854 Allergen Specific Ige and Total Ige Levels in Preschool Children with Acute Urticaria

Abstract

Background and aim: The common causes of acute urticaria are viral respiratory infection, foods allergens and medications. The aim was to identify the contribution of foods, viral infections and drugs to induce acute urticaria in relation to specific and total IgE levels. Methods: The authors present a prospective study included preschool aged children admited in pediatric clinic for acute urticaria over a 2-year period. The diagnosis of acute urticaria is based on personal medical history and clinical manifestations. Allergen-specific IgE levels were measured for a panel of 11 foods (cow's milk. egg white, whole egg, codfish, peanut, hazelnut, soy, cereal mix, wheat, tomato, citrus mix) and drug (penicillinum). The measurement of specific IgE using serologic assays RAST/EAST (EAST class qualitative range 0-4). Total IgE levels of >100 kUI/L were considered positive. Results: 38 preschool children with acute urticaria were included in the study. 28 children (73.6%) had respiratory infection associated with antibiotics intake. The duration of urticaria was 5.80+/-;2.40 days. Foods ingestion were considered responsible for urticaria in 10 cases (26.4%). The levels of specific IgE were correlated with acute urticaria for eggs (1-4), cow's milk (2-3), peanuts (2-4), codfish (2-4), soybeant (2-4), wheat (1-3), cereal mix (2-4), citrus mix (1-4), tomato (2-3). Total IgE level was elevated in 24 cases. Conclusions: Infections, foods, drugs induced acute urticaria in children. The correlation of total and specific IgE levels and symptoms was determined. The results indicate that children with higher total IgE and specific IgE levels have a major risk of recurrent urticaria.