PREVALENCE OF ALLERGIES ON PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH ATOPIC DERMATITIS AND EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> One of the most common allergic diseases in the population is atopic dermatitis (AD), which is sometimes associated with cases of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). Both, EoE and AD are often associated with other forms of allergy spectrum diseases such as asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, sensitization to foods or pollens, and others. The purpose of this study is to identify and compare the prevalence of the most common allergies and comorbidities in pediatric patients with AD and EoE in the southern region of Puerto Rico. <h3>Methods</h3> A cross-sectional record review of 138 patients from ages 1-18 years old at an allergist/immunologist outpatient clinic in Ponce, Puerto Rico, with epicutaneous and RAST IgE-specific test from December 2016 to 2021. <h3>Results</h3> In dietary allergies nuts, peanuts, soya beans and walnuts had statistical significance with prevalence in patients with EoE compared to AD. The most prevalent in patients with AD were eggs (36.0%), milk (32.8%), wheat (16.8%), and peanuts (11.2%). In the case of EoE, the most frequent food allergies were peanuts (36.4%) and soya bean (27.3%); eggs, almonds, nuts, and wheat had the same percentages of patients (18.2%). <h3>Conclusion</h3> When our data was analyzed and compared to that of the United States, atopic dermatitis showed the same trend as reported across the states. In contrast, the prevalence of sensitivities to the most common allergens was reported differently in our studies in patients with EoE. More patients may be evaluated to reassess dietary restrictions for patients with EoE in Puerto Rico.