Current Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis Research Articles

Asthma and allergies in a cohort of adolescents conceived with ART

Research questionAre asthma and allergies more common in adolescents conceived with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) compared with adolescents conceived without? DesignThe Growing Up Healthy Study (GUHS) is a prospective cohort study including ART-conceived offspring born between 1991 and 2001 in Perth, Australia. Their long-term health outcomes, including asthma and allergy parameters, were compared with those of their counterparts conceived without ART from the Raine Study Generation 2 (Gen2), born in 1989–1991. At age 14, 152 GUHS and 1845 Gen2 participants completed the following assessments: the International Studies of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire, spirometry, methacholine challenge testing and skin prick testing (SPT). ResultsNo differences were detected in the prevalence of current asthma (7.7% versus 10.8%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.82 (95% CI 0.44–1.52), P = 0.530). Spirometry-measured lung volumes were larger in the ART adolescents. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness was less prevalent in the ART cohort (8.8 versus 18.6%, P = 0.006). Current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) rates were significantly higher in the ART cohort (32.4% versus 25.2%, aOR 1.52 [95% CI 1.03–2.26], P = 0.036), with no cohort differences in atopic dermatitis. Food allergies were more prevalent in the ART cohort (20.7 versus 10.9%, aOR 1.89 [95% CI 1.17–3.06], P = 0.010) with more adolescents having a positive SPT (68.0% versus 45.4%, aOR 3.03 [95% 1.99–4.63], P < 0.001). ConclusionsThis study reports no differences in asthma prevalence, slightly altered lung function, an increase in ARC, food allergies and positive SPT in the ART-conceived adolescents. These findings are important to families and healthcare providers and may open up possibilities for targeted screening and treatment. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.

O-087 Asthma and allergies in a cohort of adolescents conceived after assisted reproductive technologies (ART)

Abstract Study question Are adolescents conceived after assisted reproductive technologies (ART) at an increased risk of asthma and allergies, compared to their counterparts conceived without ART? Summary answer No difference in asthma prevalence, better lung-function, and an increase in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, food allergies and positive skin-prick tests are reported in the ART cohort. What is known already Over 8 million children have been born after conception with ART worldwide. Emerging evidence shows an increased risk of atopic disorders, such as asthma and allergies, in such children, potentially due to epigenetic alterations or underlying parental subfertility and perinatal risk factors. Studies to date are highly heterogeneous, including non-standardized diagnostic tools, non-representative reference populations, and lacking appropriate covariate adjustment. With the increase in atopic disorders worldwide, and the burden they bring to the life of individuals and to society, in combination with the increase in ART, it is important to further investigate the risk of atopy in such offspring. Study design, size, duration The Growing Up Healthy Study (GUHS) is a prospective study that recruited 303 offspring conceived after ART (aged 13-21), born 1991-2001 in Western Australia. Their health parameters, including asthma and allergy assessments, were compared with those of counterparts conceived without ART, from the Raine Study Generation 2 (Gen2). The 2,868 Gen2 participants are representative of the local population. At age 14 (2013-2017), 152 GUHS participants replicated atopy assessments previously completed by similarly aged Gen2 participants. Participants/materials, setting, methods Asthma and allergy assessments consisted of a parent-completed modified version of the ‘International Studies of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood’ (ISAAC) questionnaire, spirometry, methacholine challenge- and skin-prick testing (SPT). Chi2, Fisher’s Exact and Mann-Whitney U tests, performed in SPSS V25, examined cohort differences, and generalized estimating equations adjusted for (a subset of) the following covariates: sex, age, height, singleton pregnancy, gestational age, birthweight, mode of delivery, primary caregiver smoking, and being an only child. Main results and the role of chance Current asthma and asthma severity, based on the ISAAC questionnaire, appeared similar between the cohorts. Lung function (mean Forced Expiratory Volume [FEV1], Forced Vital Capacity [FVC] and FEV1/FVC ratio) was better in the ART cohort (3.10 vs. 2.96 L, p = 0.011; 3.72 vs. 3.29 L, p &amp;lt; 0.001; 85.5 vs. 91.8%, p &amp;lt; 0.001, respectively). No difference in mean Forced Expiratory Flow was reported. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness was significantly less prevalent in the ART cohort (8.8% vs.18.6% p = 0.006). Current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) rates were significantly higher in the ART cohort (32.4% vs. 25.2%, aOR 1.52 [1.03-2.26], p = 0.036), while prevalence of current atopic dermatitis did not differ. Food allergies were twice as prevalent in the ART cohort (20.7 vs. 10.9%, aOR 1.89 [1.17-3.06], p = 0.010). Significantly more GUHS participants had a positive SPT (68.0% vs. 45.4%, aOR 3.034 [1.989-4.628], p &amp;lt; 0.001). The percentage of polysensitisation (&amp;gt; 1 allergen) did not differ between the cohorts. Sub-analyses comparing offspring conceived after in vitro fertilisation (IVF)[n = 100] and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)[n = 40], and fresh and frozen embryo transfers (ETs n = 82, FETs n = 58) within the ART cohort, showed no significant differences, although all allergy outcomes appeared more prevalent in the ET group. Limitations, reasons for caution Despite substantial study size, numbers did not allow for adjustment for all covariates. Sub-analyses (IVF vs. ICSI and ET vs. FET), were conducted with limited power and require replication in larger cohorts. Both cohorts were largely of Caucasian decent (&amp;gt;88.0%), which reduces applicability of findings to other ethnicities. Wider implications of the findings Reassuringly, adolescents conceived after ART had better lung-function than their counterparts and no differences in asthma prevalence. The reported increase in allergies in ART conceived adolescents is of importance to families and healthcare providers, and opens possibilities for targeted screening and treatment. Further studies are required to confirm our findings. Trial registration number Not applicable

Urban-Rural Differences in the Epidemiology of Asthma and Allergies in Nigeria: A Population-Based Study.

PurposeUrbanization is associated with the risk of developing allergic conditions. Few studies have evaluated the urban–rural disparity of allergic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.ObjectiveTo compare the epidemiology of adult asthma and allergies in urban and rural Nigeria.Subjects and MethodsA population-based cross-sectional study was performed among 910 subjects in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria, comprising 635 urban and 275 rural adults who were randomly selected. We used standardized questionnaires for data collection.ResultsThe age-adjusted prevalence of adults reporting a previous “asthma attack” or “currently taking asthma medication” within the preceding 12 months (ECRHS asthma definition) was 3.4% urban, 0.5% rural, current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (26.2% urban, 22.2% rural), and current skin allergy (13.9% urban, 10.5% rural). The age-adjusted prevalence of “physician-diagnosed allergic conditions”: asthma (3.3% urban, 1.5% rural), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (4.9% urban, 3.2% rural), and skin allergy (4.8% urban, 4.6% rural) were higher in urban areas than in rural areas. Urban areas recorded a higher age-adjusted 12 months prevalence of wheezing, night waking by breathlessness, night waking by chest tightness, asthma attack (p=0.042), and current use of asthma medication (p=0.031) than the rural areas. In the urban areas, 81% of those with asthma significantly had current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and 40.5% had current skin allergy, whereas in the rural areas, all subjects with asthma had current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and 12.5% had current skin allergy (p=0.482). The most common trigger for asthma attack/respiratory symptoms among the urban household was exposure to environmental smoke (17.2%), and among the rural household, it was dust exposure (18.2%). Living in urban areas significantly increased the odds of having asthma [aOR: 5.6 (95% CI:1.6–19.6)] and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis [aOR: 1.7 (95% CI: 1.2–2.4)].ConclusionThis study shows that urban residents frequently reported more allergic and respiratory symptoms and were at risk of having asthma and allergic rhinitis compared to rural residents. The findings would assist the physicians in understanding the urban–rural differences in the occurrence of allergic conditions, symptom triggers, and comorbidity, which are relevant in patient’s clinical evaluation, treatment, and disease prevention.

Prevalence of allergic diseases among teenagers 13–14 years old in Tyumen city

Introduction. The prevalence of bronchial asthma and other allergic diseases, in particular atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis, nowadays can be estimated by global population studies, such as the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC), and the Global Asthma Network (GAN). There are some difficulties in epidemiological surveillance, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of these nosologies in most of the countries, especially in developing countries with low availability of medical care. Thanks to the GAN program, therapeutic recommendations were made to reduce the global burden of allergic pathology. &#x0D; Purpose of the study. To study the prevalence of clinical symptoms of allergic diseases in children 13–14 years old in the city of Tyumen, as well as highlight the main risk factors that contribute to the disease development. &#x0D; Materials and methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2019 as part of the Global Asthma Network (GAN) project among adolescents 13–14 years of age in the city of Tyumen. The respondents filled out standardized Russified questionnaires, which contained 48 questions concerning the symptoms of allergic diseases and environmental factors. According to the results of the analysis of 3007 questionnaires, it was found that asthma-like symptoms were ever observed in 19,2% of participants, current asthma-like symptoms were noted in 8,5% of respondents, 5,1% of adolescents had medical-verified bronchial asthma. The prevalence of lingering allergic rhinitis and current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis was 28,9% and 12,2% respectively, while only 5,4% of respondents had a verified diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. A quarter of the respondents had symptoms of atopic dermatitis at some point (25,6%), only 4,5% had symptoms of current atopic dermatitis, 3,8% had been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. The negative impact of heavy freight traffic in the city of Tyumen, as well as the use of paracetamol, revealed the increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases. &#x0D; Conclusion. As a result of data analysis, it was found that the prevalence of current asthma-like symptoms, symptoms of atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis significantly exceed the numbers of official statistics. Often, adolescents with symptoms of an allergic disease do not have a correct diagnosis, which is confirmed by a low percentage of positive answers regarding the verification of the diagnosis by a doctor. Among children 13–14 years old in the city of Tyumen there is a high percentage of the prevalence of symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which is probably associated with climatic, geographical and environmental factors.

Prevalence of allergic rhinitis, related comorbidities and risk factors in schoolchildren

BackgroundThe study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of allergic rhinitis and related comorbidities in school-age children in Budapest, capital of Hungary. Data and epidemiological studies on this disease are still limited.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted in 21 representative and randomly selected primary schools in 2019. International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood-based questionnaires (n = 6869) inquiring about prevalence and related risk factors of allergic rhinitis were distributed to all parents. The data were characterised with standard descriptive statistics: frequencies (percentages) and means for categorical and quantitative data, respectively.Results3836 of the questionnaires (1857 M/1979F) were completed. The prevalence of current allergic rhinitis was 29.3% (1043), physician-diagnosed allergic rhinitis was 9.7% (373), cumulative allergic rhinitis was 36.2% (1289) and current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis was 16.2% (577). The presence of physician diagnosed atopic disease–asthma (p < 0.0001, OR = 4.398, 95% CI 3.356–5.807), food allergy (p < 0.0001, OR = 2.594, 95% CI 1.995–3.378), and eczema (p < 0.0001, OR = 1.899, 95% CI 1.568–2.300)-were significantly related to an increased risk of cumulative allergic rhinitis. Significant factors associated with allergic rhinitis include male gender (p < 0.0001), family history of atopy (p < 0.0001), frequent upper respiratory tract infections (p < 0.0001), tonsillectomy (p = 0.0054), antibiotics given in the first year of life (p < 0.0001), paracetamol given in the first year of life (p = 0.0038), long-lasting common infections caused by viruses and/or bacteria before the appearance of the allergy (p < 0.0001), consumption of drinks containing preservatives or colourants (p = 0.0023), duration of living in Budapest (p = 0.0386), smoking at home (p = 0.0218), smoking at home in the first year of life (p = 0.0048), birds at home (p = 0.0119), birds at home in the first year of life (p = 0.0052), visible mould in the bedroom (p = 0.0139), featherbedding (p = 0.0126), frequent or constant heavy-vehicle traffic (p = 0.0039), living in a weedy area (p < 0.0001) and living in the vicinity of an air-polluting factory or mine (p = 0.0128).ConclusionsThe prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in 6–12-year-old children in Budapest is higher than reported for most of the surrounding European countries. While asthma (OR = 4.398) is the most significant comorbidity, environmental factors such as birds at home in the first year of life (OR = 2.394) and living in a weedy area (OR = 1.640) seem to be the most important factors associated with AR. Strategies for preventive measures should be implemented.Trial registration number: KUT-19/2019. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee at Heim Pál National Pediatric Institute,

The influence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis on migraine disability in children.

Migraine is a common condition in the pediatric population and causes a significant impact on the quality of life. Atopic disorders are some of the migraine comorbidities. We hypothesized that allergic rhinitis could aggravate migraine in the pediatric population. This cross-sectional study consecutively evaluated 90 pediatric outpatients (46 children 6-12 years of age; 44 adolescents up to 18 years of age) who sought medical assistance because of migraine at a general neurology clinic in Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil. They, and their parents, were given three questionnaires, to evaluate the diagnosis of current allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and seasonal allergic rhinitis, as well as the disability caused by headache (ISAAC - International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood; CARATkids - Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test for Children; PedMIDAS - Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment). The study was approved by the local ethics committee. According to the ISAAC questionnaire, children with current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in the last year showed higher scores on the PedMIDAS than those patients without atopy (median and interquartile range 26 [10-58] vs. 5 [1-13], p = 0.008). A significant positive correlation of CARATkids scores with PedMIDAS scores was found (p = 0.007, rho = 0.39). After including other putative predictors of migraine disability (age, body mass index, time since onset of migraine) in a multiple regression analysis, only the scores on the CARATkids remained a significant independent variable correlated with PedMIDAS scores (p = 0.001; R = 0.55; R2 = 0.30). Current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is related to enhanced disability caused by headache in childhood migraine.

Effect of industrialization on allergic diseases in school children

Aim: The lifestyle and environmental changes associated with industrialization and urbanization are crucial factors in determining the prevalence of allergic diseases. Material and Methods: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of asthma and other allergic disorders in an industrial town.Study Design: Prospective, Cross-sectional study. This cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in Kemalpasa, Ýzmir, Turkey, which is an industrial town. Using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), the questionnaire was carried out on 1511 school-children aged between 13-14 years living in the district center. Results: The ISAAC Phase One questionnaire was answered by 1373 (90.87%) students. Six hundred ninety two (50.5%) of the children were girls and 681 (49.5%) were boys. The frequency of ever wheezing was 34%,that of current wheezing was 31.1% and that of physician-diagnosed asthma was 4.1%. The frequency of ever rhinitis was 36.6%, current rhinitis was 31.3%, current allergic rhino-conjunctivitis was 22.1% and physician-diagnosed allergic rhinitis was 11.1%. The frequency of ever eczema was 11.3% and that of physician-diagnosed eczema was 3.6%. Conclusion: The prevalence of asthma was found to be significantly higher, although there was no significant difference in allergic rhinitis and eczema compared with non-industrial neighboring states. The incidence of asthma was higher than other provinces which may be explained by the risk factors associated with this industrialized area. The fact that only children of the same age group and residence were evaluated contributed to the epidemiological value of our study.

Prevalence and risk factors of asthma-like symptoms and allergic diseases in preschool children

Objectives. To estimate the prevalence of current asthma-like symptoms and current allergic diseases among preschool children and to determine the risk factors. Materials and methods. Cross-sectional study included children aged 3-6 years. The study was conducted in 5 towns of Altai region. Prevalence of allergic diseases was assessed using the Russian version of the ISAAC questionnaire. Results. According to questionnaire the prevalence of current asthma-like symptoms was 11,1%, current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis - 7,5%, current atopic dermatitis -12,3%. Out of 3205 children asthma was diagnosed in 0,9%, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis - in 3%, atopic dermatitis - in 7,9%. Family history of allergic diseases increases risk of development of the current asthma-like symptoms twice (OR=2,11; 95% CI=1,66-2,68), current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis by 2,8 times (OR=2,85; 95% CI=2,16-3,75), current atopic dermatitis by 4,6 times (OR=4,62; 95% CI=3,69-5,77). The male sex increases risk of the development of current asthma-like symptoms by 2,6 times (OR=2,63; 95% CI=1,17-5,93), current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis by 1,3 times (OR=1,35; 95% CI=1,03-1,76), smoking of parents on the first year of life of the child increases risk of development of current asthma-like symptoms by 1,6 times (OR=1,61; 95% CI=1,15-2,24), breastfeeding duration less than 6 months increases the risk of development of current atopic dermatitis by 1,6 times (OR=1,62; 95% CI=1,26-2,09; p

Rural residence, farming environment, and allergic diseases in Argentinean adolescents.

Little is known about residence in a rural or farming environment and allergic diseases in Latin America. Cross-sectional study of rural residence and current wheeze, current asthma and current symptoms of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis in 1,804 adolescents (ages 13-14 years) attending 31 schools in urban and rural areas of San Francisco (Córdoba, Argentina). Rural residence was classified as never, previous, and current. Duration of rural residence was categorized as 0, >0 but ≤5 years, and >5 years. Current wheeze, current asthma, and current allergic rhino-conjunctivitis were defined on the basis of responses to an extensively validated questionnaire from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. Logistic regression was used for the multivariable analysis of rural residence and the outcomes of interest. After adjustment for current smoking and other covariates, current rural residence (odds ratio [OR] = 0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.03-0.81) and rural residence for >5 years (OR = 0.32, 95%CI = 0.12-0.84) were significantly associated with reduced odds of current wheeze. In a multivariable analysis, current residence in a rural area (OR = 0.52, 95%CI = 0.32-0.86) and rural residence for >5 years (OR = 0.44, 95%CI = 0.26-0.73) were significantly associated with reduced odds of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis. This association was no longer significant after additional adjustment for current residence in a dairy farm, which was significantly associated with reduced odds of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis. Similarly, current regular contact with farm animals was significantly associated with reduced odds of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis. Among Argentinean adolescents, current rural residence and rural residence for >5 years were associated with reduced odds of current wheeze and allergic rhino-conjunctivitis. These potential protective effects may be explained by a dairy farm environment, including regular contact with farm animals. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:21-28. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Increasing prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema among schoolchildren: three surveys during the period 1985–2008

The prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR) and eczema among children has increased worldwide in the last four decades, but recent studies disagree as to whether the prevalence is continuing to rise or is levelling off or declining. The aim of this study was to assess time trends in a subarctic population. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was carried out in 2008 among children aged 7-14 years in randomly selected schools in Nordland County, Norway (n = 4150). The results are compared with results from identical studies in 1985 (n = 4870) and 1995 (n = 4456). The main findings were an increasing prevalence of asthma ever (7.3% in 1985 to 17.6% in 2008, p for trend < 0.001) and AR ever (15.9% in 1985 to 24.5% in 2008, p for trend < 0.001), while the prevalence of eczema ever, after an increase between 1985 and 1995, remained unchanged in the last time period. The prevalence of current disease doubled and trebled between 1995 and 2008 for all three diseases. A repeated cross-sectional survey between 1985 and 2008 documented an increasing prevalence of asthma ever and AR ever among schoolchildren (7-14 years), together with a considerably increase in current asthma, AR and eczema between 1995 and 2008.

Acetaminophen intake and risk of asthma, hay fever and eczema in early adolescence.

A positive association between acetaminophen intake and allergic diseases has recently been reported in developed countries with impaired oxidant/antioxidant balance and promotion of atopy as proposed underlying mechanisms. The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between acetaminophen intake and asthma, hay fever, and eczema in The Republic of Macedonia as a country with acetaminophen intake not physician-controlled, high passive smoke exposure and dietary antioxidant intake, and moderately low prevalence of allergic diseases. Self-reported data obtained through the standardized International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase Three written questionnaires of 3026 adolescents aged 13/14 years from randomly selected schools in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, were used. The frequency of current acetaminophen intake--both unadjusted and adjusted for confounding factors--was correlated to current and ever-diagnosed asthma, hay fever and eczema by odds ratios (OR, 95% CI) in binary logistic regression. Use of acetaminophen at least once monthly increased the risk of current wheeze (adjusted OR 2.04, 1.31-3.20 p = 0.002), asthma 'ever' (adjusted OR 2.77, 1.06-7.26 p=0.039), current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (adjusted OR 2.95, 1.79-4.88 p=0.000) and hay fever 'ever' (adjusted OR 2.25, 1.36-3.70 p=0.002). A significant association between frequent acetaminophen intake and atopic eczema and also between infrequent acetaminophen intake and investigated allergic diseases was not established. The findings suggest an increased risk of asthma and hay fever, but not atopic eczema associated with frequent acetaminophen use in a developing country.

Characteristics of Early Transient, Persistent, and Late Onset Wheezers at 9 to 11 Years of Age

Study objective. To investigate the early determinants and characteristics of different phenotypes of wheeze in children on the basis of questionnaire data, lung function, and prick tests. Design. Cross-sectional survey. Setting. Rome and Fiumicino municipalities in Lazio region, Italy, within the ISAAC phase II project. Subjects. Sample of 2107 9–11 year old schoolchildren (response rate 83.5%). Results. We divided children into four mutually exclusive groups according to onset of wheeze: 154 early transient (birth to age 2), 51 persistent (birth to age 2 and current), 66 late onset (current only), and 1,446 control subjects (no early or current wheeze). Logistic regression models have shown that a family history of asthma and allergies is strongly associated with persistent and late onset wheezing; exposure to parental smoking—both during pregnancy and during the child's first year of life—is related to persistent wheezing; all children with wheezing show a significantly greater risk to have current respiratory symptoms other than wheeze compared with control subjects; current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms and atopy are related with both persistent and late onset wheeze. Multiple linear regression models show that forced expiratory rates at 25% to 75% of vital capacity (FEF25−75) and the ratio between forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) are significantly lower both in early transient (−305 mL/s, −1.7%) and persistent (−298 mL/s, −3.2%) wheezers; FEV1/FVC is significantly reduced in late onset wheezers too (−2.0%). Conclusions. The strength of the association of family history and exposure to parental smoking varies with the three wheezing phenotypes. Moreover, early, persistent and late onset wheezers have different clinical characteristics in terms of their respiratory health and atopic status.

Atopic diseases in Sami and Norse schoolchildren living in northern Norway.

Among children in the western world, atopic diseases are a major cause of morbidity. However, several prevalence studies have indicated that the frequency of these diseases displays both geographic and ethnic variations. In 1995, we conducted a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey in northern Norway. Atopic diseases among 8676 schoolchildren, aged 7-13 years, including 491 children with Sami ethnicity, were studied. The role of ethnicity (Sami/white Caucasian) was determined by comparing the reported atopic disease rate in each of the respective groups. In the areas under investigation (the cumulative incidence, the point prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and the cumulative incidence of atopic dermatitis), the Sami children scored higher than the white Caucasian Norwegian children. The relative risks (RR) in Sami children were: current asthma RR = 2.01 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.48-2.73]; current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis RR = 1.51 (95% CI 1.14-1.99); lifetime atopic dermatitis RR = 1.39 (95% CI 1.18-1.63). We thus conclude that there is an association between Sami ethnicity and asthma and allergy among schoolchildren in northern Norway.

Prevalence of positive skin prick tests, allergic asthma, and rhinoconjunctivitis in teenagers in northern Sweden.

The prevalence of positive skin prick tests (SPT) for common allergens and symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis or asthma was investigated in Umeå in northern Sweden in 1987. Skin prick tests with 10 allergens common in Sweden and a questionnaire were used to examine 1112 teenagers. All subjects with a positive skin prick test or symptoms were interviewed, and they were further investigated by a serum specific IgE test, a ventilatory lung function test, and a physical examination. At least one skin prick test was positive in 43% of the subjects. Ninety-three percent had at least one positive skin prick test to one of the three most common allergens: cat, timothy grass, and birch. The prevalence of current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis was 17%, current allergic asthma 2.8%, and current asthma (both allergic and nonallergic) 6.8%. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the most important risk factors for current asthma were sex (being a girl) and atopy. Heredity of asthma or rhinoconjunctivitis and being born in the winter (October-March) also increased the risk. In atopic subjects, having a mother who smoked and heredity of asthma increased the risk. For allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, heredity increased the risk of getting rhinoconjunctivitis.