Abstract
*Department of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Korea **Environmental Health Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Korea ABSTRACTObjectives: This study aims to investigate the correlations between the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) andcytokines among elementary school children in an industrial city, Ulsan, South Korea, and to identify majorenvironmental risk factors associated with AR prevalence. Methods: We conducted a case-control study in June 2009 and February 2010 in order to evaluate therelationship between AR and related cytokines. Data on physician-treated prevalence over the past 12 monthsand potential risk factors for AR were compiled through a questionnaire from a survey of 339 schoolchildrenliving in different urban environments. Logistic regression analysis was carried out with propensity scorematched data (n=180) to assess the influences of cytokines (IL-13, IL-33, IL-4 and IL-5) on AR prevalence andto determine which environmental factors affected AR.Results: In univariate analysis, the AR prevalence was influenced by family history of AR (mother andsiblings), environmental factors (odor condition and irritated symptoms of air pollution), and indoorallergens (D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus). The t-test demonstrated that eosinophils, Immunoglobulin E(IgE), and interleukins (IL-13 and IL-5) were statistically significantly different according to treatment ofallergic rhinitis over the preceeding 12 months. The results of the multiple logistic regression analysisshowed that a statistically significant association between several factors (such as irritated symptoms of airpollution (OR 4.075, CI 1.735-9.568), IL-13 (OR 0.825, CI 0.734-0.928), odor condition (OR 2.409, CI0.908-6.389), and AR history of siblings (OR 2.217, CI 0.999-4.921)) and the prevalence of AR was foundafter adjusting for confounders. Conclusion: These results suggest that AR prevalence is significantly associated with cytokine level, geneticbackground, and outdoor environmental factors. Although living in a polluted area and genetic background cancontribute to an increased risk of childhood AR, cytokine level should be considered as an important factor inthe treatment of AR in the last 12 months.Keywords: Allergic rhinitis, case-control study, cytokine, environmental risk factors, propensity scorematching
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