Distribution characteristics and clinical significance of aeroallergen sensitization in children with airway allergic diseases / 国际儿科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the distribution characteristics and clinical significance of aeroallergen sensitization in children with airway allergic diseases.Methods:The information of children who were diagnosed with airway allergic diseases and performed with skin prick test(SPT)of aeroallergens was collected and retrospectively analyzed from Beijing Children′s Hospital from January to December, 2019.A total of 2557 patients were divided into ≤5 years of age group, 6-11 years of age group and ≥12 years of age group according to age, and allergic rhinitis group, asthma group, allergic rhinitis combined with asthma group according to diseases.The differences in the distribution of positive rates of 18 kinds of aeroallergens in age group and disease group were compared.Results:The positive rates of SPT in 2557 children from high to low were weeds pollens in summer and autumn, molds, trees pollens in spring, dust mites, etc..The top five strong positive rates from high to low were Artemisia pollen, Humulus pollen, Dermatophagoides farina, Betula pollen and Fraxinus pennsylvanica pollen.The positive rate was 71.5%(539/754)in the ≤5 years of age group, 78.5%(1241/1581)in 6-11 years of age group, and 81.1%(180/222)in ≥12 years of age group.The difference in positive rates of SPT among different age groups was statistically significant( χ2=16.825, P<0.05). In the group of ≤5 years of age group, the main aeroallergens were Chenopodium pollen(310/754, 41.1%), Alternaria alternate(307/754, 40.7%), Humulus pollen(295/754, 39.1%), Artemisia pollen(293/754, 38.9%)and Fraxinus pennsylvanica pollen(258/754, 34.2%). The main aeroallergens in the 6-11 years of age group were Chenopodium pollen(853/1581, 54.0%), Humulus pollen(769/1581, 48.6%), Artemisia pollen(768/1581, 48.6%), Alternaria alternate(751/1581, 47.5%)and Fraxinus pennsylvanica pollen(724/1581, 45.8%). The main aeroallergens in the ≥12 years of age group were Chenopodium pollen(131/222, 59.0%), Humulus pollen(119/222, 53.6%), Artemisia pollen(113/222, 50.9%), Alternaria alternate(112/222, 50.5%)and Dermatophagoides farina(103/222, 46.4%). The positive rate of allergic rhinitis group was 73.6%(1164/1582), asthma group was 72.4%(234/323), allergic rhinitis combined with asthma group was 86.0%(561/652). The positive rate of SPT was significantly different among different disease groups( χ2=43.408, P<0.05). The main aeroallergen of allergic rhinitis, asthma and allergic rhinitis combined with asthma was Chenopodium pollen.The positive rates of 18 kinds of aeroallergens were significantly different among the three disease groups(all P<0.05). The positive rate of each aeroallergen in allergic rhinitis combined with asthma was higher than that in single airway allergic disease. Conclusion:In children with airway allergic disease, the sensitization spectrum of aeroallergen varies among different age groups and disease groups.Clinicians should monitor allergens regularly and give preventive treatment to children with airway allergic disease.

Effects of aeroallergen sensitization on symptom severity, pulmonary function, and bronchodilator response in children with bronchial asthma

Background@#Allergen sensitization, symptom severity, pulmonary function test, and bronchodilator response are important in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma. However, the relationship between these factors remains unclear.@*Objective@#The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between aeroallergen sensitization and asthma severity, pulmonary function, and bronchodilator response among pediatric patients with bronchial asthma.@*Methods@#This was a prospective study where 155 pediatric patients aged 7–18 years old with bronchial asthma were recruited from Outpatient Clinics. Patients who met the inclusion criteria proceeded with spirometry and aeroallergen skin prick test.@*Results@#There was a significant degree of sensitization, wherein 100% of the patients had sensitization to one or more aeroallergens. Among these children, 106 (68%) were polysensitized. The polysensitized group had more severe and persistent asthma severity profile (p<0.001) and worse pulmonary function (p<0.001). The frequency of abnormal pre-bronchodilator lung function of the polysensitized group was higher than the monosensitized group (p<0.001). A positive bronchodilator response was higher among polysensitized children as compared to monosensitized children (p<0.001). Sensitization to Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and dog correlated with impairment of both the large airways and distal small airways while sensitization to cat, cockroach, and horse correlated only with impairment of the large airways (p<0.05). Patients sensitized to D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus, cat and dog had significant bronchodilator response (p<0.05).@*Conclusion@#Polysensitized asthmatic children had a more persistent and severe asthma profile, worse pulmonary function, and higher bronchodilator reversibility compared to the monosensitized group.

Recent changing pattern of aeroallergen sensitization in children with allergic diseases: A single center study

PURPOSE: Allergic diseases have been increasing worldwide over the past few decades. Allergic sensitization is a pivotal risk factor for the development of allergic diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in allergic sensitization patterns of aeroallergens over the last 10 years in children with respiratory allergic diseases. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 12,848 children under the age of 18 years who received skin prick tests (n=3,852) or serum specific IgE tests (n=8,996) to evaluate sensitization from 2007 to 2016 in a single center, Seoul, Korea. RESULTS: Sensitization rate to house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) reached a plateau in preschool (28.3%–32.8%) and schoolchildren (45.8%–47.2%). Sensitization rate to animal dander (cat and dog) was increasing from 8.4% to 12.5% in preschool children and from 10.3% to 18.6% in schoolchildren (trend P<0.001 each). In preschool children, tree (birch, oak, and alder; from 3.5% to 6.4%), grass (timothy; from 0.8% to 6.5%), weed (ragweed and mugwort; from 2.8% to 6.9%) pollens and mold (Alternaria; from 2.5% to 6.0%) were also in similar increasing pattern (trend P=0.001, P<0.001, P=0.003, and P<0.001, respectively). Additionally, tree (from 9.0% to 15.2%), grass (from 2.6% to 5.2%) pollens were also in increasing pattern in schoolchildren (trend P<0.001 and P=0.024, respectively). CONCLUSION: Over the past 10 years, sensitization patterns of aeroallergen have been changing in Korean children with allergic diseases. We should pay attention to the changing patterns of allergic sensitization to educate and prevent the allergic disease.

The Relationship between the Causative Allergens of Allergic Diseases and Environments in Korea Over a 8-Year-Period: Based on Skin Prick Test from 2006 to 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The present study evaluated the results of skin prick test using 55 allergens at 20 centers in the Republic of Korea in 2006, 2010, and 2014–2015. The aim was to assess changes in the positive rate of allergens according to temporal, regional, and environmental factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 20 hospitals were selected based on the population distribution in the Republic of Korea. A skin prick test panel comprising 55 aeroallergens was distributed to 18 hospitals for this prospective study. The 2006 and 2010 skin prick test results were collected and analyzed retrospectively from 20 hospitals, while the 2014/2015 skin prick test results (from June 2014 to May 2015) were collected prospectively from 18 hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 14,897 SPT test results were analyzed: 4,319 in 2006, 7,431 in 2010, and 1,852 in 2014/2015. The overall rate of skin prick test positivity to more than two allergens was significantly higher in males than females. The positive rates of alder pollens and birch, oak and ragweed pollen positivity were increased in older patients. Several positive rates were increased according to the temperature in spring. The positive rates for beech pollen, birch pollen, hazel pollen, oak pollen, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, mugwort, cat, Acarus siro, Lepidoglyphus destructor and Tyrophagus putrescentiae were significantly increased, while those of Cult rye pollen and dandelion were significantly decreased over the three test periods. The overall positive rate for allergens in Jeju province varied significantly from Seoul and other cities. CONCLUSION: Change in the positive rate of multiple aeroallergens was evaluated in the Republic of Korea over time. Our findings can be used to recommend aeroallergens suitable for inclusion in skin prick test panels in the Republic of Korea and will facilitate further investigation of changes in the patterns of allergic diseases.

Aeroallergen sensitization and associated comorbid diseases of an adult Filipino population with allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND: There is a large global variation in sensitization patterns to aeroallergens due to differences in climate, urbanization, and lifestyle. Knowledge of the most common inhalant allergens is important for appropriate prevention and management of allergic rhinitis (AR). OBJECTIVE: This study aims to provide data on aeroallergen sensitization patterns and associated comorbid diseases of adult Filipinos with AR. METHODS: Medical records of adult Filipinos seen in an Otolaryngology-Allergy Clinic from January 2011 to 2016 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria used was presence of clinically defined AR and positive skin test to at least one aeroallergen in the test panel. Demographics, comorbid conditions, and results of skin prick test were determined. Standard descriptive statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-one adult patients were included in this study. Mean age was 38.8 years, and majority lived in an urban area (71.2%). Most patients exhibited polysensitization (97.4%). All exhibited sensitization to indoor and 86.9% to outdoor allergens. The most common indoor allergens were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (97.4%), Dermatophagoides farinae, (95.8%), cockroach (80.1%), and molds (72.8%). Bermuda (67%), Johnson grass (58.7%), and Acacia (58.2%) were the most common outdoor allergens. Urticaria (18.8%), dermatitis (16.8%), and asthma (11.5%) were the most common associated comorbid disease. Twelve percent of patients had more than one associated comorbid disease. Asthma + urticaria followed by asthma + dermatitis were the most common co-morbid combinations. One patient had three comorbid diseases: asthma + urticaria + rhinosinusitis. CONCLUSION: Compared to earlier studies, aeroallergen sensitization patterns of Filipinos remain unchanged. This study also identifies for the first time, the associated comorbid diseases of AR in this population. Understanding these factors can guide treatment strategies to reduce disease burden.

Propiedades biológicas de los alérgenos inhalatorios y su relación con la respuesta inmunitaria / Biological properties of inhalant aeroallergens and their relation to immune responses

IgE-binding studies show that many of the common causes of inhalant allergy such as grass, olive, ragweed and birch pollen, house dust mites and some fungi have one or a few principal allergens that can account for most of the allergic response. The IgE binding to allergens from other sources can be more evenly spread amongst different proteins or, as indicated in cat allergy, varies with clinical presentation. The biological properties of nearly all of the principal allergens can now be predicted from the knowledge of their structures and they point to likely interactions with the innate immune system, as well as possible interactions with hormonal regulators of immunity. As found for pectate lyases and the Ole e1-like proteins, biologically similar proteins can be principal allergens for many species while the Dermatophagoides spp. and Blomia tropicalis allergens show that allergens with the same biological properties reveal interspecies variation in allergen hierarchy. These properties show that the interactions of allergens with innate immunity and immuno-regulators will be different for different allergens, and this concurs with the evidence that immune responses to allergens from the same source are regulated independently, as are responses to co-presented allergenic and non-allergenic proteins

Los estudios de unión con la IgE demostraron que muchas de las causas comunes de alergia inhalatoria, como a las gramíneas, el olivo, la ambrosía, el polen de abedul, los ácaros del polvo doméstico y algunos hongos, tienen uno o unos pocos de los alérgenos principales que pueden representar la mayoría de las respuestas alérgicas. La IgE que se une a los alérgenos de otras fuentes puede diseminarse entre diferentes proteínas o, como indica la alergia al gato, varía con la presentación clínica. Las propiedades biológicas de casi todos los alérgenos principales pueden actualmente predecirse a partir del conocimiento de sus estructuras e indican las interacciones probables con el sistema inmunitario innato, así como las interacciones posibles con los reguladores hormonales de la inmunidad. Como se encontró para las pectato liasas y las proteínas similares a Ole e1, las proteínas biológicamente similares pueden ser los alérgenos principales para muchas especies, mientras que los alérgenos Dermatophagoides spp. y Blomia tropicalis muestran que los alérgenos con las mismas propiedades biológicas tienen variación entre las especies en la jerarquía alergénica. Estas propiedades demuestran que las interacciones de los alérgenos con la inmunidad innata y los inmunorreguladores serían diferentes para los distintos alérgenos, y esto coincide con las pruebas que indican que las respuestas inmunes a los alérgenos de la misma fuente sufren una regulación por aumento (upregulation), independientemente de si son respuestas a las proteínas co-presentadas alergénicas y no alergénicas

The study of co sentization allergens to pollen of dandelion (taraxacum), pyrethrum (aquilegia and) weed, grass plants / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

IntroductionOver the last few years, the prevalence of aeroborn allergic disease is rising rapidly throughoutdeveloped and developing countries, and one of every four children in Western Europe has had allergy.In any country of the world over the last 10-20 years, studies on airopollinology and aeroallergenshowing increase of allergen rhinitis to pollen. This is catching many scientists and researchersattentions. These studies deemed that geological locations, climate and plant patterns changing as airpollution increases. Studies identified that pollen allergy in Europe is mainly produced by segmentedplants and in north Europe Betulacease type of allergy is dominating [2]. In our country, Mongolia,plant sturctures are relatively well studied geologically and climatically, and 203 species of plants,98 types and 31 families showed plants may cause allergies. Specifically recent years in Umnugoviprovince, with the expanding operations of many mining companies, increased air pollution leadingto a respiratory disease. With the uses of Compositae in medicine, cosmetics and food, sentization toplant of this family has been increasing in Europe as well as in Asia [3].Goal:To determine co sentization allergens to pollen of Taraxacum, columbine and weed, grass plants.Materials and МethodsThe Research has been done under the Biochemistry Department of Bio – Medical School, HSUMwith the help of “Effect” Allergy – Asthma Hospital. During the study of research, one period descriptiveresearch is done by studying the selected 432 patients who are diagnosed positive for the TaraxacumandAquilegia allergens by skin pricking test and these group is chosen from the airborne allergic patients“Effect” Allergy – Asthma Hospital in 2010 -2014 census.Tables and graphs showing study result were processed by using Excel-2013, SPSS-21.0 software.ResultIn this study, in 2010-2014, aeroallergens skin prick test was done on 5601 people and 18% or 1031people were aeroallergen sensitized.ConclusionsFindings from the skin prick tests for airborne allergens show that 8%, 5% of the patient is positive forTaraxacum, Aquilegia allergen. On SPTs taraxacum, aquilegia and mugwort 60% and grass pollen56,90% of population was cosensitized to all pollens.

Eosinophilic Airway Inflammation and Airway Hyperresponsiveness According to Aeroallergen Sensitization Pattern in Patients With Lower Airway Symptoms

PURPOSE: Sensitization to specific allergens may be important in the development of allergic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). We evaluated the effect of specific aeroallergen sensitization on eosinophilic airway inflammation and AHR. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the clinical data of subjects who underwent skin prick tests to aeroallergens, induced sputum analysis, and methacholine bronchial provocation tests to evaluate lower airway symptoms as well as analyzed the associations between the pattern of aeroallergen sensitization and sputum eosinophilia or AHR. RESULTS: Of the 1,202 subjects be enrolled, 534 (44.4%) were sensitized to at least one aeroallergen in skin tests. AHR was demonstrated in 23.5% and sputum eosinophilia in 38.8%. Sputum eosinophilia was significantly associated with sensitization to perennial allergens (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4-2.5), house dust mite (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.3), dog (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.3), and cat (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.4-3.4). AHR was associated with sensitization to perennial allergens (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 2.0-3.7), house dust mite (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.6 3.2), Alternaria (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2-4.7), and cat (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.7-4.3). Sensitization to more perennial allergens increased the risk for sputum eosinophilia and AHR. There was no relationship with individual seasonal allergens. CONCLUSION: The development of airway eosinophilic inflammation and AHR in an adult Korean population was associated with sensitization to perennial allergens rather than seasonal allergens.

Variability of Offending Allergens of Allergic Rhinitis According to Age: Optimization of Skin Prick Test Allergens

PURPOSE: This study evaluates offending allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) according to age that establish a minimal panel for skin prick test (SPT) allergens required to identify if a patient is sensitized. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed SPT results according to age to determine the minimum test battery panel necessary to screen at least 93%-95% of AR patients. Allergic skin tests (common airborne indoor and outdoor allergens) were performed on 7,182 patients from January 2007 to June 2011. All patients were classified into 9 groups according to age; subsequently, we investigated offending allergens by age group. RESULTS: A total of 5,032 (70.1%) patients were found sensitized to at least one of the 55 aeroallergen extracts tested. The annual ranking of offending allergens was not significantly different from each other over the past 5 years. House dust mites (HDM) were the most prevalent allergens ranked from first to third for all 5 years. The allergens in the minimum test panel differed slightly among all age groups; in addition, the types of sensitized allergen sources were more diverse in the older versus younger age group. HDM covered a larger proportion of the sensitized allergens in the younger age group versus the older age group. Testing with 5 allergens (Dermatophagoides farinae, Tetranychus urticae, oak, mugwort and cockroach) adequately identified over 90% of the sensitized patients. CONCLUSIONS: A SPT with around 5-7 allergens adequately detected most of the sensitization in the majority of the age groups in Korea. However, this study suggests that physicians perform the SPT with appropriately selected allergens in each age category for the screening of AR.

Association of SCORAD Index and Aeroallergen Sensitization on Urinary Leukotriene E4 in Children with Atopic Dermatitis / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

PURPOSE: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a genetically determined, chronic relapsing skin disease. The pathogenesis of AD is complex and the course is unpredictable. Atopy is an important risk factor for the development of AD. Cysteinyl leukotrienes (Cys-LTs) were implicated in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases, and are being targeted for their diagnosis and treatments. Early detection of tissue inflammation of target organ is important to enable early prevention and management of allergic diseases. The aim of our study is to evaluate the differences in urinary leukotrienes E4 (LTE4) levels, according to AD symptom score and aeroallergen sensitization in children with AD by using noninvasive techniques. METHODS: We recruited 46 children with AD, using predetermined criteria. Clinical features of AD were evaluated by a physician, using scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index. Aeroallergen sensitization was measured by using a skin prick test and UniCap. Urine samples were also collected on day of the 1st and 2nd visits, and were analyzed for LTE4 with an enzyme-linked immunoassay kit. RESULTS: SCORAD indeces of children with AD were correlated with urinary LTE4 levels. Total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophil counts also had significant correlation with urinary LTE4 levels. Especially, aeroallergen sensitization of atopic AD significantly correlated with urinary LTE4 of these patients. CONCLUSION: Urinary LTE4 levels significantly correlated with serum total IgE and number of sensitized aeroallergen in children with AD. Clinical features of AD evaluated with SCORAD index related with urinary LTE4 level. Urinary LTE4 might be a valuable, noninvasive marker for different pathogenesis of AD.

The impact of climate change on aeroalleregen and pediatric allergic diseases

The etiology of allergic diseases has been considered multi-factorial, comprising genetic, epigenetic, developmental, and environmental factors, as well as their complex interactions. The rising prevalence of allergic disease in recent decades could be explained by changes in environmental factors rather than genetic factors. Climate change has many significant impacts on aeroallergens such as pollen and mold. Therefore, climate changes are considered to be a key environmental factor affecting not only the prevalence but also the severity of allergic disease. In addition, these environmental factors might be more important for young children than for adults. While the concept that environmental factors including climate change would affect the characteristics of allergic disease is generally accepted, it is not enough to explain the mechanisms of the increase in the prevalence and severity of allergic diseases. Nevertheless, evidence exists that climate change has spurred changes in aeroallergens such as pollen and outdoor fungi, and that these changes are associated with the increased incidence of pediatric allergic disease.

Prevalence of Laboratory Animal Allergy in Laboratory Workers / 한국실험동물학회지

This study was designed to analyze the prevalence rates of laboratory animal allergy (LAA) in laboratory workers who perform researches with animals, and detect the mouse urinary allergen (Mus m 1) level in animal facilities for the purpose of establishing program for prevention of exposure to allergen. Study subjects were 240 employees who were working for two animal research institutions in Korea. Then the questionnaire and skin prick tests (SPTs) using twenty allergens were conducted with them. Presence of Mus m 1 in each air borne sample collected from animal facility was determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Through 240 questionnaire sheets, we found that; (1) 17.0% of workers in the direct exposure group answered that they had allergic symptoms due to laboratory animals; and (2) 6.2% of them had asthmatic symptoms. Twenty one subjects (27.6%) among the subjects with common allergens positive result and five subjects (6.6%) among the subjects with negative result showed a positive response to LAA under the SPTs. The Mus m 1 concentration (1.339 ng/m3) in the sample collected during cage exchange in mouse breeding room was up to 2.8 times higher than its concentration (0.483 ng/m3) in the sample collected at the stationary state. We suggest that LAA management programs including control of exposure to laboratory animal allergens should be considered as a measure to reduce the incidence of LAA and relieve the laboratory worker's allergic sensitivity to laboratory animals.

Diversidade da exposição alergênica: implicações na obtenção da eficácia do controle ambiental: [revisão] / Diversity of allergen exposure: implications for the efficacy of environmental control: [review]

As doenças alérgicas, como a asma, rinite, conjuntivite alérgica e a dermatite atópica têm apresentado um aumento na sua prevalência nas últimas décadas. A relação entre exposição alergênica, sensibilização atópica e desenvolvimento de doenças alérgicas são amplamente descrita na literatura. OBJETIVO: Discutir a dificuldade no controle ambiental da exposição alergênica como parte do tratamento das doenças alérgicas. MÉTODOS: Analisar trabalhos de exposição alergênica realizados com metodologia similar na região central do Brasil, incluindo casas, hotéis, cinemas, carros, táxis, ônibus e transporte escolar. RESULTADOS: Níveis elevados dos alérgenos do grupo 1 de Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p 1) e de D. farinae (Der f 1), capazes de causar sensibilização e exacerbação de sintomas foram encontrados na maioria dos ambientes estudados em uma larga proporção das amostras, enquanto os alérgenos de animais domésticos atingiram maiores níveis em carros e veículos de transporte escolar. CONCLUSÃO: A diversidade da exposição alergênica mostra a necessidade de uma compreensão da doença alérgica pelos pacientes e familiares, e que as medidas de controle do ambiente doméstico fazem parte de uma estratégia global do tratamento das doenças alérgicas, uma vez que os indivíduos vivem em uma sociedade e não isoladas no interior de seus domicílios.

The prevalence of allergic diseases such as asthma, rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis has increased in the last decades. The relationship between allergen exposure, atopic sensitization and development of allergic diseases is widely described in the literature. AIM: To evaluate measures for reducing allergen exposure as part of the treatment of allergic diseases. METHODS: An analysis was made of previous studies on allergen exposure done with a similar methodology in the central region of Brazil; the study included homes, hotels, cinemas, cars, taxis, buses and scholar transportation. RESULTS: High levels of Der p 1 and Der f 1 mite allergens were found in a large proportion of the sample in most of the environments included in those studies; there were higher levels of pet allergens in cars and school transportation vehicles. CONCLUSION: The diversity of allergen exposure demonstrates the need for education about allergic diseases for patients and their families, as well as measures of reducing allergens in homes. This should be part of a global strategy of the management of allergic diseases, given that individuals live in society, not only in their houses.

Asthma predictive index in children with recurrent wheezing / 소아과

PURPOSE: We compared the asthma predictive index(API) and the modified asthma predictive index (mAPI) of the Tuscon Children's Respiratory Study Group in Korean children with recurrent wheezing. We investigated the atopic profiles and presence of allergen sensitization of each risk group, and ascertained the significant clinical risk factors. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty two children, who visited for recurrent wheezing from 1998 to 2005, were enrolled and divided into groups by API and mAPI. We investigated the history of the patients and their families, atopic profiles, and sensitization to aeroallergen and food allergens. Twenty nine children were followed up to 6 years of age and we evaluated the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive value of both indices. RESULTS: The high risk group of API were of older age, were more likely to be sensitized to aeroallergen(P=0.001) and food allergen(P=0.034) and had higher levels of total eosinophil count, eosinophil percent, serum ECP, total IgE, and D.p-, D.f-specific IgE. High risk group of mAPI showed higher levels of atopic markers such as egg-, milk-, D.p- and D.f-specific IgE. Even though API did not include allergen sensitization, the high risk group was more significantly sensitized to common allergens than the low risk group. Twenty nine children were followed up until 6 years of age; therefore 15 children were diagnosed as asthma, clinically. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of mAPI were higher than API. CONCLUSION: Both high risk groups of API and mAPI had higher levels of atopic markers and were more sensitized to common allergens. These findings suggest that sensitization to aeroallergens and food allergens are more objective markers as asthma predictive indices. In addition, mAPI is a more reliable index in predicting asthma in Korean children with recurrent wheezing than is API. But only 29 patients were followed until the age of 6, so we need to include more children with long term follow up for future study.

Aeroallergen in Thai asthmatic children.

Intradermal skin-teat reactions in 521 Thai asthmatic children (345 males and 176 females), aged between 3 and 15 years, with an average age of 6.8, were studied at the allergy clinic of Ramathibodi Hospital. Of the total, 456 (87 per cent) patients gave positive immediate skin reaction at least one “common aeroallergen”. The mist commonly seen aeroallergens were house dust (75 per cent) and house dust mite (73 per cent), followed by mold (55 per cent), grass ( per cent), weed (43 per cent), kapox (41 per cent) and cockroach (18 per cent). The finding of this study was that the most important aeroallergens were house dust and house dust mites which was similar to the results previously found in similar studies.