inhaled allergens and food among children and adolescents in an outpatient population in the city of Palmas.

DESIGN AND SETTING:

Cross-sectional study at outpatient clinics in Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil.

METHODS:

Ninety-four patients aged 1-15 years who were attending two pediatric outpatient clinics were selected between September and November 2008. All of the subjects underwent clinical interviews and skin prick tests.

RESULTS:

A positive skin prick test was observed in 76.6% of the participants (72.3% for inhalants and 28.9% for food allergens). The most frequent allergens were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (34%), cat epithelium (28.7%), dog epithelium (21.3%), Dermatophagoides farinae (19.1%), Blomia tropicalis (18.1%), cow's milk (9.6%) and grasses (9.6%). A positive skin prick test correlated with a history of atopic disease (odds ratio, OR = 5.833; P = 0.002), a family history of atopic disease (OR = 8.400; P < 0.001), maternal asthma (OR = 8.077; P = 0.048), pet exposure (OR = 3.600; P = 0.012) and cesarean delivery (OR = 3.367; P = 0.019).

CONCLUSION:

Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was the most frequent aeroallergen and cow’s milk was the most prevalent food allergen. There was a positive correlation between a positive skin prick test and several factors, such as a family history of atopic disease, maternal asthma, pet exposure and cesarean delivery.

Keywords: Hypersensitivity; Child; Risk factors; Allergy and immunology; Immunologic techniques