Allergic study assessment in atopic children

Introduction: atopy is defined as the tendency to produce allergen-specific IgE antibodies and is expressed clinically as dermatitis, eczema, bronchial asthma and rhino-conjunctivitis. In the last years, an increase prevalence of atopy in developed countries has been documented. The detection of allergens involved is necessary for optimal therapeutic measures. The aim of this study is to describe the profiles of sensitizations in children with atopy in the municipality of Zaragoza.

Material and methods: in summer of 2009 the clinical histories of 0-14 year-old children, of 6 pediatricians' consultations were reviewed. A sample of 194 children with clinical findings and allergic positive study in the last 5 years was collected.

Results: distribution between sexes: 62.9% male and 37.1% female. Clinical findings: 78% asthma, 68% rhinitis, 50% conjunctivitis and 29% dermatitis, often several diagnoses were associated. The allergens found are: 48% gramineae, 35% fungi, 34% trees, 26% animals, 24% food, 19% dust-mites and 18% weeds.

Conclusions: the most important causes of sensitization in our study are gramineae in the first place followed by Alternaria. Olive tree, animals, dust-mites and weeds follow them in this order. We must study cypress, platanus orientalis and Chenopodium, and Salsola, which are prevalent in our geoclimatic zone, if there are symptoms in winter or in late summer. The high sensitization to food matches other studies. The identification of the sensitizations will allow us to relate them to the clinic, take the appropriate therapeutic measures and to improve the quality of life of these children.