Prevalence Of Allergy In Children Research Articles

Low CCL2 and CXCL8 Production and High Prevalence of Allergies in Children with Microcephaly Due to Congenital Zika Syndrome.

Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) is associated with an increased risk of microcephaly in affected children. This study investigated the peripheral dysregulation of immune mediators in children with microcephaly due to CZS. Gene expression quantified by qPCR in whole blood samples showed an increase in IFNγ and IL-13 transcripts in children affected with microcephaly compared to the control group. The microcephaly group exhibited significantly decreased CCL2 and CXCL8 levels in serum, quantified by CBA assay. An allergic profile questionnaire revealed a high prevalence of allergies in the microcephaly group. In accordance, elevated serum IgE level measured by the Proquantum Immunoassay was observed in children affected with microcephaly compared to the control group. Altogether, these findings show a persistent systemic inflammation in children with microcephaly due to CZS and suggest a possible impairment in leukocyte migration caused by low production of CCL2 and CXCL8, in addition to high levels of IgE associated with high prevalence of allergies. The dysregulation of inflammatory genes and chemokines underscores the importance of understanding the immunological characteristics of CZS. Further investigation into the long-term consequences of systemic inflammation in these children is crucial for developing appropriate therapeutic strategies and tailored vaccination protocols.

Are allergic diseases and internalizing and externalizing behaviours in children related? A cross-sectional study

IntroductionThe prevalence of allergies in children has grown in last few decades. Allergies are very often associated with physical, mental, and emotional problems that could be detected through child’s behaviour and feelings.Objectivesto describe and compare children’s behaviour (internalizing and externalizing) across a sample of children aged 6–11 years with and without allergic diseases.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional observational case-control study. A survey to 366 families (194 allergic cases and 172 controls), including a child behaviour checklist (CBCL) and a socio-demographic questionnaire with questions related to family, school education, health conditions and allergy symptoms, was administered.ResultsChildren with a diagnosis of allergy showed higher scores in the overall CBCL score (standardised mean differences [SMD]= 0.47; confidence intervals [CI]: 0.26–0.68) and in the internalizing and externalizing factors (SMD=0.52 and SMD=0.36, respectively) than non-allergic children. Odds ratio (OR) analyses showed a higher risk (OR=2.76; 95% CI [1.61 to 4.72]) of developing a behavioural difficulty in children diagnosed with allergies. Age and level of asthma appear as modulatory variables.ConclusionsChildren aged 6–11 years diagnosed with allergies showed larger behavioural problems than non-allergic children. This relationship is stronger in internalizing behaviours. These findings suggest the importance of attending to them and treating them in the early stages of diagnosis to avoid future psychological disorders.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

The immunomodulatory and antiallergic effects of human colonized probiotics

The rate of allergy is increasing particularly among infants due to several factors reaching up to 30%. Several materials components have been implicated in the development and excessive activation of the immune system, acting as irritants and allergic agents. In several studies, in Mediterranean inhabitants with a specific diet, the prevalence of allergies in children was low, whereas dietary supplements in the Western and Mediterranean countries had a different role in the regulation of immune responses and in the reduction of allergic reactions. Probiotics have been associated with reduction of allergic reactions mostly by positive effect on T helper cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), B cells and dendritic cells. Furthermore, probiotics existing in the human intestine can modulate the immune response and allergic reactions through downregulation of Th2-related responses (IgE, IL-4 and IL-5). They mostly exert anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties by modulation of immune system components via hindering of various signaling pathways such as the NF-κB pathway, probably associated with changes in mitogen-activated protein kinases and pattern recognition receptors pathways. These microorganisms have also potential to inhibit the bacterial lipopolysaccharide attachment to the CD14 receptor, hence reducing the overall activation of NF-κB and proinflammatory cytokines production. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species act through increase in proinflammatory (Th1) cytokines (INF-γ, IL-12, IL-13, TNF-α and also IL-4 and IL-10), dendritic cells, CD4+FoxP3+ T cells, GATA-3 and intestinal barrier maturation, whereas decrease the Th2-mediated cytokines, IgA, IgE, IgG1, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-6, IL-13, airway reactivity, pulmonary eosinophilia. Furthermore, Clostridium butyricum could act by improvement of anaphylaxis symptoms and increase of sIgA and CD4+ CD25+FoxP3Treg cells. In this review, we assessed the recent evidence that confirms the role of probiotics compounds as an important factor in the safety of homeostasis and the development of allergic reactions through a complex set of metabolites and the immune cells. The employment and application of probiotics combined with immunotherapy approaches can be possibly effective in reducing allergic reactions and related therapeutic costs.

Prevalence of allergy in children with acute rhinosinusitis

Objective:To explore the prevalence of allergy in patients with acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) and evaluate the severity of symptoms in ARS children with or without allergy.Method:Two hundred and seven children (4-12 years of age) with ARS and 85 children of control group were included in our research from June, 2016 to January, 2018. We use questionaire to collect the basic information of pediatric patients. The results of skin prick test (SPT) were recorded. Mothers were required to complete the Sinus and Nasal Quality-of-Life Survey (SN-5).All ARS childern were divided into allergic group and non-allergic group according to the result of SPT. We use binomial distribution to evaluate the population rate. t-test, Chi-square test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test were appropriately used to compare the parameters between two groups.Result:Among the 207 ARS participants in this study, 44.4% participants were shown to response to at least one Inhalation allergen and 40.6% participants were shown to response to at least one perennial allergen. Both ratios were significantly higher than those of the control group. Perennial allergy seems to be much more common than seasonal allergy in pediatric patients with ARS. The most troublesome symptoms among the participants with acute rhinosinusitis combined with allergic rhinitis were nasal obstruction (5.28±1.34), nasal discharge (5.07±1.04), post-nasal drip (4.63±1.31) and itchy eyes/nose (4.28±1.51). Four subscale scores of the SN-5 including nasal obstruction, allergy symptoms, emotional distress and activity limitation in the allergic group were obviously higher than those of the non-allergic group.Conclusion:Allergic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of pediatric acute rhinosinusitis.

Prevalence of allergy in children with adenoid hypertrophy and otitis media with effusion admitted to the Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology in Poznan

Prevalence of allergy in children with adenoid hypertrophy and otitis media with effusion admitted to the Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology in Poznan

Type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents is not associated with a reduced prevalence of atopy and allergic diseases.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) as well as allergies in childhood have increased worldwide during the last 2 decades. The reasons for this increase are still unknown but early life origins are being discussed, such as dietary and hygiene factors that may play a role in the development of both diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of allergies in children with and without T1D and to define potential influencing factors. Data were collected from 104 patients with T1D (n = 104; mean age 11.4 ± 4.4 years; m/f: 77/27) and 104 healthy controls (CG) (n = 104; mean age 11.4 ± 4.3 years; m/f: 77/27). A questionnaire on allergic symptoms was obtained from each individual. In parallel, ImmunoCAP tests to detect specific allergen sensitization were performed. Allergen sensitization rates were not significantly different between both groups (T1D: 42% vs CG 38%; P = 0.625). In both groups, a comparable number of patients reported allergic symptoms in the questionnaire (T1D: 20% vs CG 26%; P = 0.43). Allergen sensitization and allergic symptoms were independent of breastfeeding, pets at home or diabetes duration. However, in T1D, fewer family members smoked (T1D: 10% vs CG 56%; P < 0.001). The present cohort study shows the same prevalence of allergy and atopy in a pediatric diabetes population compared to healthy controls. Diabetes per se does not seem to influence the development of allergies.

Over-Estimation of Soy Allergenicity: Laboratory Versus Challenge Tests: A Meta-Analysis

Soybeans have been cultivated in Eastern countries for many centuries and soy protein formulas (SPFs) have been developed, which have been widely used for feeding infants with cow's milk (CM) allergy (CMA) since more 70 years. Several long-term studies have shown that the nutritional adequacy of SPFs allows normal growth and development when fed to normal and high risk infants. We emphasize that most studies base the diagnosis of soy allergy on clinical evaluation or anecdotal case histories reported by parents, but not on challenge tests, thus soy allergy has been highlighted in the last decades, due to an excessive reliance on skin prick tests (SPTs) and/or RAST. We deem that the incorrect definition of soy allergy and non appropriate diagnostic criteria have led to a large discrepancy on the prevalence of soy allergy in the medical literature which ranges from 3% up to 80%, but was very seldom compared to results of DBPCFC (double-blind placebo controlled challenge tests). In this paper we present factual evidence that objective scientific and laboratory data establish the true prevalence of soy allergy in children with CMA and in the general pediatric population. We demonstrate that the importance attributed to SPTs is completely not justifiable

Breast feeding and allergy

Aim. Prevalence of allergy in children is increasing. Influence of feeding on the risk of development of allergy in infants was studied in 140 infants.Methods and results. Along with general clinical evaluation methods immunological parameters assessment was used. It was showed that great care must be given to the pregnant woman treatment, especially with antibiotics, vitamins.Conclusion. As secondary preventive measures suggest: early (in the first 30 minutes) application of the newborn babies on the breast, exclusively breastfeeding, careful and minimal medicines prescription, rational feeding.

Habitual Snoring in Children with Previous Allergic Sensitization

Previous studies have reported a high prevalence of allergy in children with Habitual Snoring (HS), but the relationship between allergy in the early years of life and the subsequent development of this Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) is yet to be elucidated. The purpose of the present study was to determine the role of early, under 36 months of age, allergic sensitization to food (with or without sensitization to airborne allergens) in determining the development of HS 8-10 years after. One hundred and forty-eight children (10-14 years, mean age 12 years) with a history of food allergy were selected. Under the age of 36 months, atopic status was assessed by skin prick test for a panel of airborne and food allergens. Questionnaires filled in by parents were used to collect information on children's snoring and associated symptoms. HS was defined as snoring three or more times per week. At 1-3 years of age 54 children were positive to food allergens alone, and 94 were positive also to airborne allergens. After 8-10 years of life, when patients were aged between 10 and 14 years, habitual snoring was reported in 37 children. Furthermore, among the 54 children under three years of age sensitized only to food, 8 became HS while of the 94 children sensitized to both food and inhalants allergens 29 developed HS. The difference between those two groups was statistically significant (p=0.04). We reported a significant risk of developing HS in children with early allergic sensitization. Specifically this risk was higher when food allergy was associated with inhalant allergy. The onset of upper airway inflammation due to allergic triggers in subjects under three years of age may be related to the subsequent development of SDB after 8-10 years.

TREATMENT WITH AMINO-ACID-BASED FORMULA OF CHILDREN WITH ALIMENTARY ALLERGY TO COW MILK PROTEINS

The prevalence of alimentary allergy in children of the 1st year of life is increasing overall. This kind of disorders involves different organs and tissues, and its clinical manifestations are not pathognomic. Among the most important allergens one of the key roles play cow milk proteins. Hypoallergenic formulas are recommended for the non-invasive dietary diagnostics and treatment. Amino-acid-based formulas meet the criteria of being hypoallergenic.

Feeding Bottles Usage and the Prevalence of Childhood Allergy and Asthma

This study aimed to examine the association between the length of use of feeding bottles or pacifiers during childhood and the prevalence of respiratory and allergic morbidities. A large-scale questionnaire survey was performed in day care centers and kindergartens (with children's ages ranging from 2 to 7 years) in southern Taiwan, and a total of 14,862 questionnaires completed by parents were finally recruited for data analysis. Effects of using feeding bottles on children's wheezing/asthma (adjusted OR: 1.05, 95% CI 1.00–1.09), allergic rhinitis (adjusted OR: 1.04, 95% CI 1.00–1.08), and eczema (adjusted OR: 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.2) were found. Moreover, significant dose-dependent relationships were further established after an adjustment for confounders was performed that included children's ages, gender, gestational age, birth weight, length of breastfeeding, the age when first given infant formula or complementary foods, family history, parental educational levels, and smoking status, as well as the problem of indoor water damage. This study was the first to reveal the potential risk of using plastic consumer products such as feeding bottles on the reported health status of preschool children in Asian countries.

Prevalence and risk factors of childhood allergic diseases in eight metropolitan cities in China: A multicenter study

BackgroundSeveral studies conducted during the past two decades suggested increasing trend of childhood allergic diseases in China. However, few studies have provided detailed description of geographic variation and explored risk factors of these diseases. This study investigated the pattern and risk factors of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema in eight metropolitan cities in China.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey during November-December 2005 in eight metropolitan cities in China. A total of 23791 children aged 6-13 years participated in this survey. Questions from the standard questionnaire of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC) were used to examine the pattern of current asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the risk factors for childhood allergies.ResultsThe average prevalence of childhood asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema across the eight cities was 3∙3% (95% Confidence interval (CI): 3∙1%, 3∙6%), 9∙8% (95% CI: 9∙4%, 10∙2%) and 5∙5% (95% CI: 5∙2%, 5∙8%), respectively. Factors related to lifestyle, mental health and socio-economic status were found to be associated with the prevalence of childhood allergies. These risk factors were unevenly distributed across cities and disproportionately affected the local prevalence.ConclusionsThere was apparent geographic variation of childhood allergies in China. Socio-environmental factors had strong impacts on the prevalence of childhood allergies; but these impacts differed across regions. Thus public health policies should specifically target at the local risk factors for each individual area.

Prevalence of Allergies in Children with Orthodontic Braces In The Dominican Republic

RATIONALE: Dento-facial deformities have been correlated with allergic rhinitis and asthma. We decided to perform a pilot study to evaluate the prevalence of positive skin tests to mites, the main allergen in the tropics, in patients with orthodontic braces attending our outpatient allergy and immunology clinic.

Birth Order Effect on the Prevalence of Childhood Allergy: Comparisons among Different Allergic Diseases

Birth Order Effect on the Prevalence of Childhood Allergy: Comparisons among Different Allergic Diseases

The role of latitude, ultraviolet radiation exposure and vitamin D in childhood asthma and hayfever: an Australian multicenter study

Observations of increasing allergy prevalence with decreasing distance from the Equator and positive associations with ambient ultraviolet radiation have contributed to a growing interest in the possible role of vitamin D in the etiology of allergy. The aims of this study were to describe any latitudinal variation in the prevalence of childhood allergy in Australia and to evaluate, in parallel, the individual associations between ultraviolet radiation (UVR)- and vitamin D-related measures and hayfever asthma and both conditions. Participants were population-based controls who took part in a multicenter case-control study, aged 18-61 yr and resident in one of four study regions ranging in latitude from 27°S to 43°S. Data were derived from a self-administered questionnaire, interview and examination by a research officer and biologic sampling. Latitude and longitude coordinates were geocoded from participants' residential locations and climatic data were linked to postcodes of current residence. Stored serum was analyzed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and silicone rubber casts of the skin were used as an objective measure of cumulative actinic damage. There was an inverse latitude gradient for asthma (a 9% decrease per increasing degree of latitude); however, this pattern did not persist after adjusting for average daily temperature. There was no association between any of the UVR- or vitamin D-related measures and childhood asthma, but greater time in the sun in winter between the ages 6-15 yr was associated with an increase in the odds of having hayfever [adjusted odds ratios (OR) 1.29; 95% CI 1.01-1.63]. Oral supplementation with cod liver oil in childhood increased the odds of a history of having both asthma and hayfever (2.87; 1.00-8.32). Further investigation of the possible role of early vitamin D supplementation in the development of allergy is warranted. Our results also suggest that solar exposure during childhood may be important in allergic sensitization. Plausible explanations, including biologic mechanisms, exist for both observations.

Kontaktallergie bei Kindern

Although the prevalence of contact allergy in children is largely unknown, the most frequent contact allergens in childhood are nickel, fragrances, p-phenylenediamine, thimerosal, preservatives and components of skin care and hygiene products. Children with persistent eczema or otherwise suspected contact allergy should be patch tested. For children, the same preparations of allergens and test techniques can be used as for adults. Patch tests should be done with allergens suggested by history and with a shortened standard series, at best with small Finn-Chambers that are attached for 1 day only. Positive readings need to be assessed with regard to clinical relevance. In children, the treatment of allergic contact dermatitis follows the same principles as in adults. Topical corticosteroids are agents of well proven efficiency whereas non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should not be applied to the skin because there is of a risk of contact sensitization. For reasons of prophylaxis it is important to avoid potential contact allergens in childhood.

Prevalence of Allergies in Children With Complex Medical Problems

The aim is to determine whether there is a pattern of allergic and immune abnormalities in children with complex medical problems. The authors retrospectively studied a convenience sample of 69 children in a case management program. Of 69 children, 42 underwent immunologic investigations during the selected time frame. Forty (95%) had 1 or more allergic disorder. Cow's milk sensitivity was present in 32 (76%). Abnormal immunoglobulin levels, IgG, IgA, and IgE were found at a greater frequency than in the general pediatric population (P <.005). Lymphocyte subset percentages were decreased for B cells (CD19) and natural killer cells (CD57, CD16/56; P <.05). Presence of a gastrostomy tube, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastric acid suppression, and chronic constipation were common and failure to thrive, developmental delay, sleep disturbance, and recurrent otitis media were present in the majority. The authors report a higher than expected prevalence of allergic and immune abnormalities in children with complex medical problems.

Prevalence of latex sensitization and allergy in Portuguese children

The prevalence of latex allergy has been increasing not only in risk groups but also in the general population, where it is accepted to average 1%. In children, latex sensitization prevalence studies are scarce and involve different population sampling and allergy testing methods, which makes it difficult to compare across studies. Nevertheless, existing studies point towards a low prevalence of latex allergy in children, which still needs to be confirmed in the Portuguese population. Aiming at studying the prevalence of latex sensitization and allergy in a sample of Portuguese children, we studied 182 children from two different hospital outpatient clinics. A standardized questionnaire focusing on atopic background, previous history and allergic signs or symptoms on exposure to latex or fruits was given to all children and parents. Skin prick testing was performed with a battery of common aeroallergens as well as latex. Serum total IgE, Phadiatop, F x 5E and latex-specific IgE were determined in all children. Specific IgE to latex-crossreacting fruits was determined in latex-sensitized children. Based upon the questionnaire, the prevalence of latex allergy would be 0.5%. The prevalence of latex sensitization would be 3.8%, when based solely upon skin prick testing, and 12.1% (>/=0.35 IU/ml) or 6.6% (>/=0.70 IU/ml) when based singly upon determination of latex-specific IgE. When positive results for either test were considered, the prevalence of latex sensitization was 14.3%. All latex-sensitized children were atopic. Sensitivity to latex-crossreacting foodstuffs was demonstrated in 61.5% of latex-sensitized children (16/26). This study shows that the prevalence of latex allergy and sensitization in Portuguese atopic and non-atopic children, as analysed using various diagnostic methods, is similar to that observed in other countries. In addition, the assessment of latex allergy and sensitization should always include skin prick testing and determination of serum IgE.

Promoting breast-feeding with weak arguments

There is no doubt that breast-feeding represents the optimal nutrition during early infancy. It is also well known that poor breast-feeding is a reason, or even the major reason for infant mortality due to malnutrition and infection in developing countries. These, and other benefits of breast-feeding are good reasons to encourage breast-feeding in many countries. The arguments are not equally important, however, in affluent countries, with good hygiene and wellinformed parents. For many years, some paediatricians, notably allergologists, have claimed that breast-feeding also protects against the development of allergic diseases, while an equal number of studies has failed to support this, or even reported an increased incidence of allergies in breast-fed babies. The fact is that there is little or no support for any major impact of breast-feeding on allergy development. The interpretation of findings seems often to be biased by the desire to prove that breast-feeding is always beneficial and a reluctance to accept that it could be associated with any problems at all. A recent Swedish study is an example of this (1). A birth cohort was followed up to 4 years of age and it was reported that ‘‘exclusive breast-feeding for 4 months or more reduced the risk for eczema at the age of 4 years (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.72–1.08) although this result was not statistically significant’’. Therefore, the analyses were done in a different way, by excluding children with eczema and asthma during the period of breast-feeding. By doing this, the authors slightly strengthened their finding, now observing an odds ratio of 0.78 with 95% confidence interval of 0.63–0.96. The authors state that ‘‘in no other previous studies has the possibility of diseaserelated modification of breast-feeding behavior been addressed’’. By excluding infants who developed symptoms while they were breast-fed and by creating an arbitrary and undefined group of children with ‘‘severe allergic disease’’, they could obtain further support for a protective role of breast-feeding. The paper is an example of how analyses can be geared to promote a desired outcome. From a public health point of view it is artificial and unreasonable to exclude those infants who manifest eczema or wheezing while breast-fed, and certainly unacceptable to conclude that ‘‘breast-feeding for 4 months or more reduces the risk for eczema and onset of the allergy march’’. One could perhaps argue that the authors are stretching their data to promote a good thing; but advice given to the general public should be based on adequately analysed good studies of a similar quality, as requested before therapies are recommended. It is simply not true that ‘‘breast is best’’ under all circumstances. The often very strong and sometimes even dogmatic force upon the mother to breast-feed for at least 6 months may prevent her from returning to work if she wished to do so, and cause feelings of guilt if she wished to terminate breast-feeding for various reasons. Today, in countries such as in Scandinavia, it is not easy to confirm major nutritional or immunological advances of breast-feeding over feeding with modern infant formulae. Without discussing causes or consequences, it can be stated that the prevalence of childhood allergies has tripled in Sweden since the early 1970s, despite the fact that breast-feeding has also tripled during the same period, to 73% breast-feeding up to at least 6 months among Swedish infants born in 2003.

Association of recurrent wheezing with sensitivity to cockroach allergen in inner-city children

There are numerous data that show a strong relationship between early exposure and sensitization to indoor allergens and the development of asthma and persistent wheezing in children. Most studies, however, have only examined the prevalence of allergy in children who have been identified as having asthma. To assess the prevalence of positive skin test results to common inhaled allergens and possible association with wheezing in inner-city children being seen in a general pediatric clinic. Skin testing to common aeroallergens was performed by the prick-puncture method. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Seventy-five children aged 2 months to 10 years were evaluated. A total of 37% of the children had a positive skin test result to at least one allergen; 29% of the children were sensitive to dust mite, 15% to cockroach, 9% to cat, 7% to mold, 4% to grass, 3% to ragweed, and 1% to dog. Seven (64%) of 11 children with positive skin test results to cockroach had a history of wheezing compared with 21 (33%) of 64 with negative skin test results to cockroach (P = .05). Our results indicate that in a population of inner-city children not previously identified as atopic, more than a third showed sensitivity to at least one allergen. Although dust mite was the most common allergen to which the children were sensitized, cockroach sensitivity was the only allergen that correlated significantly with previous episodes of wheezing.