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Atopy in preschool Italian children with recurrent respiratory infections

Rosa Maria Dellepiane1, Paola Pavesi, Maria Francesca Patria

  • 1Clinica Pediatrica II Università di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico Mangiagalli e Regina Elena.

La Pediatria Medica E Chirurgica : Medical and Surgical Pediatrics
|October 21, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Atopy, or allergic predisposition, is common in children with recurrent respiratory infections (RRI). This study found atopy favors RRI development, while significant immune disorders are rare in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Immunology

Background:

  • Recurrent respiratory infections (RRI) are prevalent in preschool-aged children, often linked to environmental factors and immature immune systems.
  • The association between atopy (allergic predisposition) and RRI is debated, with previous studies yielding inconclusive results.
  • Understanding these links is crucial for managing childhood respiratory health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of atopy on RRI in Italian children under 6 years old.
  • To analyze the immunological and clinical profiles of children experiencing RRI.
  • To clarify the role of atopy and underlying immune disorders in pediatric RRI.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive immunological assessments including blood leukocyte counts, immunoglobulin levels (total, IgG subclasses), and lymphocytic subpopulations.
  • Evaluation of total and specific IgE levels for common food and inhalant allergens.
  • Clinical data collection on 297 Italian children diagnosed with RRI, focusing on age of onset and family history.

Main Results:

  • Atopy was identified in 50.5% of children with RRI, with a higher prevalence in males (67.3%).
  • Early onset RRI (<1 year) was significantly more common in atopic children (58.9%) compared to non-atopic children (44%).
  • Immunological disorders, such as IgA or IgG2 deficiency, were diagnosed in 13.2% of cases, generally mild.

Conclusions:

  • Atopy is a frequent condition in children with RRI and appears to be a contributing factor.
  • Underlying significant immunological diseases are uncommon in this pediatric population with RRI.
  • Immune defects observed were predominantly mild, suggesting atopy as a primary concern.
Abstract

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