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[Cutaneous reactivity to foods among patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis]
M Ortega Cisneros1, M A Vidales Díaz, B E del Río Navarro
1Departamento de Neumología y Alergia, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, México, DF.
Insights
Food allergies are a significant cause of ocular allergy in children, affecting 50% of those with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. This study highlights the importance of considering food hypersensitivity in pediatric allergic eye conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Ophthalmology
- Clinical Immunology
Context:
- Ocular allergy is common in children, often linked to food or inhaled allergens.
- Limited pediatric research exists on the specific causes of ocular allergy.
- This study addresses the frequency of food allergy as a cause of ocular allergy in children.
Purpose:
- To determine the frequency of food allergy as a cause of ocular allergy in pediatric patients.
- To investigate the association between food hypersensitivity and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in children.
- To analyze clinical and immunological markers in children with food-induced ocular allergy.
Summary:
- A prospective study of 50 children (6-16 years) with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis was conducted.
- Skin prick tests, serum IgE levels, and ocular cytology were performed.
- Results showed a 50% prevalence of food hypersensitivity, with shellfish, tomato, rice, and peanut being common allergens. Elevated IgE and positive ocular cytology were significant in the food hypersensitivity group (p=0.023).
Impact:
- Identifies a high prevalence of food hypersensitivity in pediatric allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
- Emphasizes the need to consider food allergy in the diagnosis of pediatric ocular allergy.
- Provides evidence for further research into the mechanisms and management of food-induced allergic eye conditions.
Abstract:
Ocular allergy could be induced by food allergy or inhaled allergens. However there are few pediatric studies about it. Our objective was to know the frequency in children who have food allergy as cause of their ocular allergy. We perform a prospective and descriptive study in 50 patients within 6 to 16 years of age during June 1996 to January 1997. Skin prick tests to food allergens and inhalants, serum IgE levels by ELISA (enzyme immunoassay), nasal and conjunctival cytology were done. Not paired student T-test, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskall-Wallis test were used for statistical analysis. We found mean of age 9.1 years +/- 2.5. Prick tests were positives to foods in 20%, 50% to inhalants and 30% to both. Food allergens seen more frequently were shellfish, tomato, rice, peanut and inhaled allergen Dermatophagoides pteronissinus. Serum IgE was elevated and ocular cytology was positive in food hypersensitivity group with significance difference (p = 0.023). In conclusion, we found a high frequency (50%) of food hypersensitivity in patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
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