Exploring the Link between Polysensitization and Allergic Rhinitis Subtypes in Vietnamese Patients

Area of Science:

• Clinical Immunology
• Allergology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Allergic rhinitis (AR) is frequently associated with sensitization to multiple allergens (polysensitization).
• Understanding AR phenotypes and sensitization patterns in diverse populations, such as Vietnam, is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate demographic and clinical characteristics of AR patients in Vietnam.
• To determine allergic sensitization profiles and their association with AR phenotypes.
• To differentiate between non-allergic rhinitis (NAR), monosensitized, and polysensitized AR patients.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, cross-sectional study involving 146 participants in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
• Assessment included AR status, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, skin prick tests (SPT), and blood tests for total and specific IgE.
• Patients were classified based on sensitization to aeroallergens, with polysensitization defined as reactivity to ≥2 allergen classes.

Main Results:

• Polysensitization (42.47%) and monosensitization (41.78%) were prevalent in AR patients, with non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) in 15.75%.
• Sensitized patients exhibited younger age at onset, longer illness duration, more frequent oral corticosteroid use, and higher VAS scores compared to NAR.
• House dust mite sensitization was most common; polysensitization correlated with moderate-severe AR, while NAR was linked to mild intermittent AR.

Conclusions:

• Significant clinical and immunological distinctions exist between NAR, monosensitized, and polysensitized AR patients.
• Findings underscore the need for tailored management strategies based on individual sensitization profiles and AR phenotypes.
• This research provides valuable insights into AR characteristics within the Vietnamese population.