Polysensitization Patterns and Age-Dependent Allergen Profiles in Children from Suzhou, China: A Component-Resolved...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
• Clinical Diagnostics
• Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases

Background:

• Allergic diseases represent a significant global health concern, particularly with increasing prevalence in children.
• Understanding allergen sensitization is crucial for effective management and prevention strategies in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate allergen sensitization profiles, cross-reactivity, and polysensitization patterns in pediatric patients with allergic diseases in Suzhou, China.
• To provide data for the development of precise prevention and treatment strategies tailored to individual children.
• To analyze the relationship between age, gender, and specific allergen sensitization.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 510 children (aged 1-15 years) with suspected allergic conditions.
• Serum-specific IgE (sIgE) testing for 12 aeroallergens and 14 food allergens.
• Component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) for house dust mite (HDM)/Dust mite allergens in 120 patients.

Main Results:

• High sIgE positivity rate (74.12%) observed in the study cohort.
• Aeroallergen sensitization (90.48%) was more prevalent than food allergen sensitization (48.15%), with HDM being the most common.
• Age significantly influenced sensitization patterns, with younger children showing higher sensitization to Egg and Cow's milk, while aeroallergen sensitization increased with age.
• Polysensitization (≥3 allergens) was common (65.34%), and significant cross-reactivity was noted between certain aeroallergens and food allergens.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric allergic patients in Suzhou exhibit high rates of sIgE positivity and polysensitization.
• Age-dependent variations in allergen sensitization underscore the importance of age-specific diagnostic approaches.
• Component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) and understanding cross-reactivity are essential for advancing precision medicine in pediatric allergy.