Étude des sensibilisations aux aéroallergènes chez les enfants asthmatiques âgés de plus de trois ans et habitant dans la zone Nord de lima (Pérou)

Abstract

Objectives Determine the sensitization status to aeroallergens of asthmatic children older than three years of age in a hospital center North of Lima, Peru. Patients and methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 493 asthmatic children older than 3 years of age was carried out to determine the frequency of sensitization to common aeroallergens. Prick-tests using 12 commercial, standardized allergen extracts ( Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Blomia tropicalis, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicilium, Aspergillus, Trichophyton, dog and cat dander, Blattella germanica, and a three grass-pollen mix) were carried out on 348 of these children. Total serum IgE levels (UI/ml) were determined in 202 of these children and spirometric parameters (FVC, FEV1, and MEF 25–75, both pre- and post-B 2 bronchodilation) were performed in 95 of them. Results The mean age of the 493 asthmatic children was 6.2 years; 313 (63%) also had allergic rhinitis. 44/95 (46.3%) had positive spirometric parameters. There were significant differences between pre- and post-B 2 values in the following spirometric parameters: for FEV1, 111.1 versus 115.1 ( p = 0.004); for MEF 25–75, 93.7 versus 102.8 ( p = 0.002). For FVC, the difference (108.7 versus 111.0) was not significant ( p = 0.062). The mean total serum IgE value was significantly different between the aeroallergen-sensitized group and the group not sensitized to these aeroallergens (846.0 UI/ml versus 343.3 UI/ml, p = 0.001). In 306/348 (88%), there was sensitization to at least one aeroallergen. By group, 80.5% were sensitized to house dust mites, 44.5% to an animal dander, 42.2% to moulds and 4.3% to pollens. Sensitization to common house dust mites increased with the children's age. Conclusion Most asthmatic children older than 3 years of age in North of Lima, Peru were sensitized to one or more aeroallergen, mainly to house dust mites.