Testy skórne punktowe i płatkowe w diagnostyce nadwrażliwości na pokarmy u niemowląt i małych dzieci – badanie pilotażowe

Abstract

IntroductionIn the light of increasing frequency of food allergy in young children, it is important to choose optimal diagnostic methods. PurposeTo ascertain the usefulness of skin prick tests with synthetic and natural allergens and atopy patch tests in children up to 3 years of age with the suspicion of food hypersensitivity. Patients and methodsFor the analysis, we included 53 children up to 3 years of age, with symptoms suggesting food allergy. On the basis of an interview, we established the set of allergens to test. ResultsThe highest percentage of positive results were obtained respectively in atopy patch tests – for egg white, egg yolk, chicken, milk, carrot, and wheat; in skin prick test with native allergens – for egg white, and egg yolk; and in skin prick test with synthetic allergens – for milk, egg white, and egg yolk. The interviews and test results allowed to diagnose hypersensitivity to milk in 33.96% patients, egg white in 37.74%, egg yolk in 43.4%, wheat in 22.64%, chicken in 20.75%, celery and carrot in 18.87%, and potato in 16.98% patients. ConclusionsThe choice of the test type can be important to the diagnosis but differ for different types of food. Conducting diagnostic tests, which allow for combined assessment of IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated food allergy, including skin prick tests and patch tests, increases the chance of establishing an accurate diagnosis.