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Atopic sensitization among children in an arctic environment
T G Krause1, A Koch, L K Poulsen
1Department of Epidemiology Research, Danish Epidemiology Science Centre, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark. tgv@ssi.dk
Summary
Greenlandic children exhibit high total IgE levels but low allergic sensitization, suggesting reduced genetic susceptibility and allergen exposure in arctic environments. This study investigated atopy prevalence and IgE levels in Arctic populations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Asthma is reportedly rare in Inuit populations, yet IgE levels remain undetermined in Arctic communities.
- Understanding atopy prevalence is crucial for public health in diverse environmental settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of atopy in children residing in an Arctic environment.
- To examine associations between atopy, total IgE levels, parental birthplace (ethnicity proxy), and travel history.
Main Methods:
- Screening for atopy in schoolchildren (ages 5-18) in Sisimiut, Greenland.
- Analysis of blood samples for total IgE and specific IgE against inhalant and food allergens.
- Data collection on parental birthplace and travel history via registries and questionnaires.
Main Results:
- 14.6% of children showed sensitization to inhalant allergens, 4.1% to food allergens.
- Higher risk of inhalant allergen sensitization in children with parents born abroad (OR=8.6).
- Increased risk of pollen and animal-dander sensitization in children who traveled abroad (OR=1.6, OR=2.1).
- Both atopic and non-atopic children had high total IgE levels (medians 251 and 58 kU/L).
Conclusions:
- Greenlandic children have high total IgE but low prevalence of allergic sensitization compared to European populations.
- Potential factors include low genetic susceptibility to atopy and reduced allergen exposure in the Arctic.
- Arctic living conditions may influence allergic responses and disease prevalence.