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Sensitization to Common Allergens Among Children with Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis in Qatar
Khalid Zahraldin1, Prem Chandra2, Amjad Tuffaha3,4
1Section of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
Insights
In Qatar, childhood asthma and allergic rhinitis are common, with house dust mites and cockroaches prevalent in younger children. Older children show higher sensitization to cats and dogs, impacting medical management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Allergens
- Respiratory Diseases
Background:
- Childhood asthma and allergic rhinitis are prevalent in Qatar.
- Aeroallergen sensitization plays a key role in the pathogenesis and presentation of these conditions.
- Identifying sensitization patterns is crucial for effective clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the aeroallergen sensitization patterns in children diagnosed with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis.
- To investigate the relationship between sensitization patterns and clinical parameters.
- To inform tailored medical management strategies for pediatric allergic respiratory diseases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical files for children aged 2-14 years.
- Inclusion criteria: confirmed diagnosis of asthma and/or allergic rhinitis, and positive skin prick test (SPT).
- Data collected included patient demographics, family history, sensitization profiles, eosinophil counts, and IgE levels.
Main Results:
- A total of 473 children were analyzed, with a high prevalence of positive family history (66.3%).
- House dust mites (Der p1, Der f) and American cockroach were the most common allergens, particularly in children under 5 years.
- Older children (>10 years) showed higher sensitization rates to cat and dog allergens.
Conclusions:
- Family history is a significant factor in pediatric asthma and allergic rhinitis.
- Sensitization patterns to aeroallergens differ based on age, with distinct allergens implicated in younger versus older children.
- Understanding these age-specific patterns, including common allergens like HDM, cats, and alternaria, is vital for targeted treatment.
Background:
Childhood asthma (A) and allergic rhinitis (AR) are common in Qatar. Aeroallergens sensitization is integral in disease pathogenesis and clinical presentation. Determining sensitization patterns assists clinicians in tailoring an efficient medical management.
Objective:
To determine the aeroallergen sensitization pattern and relationship to clinical parameters.
Methods:
A retrospective review of children (2-14-years) files with i) Pediatric Allergist/or Pulmonologist confirmed-diagnosis of A, and AR, and ii) positive skin prick test (SPT).
Results:
Among 473 patients (69.1% males; 30.9% females), aged 7.6 years, family history was positive in 66.3%: 59.4% in A, 64.2% AR, and 78.2% A-AR. The number of allergens/patients was 2.1±1.7. Median eosinophil count was 400 cells/ul and IgE 287 KU/L. Rates of A, AR, and A-AR varied significantly in children ≤5 years compared to >10 years: A was 43.2% vs 17.8%, and AR 34.5% vs 16.4%. Two hundred and four children (43.1%) were mono-sensitized, 215 (45.5%) oligosensitized (2-3 allergens), and 54 (11.4%) polysensitized (≥4 allergens). A-AR ranked the top number of positive allergens. The commonest aeroallergen was Der p1 (38.1%), followed by Der f (29.0%), cat (22.6%), alternaria (18.8%), American cockroach (18.4%), and dog (14.0%). House dust mite (HDM) and American cockroach were commoner in ≤5 years than older >10-year children (52.5%, 24.1%), while cat and dog allergens were commoner in older ones (37.1%, 21.6%).
Conclusion:
Family history is quite positive in patients with A and AR. Common aeroallergens include HDM, cats, and alternaria in the young children, while animal allergens were commoner in the older children.
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