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Allergen Sensitization Profiles and Co-Sensitization Networks in Children with Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma: A
Pinli Zou1, Yinghong Fan1, Cheng Xie1
1Pediatric Respiratory Medicine Department, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
Asthma in children involves a more complex allergen cross-sensitization network than allergic rhinitis. Delayed food sensitization resolution is key to identifying asthma, emphasizing food allergy monitoring in pediatric airway disease.
Area of Science:
- Allergen sensitization patterns in pediatric allergic airway diseases.
- Immunological mechanisms linking allergic rhinitis to asthma.
- Network analysis of co-sensitization in respiratory allergies.
Background:
- Mechanisms driving allergic airway disease progression from allergic rhinitis (AR) to asthma (AS) in children are not fully understood.
- This study investigates age-related patterns and network heterogeneity of allergen sensitization between AR and AS phenotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related patterns in allergen sensitization.
- To analyze the topological network heterogeneity of allergen co-sensitization in children with AR versus AS.
- To identify independent risk factors for lower airway involvement.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cross-sectional study of 2193 children with AR or AS.
- Propensity score matching (PSM) created a 1:1 matched cohort of 1206 patients.
- Ising probability graphical model for topological architecture of allergen co-sensitization; multivariable logistic regression for risk factors.
Main Results:
- Inhalant sensitization increased homogenously with age in both groups; foodborne immune tolerance showed heterogeneity.
- Adolescents (≥12 years) with AS had significantly higher sensitization risk to milk (5.64-fold) and egg white (3.40-fold) compared to AR.
- AS network analysis revealed high complexity and cross-system connectivity, with peanut as a hub; cockroach and peanut sensitization were independent risk factors for lower airway involvement.
Conclusions:
- Children with AS exhibit a more complex cross-sensitization network than those with AR.
- Delayed resolution of food sensitizations differentiates the AS phenotype.
- Monitoring food allergies is crucial for managing pediatric airway diseases.
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