Abstract
BackgroundData on specific IgE sensitization prevalence in children with allergy-like symptoms seen in the primary care setting are rare. Early diagnosis of allergic diseases is important to prevent clinical manifestations, exacerbations or expansion of allergic diseases to other organ systems. The present study aims to assess the usefulness of early serological diagnosis in children with common allergic symptoms.Methods532 children (<15 years of age), with at least one of ten allergy-like symptoms, from 21 primary care centers in two geographic areas of Italy and Spain were included in the study. Patients were tested with, either Phadiatop® Infant (0–5 years of age) or Phadiatop® and food mix (fx5e) (>5 years of age) to discriminate atopic from non-atopic subjects. A blood sample of atopic subjects was taken for additional 6–26 specific IgE antibody determinations from a predefined panel using the ImmunoCAP® System.Results267 children (50.2 %) were positive in the initial test and were classified as atopic. 14 % were mono-sensitized, 37 % were sensitized to 2–3 allergens and 49 % to more than 3 allergens. The average number of symptoms in the atopic group was 3.3 vs 2.8 in the non-atopic group. The prevalence of sensitization to single allergens was highest for grass and ragweed pollen and house-dust mites (19–28 %). Sensitization to tree allergens was highest for olive tree (16.5 %). Cow’s milk and egg white were the most sensitizing foods (~15 %). Food allergen sensitization predominated in younger children (OR = 2.8) whereas the inverse occurred with inhalant allergens (OR = 2.5 to 5.6). A significant positive correlation between patient age and the number of sensitizations was found.ConclusionsSpecific IgE sensitization in children with allergy-like symptoms is common. Multiple sensitization is predominating. Number of clinical symptoms was higher in the atopic group compared to the non-atopic without a correlation with the number of positive allergens. Age seems to play a crucial role in the development of sensitization with a significant positive correlation between patient age and the number of sensitizations.
Highlights
Data on specific IgE sensitization prevalence in children with allergy-like symptoms seen in the primary care setting are rare
The aim of this study is to provide insight into sensitization rates, levels and patterns in children with common allergic symptoms without an allergy diagnosis to support the clinician in his decision-making process
ABased on number of patients with allergy-ike symptoms included in Spain and/or Italy centers bPerformed in patients
Summary
Data on specific IgE sensitization prevalence in children with allergy-like symptoms seen in the primary care setting are rare. Children with early development of IgE sensitization to cow’s milk and hen’s egg proteins or early sensitization to inhalant allergens carry an increased risk for later development of Fiocchi et al Italian Journal of Pediatrics (2015)4:96 respiratory allergic diseases [6]. Those with earlier onset of sensitization to grass pollen allergens carry an increased risk to develop allergic rhinitis compared to children with a later onset of sensitization [7]. The identification of allergic conditions is important, since early diagnosis of allergic disease may provide opportunities to prevent the later development of asthma
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
