Sensitization pattern to various common allergens, using allergy skin prick test in children suffering from asthma and allergic rhinitis attending asthma outpatient department, at a tertiary care hospital in Central India

Abstract

Background: Bronchial asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions of children. Allergy skin test, specific IgE levels can help to identify the triggers and better management. This observational study was carried to analyze the pattern of sensitization to various common allergens in children suffering from asthma and/ or allergic rhinitis at AIIMS, Raipur and to correlate sensitization with the various demographic parameters. Methods: Children between the age of one to 14 year diagnosed with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis were enrolled. They were subjected to skin prick test (SPT) using 18 common antigens. Induration more than 3mm than the negative control was considered as positive test. Results: 70 patients with an average age of 9.1 year were enrolled. 46 were males. Almost 80% (56) patients had sensitization to at-least one antigen tested. Highest sensitization was observed for cockroach mix 33 (58.92%) followed by Dermatophagoides farinae 18 (32.14%) and grain dust rice 16 (28.57%%). Sensitization was more in children with history of asthma in family (OR=2.37), residing near main road (OR=2.4), and in nuclear family (OR=1.54). There was no relation of SPT positivity with absolute eosinophil count (p=0.45, OR=0.41), family h/o allergic rhinitis (p=1.0, OR=0.86) and atopic dermatitis (p=1.0, OR=0.81). Statistically significant difference observed in the positivity of SPT in relation to severity of illness. (p=0.01, OR=0.162). Conclusions: Sensitization rate was high (80%) with cockroach mix being the commonest antigen. Family history of asthma, residence near main road and severity of illness were associated with higher sensitization.