[Allergy testing possibly useful in children less than 4 years of age with recurrent cough and wheeze]

To assess the diagnostic value of measuring allergen-specific IgE antibodies in children less than 4 years of age with recurrent cough and wheeze.

Retrospective cohort study.

The prevalence of specific sensitisation for inhaled and food allergens that can be demonstrated by means of Phadiatop and enzymatic assays was determined on the basis of clinical data on 97 children under four years of age that had been referred to a paediatrician for recurrent cough and wheeze.

Measurement of allergen-specific IgE antibodies was performed in 44 (45%) of the 97 patients (58 boys and 39 girls; median age: 13 months). Sensitisation was demonstrated in 15 of 44 patients (34%). Children who were three years old or older or who had eczema or rhinitis apart from colds had a statistically significantly higher chance of having specific antibodies than children who were younger or who did not have these symptoms.

Measurement of allergen-specific IgE antibodies can also reveal sensitisation in young children with recurrent cough and wheeze. The likelihood of finding specific antibodies was higher in children in whom either the history or the physical examination revealed indications of eczema or rhinitis apart from colds.