Positive conversion of specific IgE against house dust mite in children with atopic dermatitis under 24 months of age

PURPOSE: A considerable number of children with atopic dermatitis (AD) is known to be sensitized with respiratory allergen and developed to respiratory allergic disease. We aimed to determine the time of sensitization to house dust mite (HDM) allergen and identify the risk factors of sensitization in children with AD. METHODS: Data from 159 children with AD aged less than 24 months and with no sensitization to HDM were analyzed retrospectively. Disease severity, total IgE, specific IgE levels to HDM and food allergens were assessed. They were followed to monitor positive conversion of specific IgE against HDM and development of allergic respiratory diseases. The specific IgE was considered as positive when its level was over 0.69 kU/L. RESULTS: The 44.7% of children with AD were sensitized to HDM. The 50% of sensitization to HDM occurred at the median age of 52 months using survival analysis. The severity of atopic dermatitis (six area, six sign in atopic dermatitis score>15; hazard ratio, 2.62) and high peak total IgE in 2 years old (hazard ratio, 1.58) was associated with an increased risk of sensitization to HDM. Sensitization to food allergen, family history of allergic disease and total IgE of 1st visit of hospital were not associated with early sensitization to HDM. CONCLUSION: The sensitization of HDM of children with AD occurred at the median age of 52 months. The risk factors of sensitization to HDM were AD severity and total IgE level. Children with severe AD need to control the indoor environment before 24 months of age.

Changes in Sensitization Rate to Weed Allergens in Children with Increased Weeds Pollen Counts in Seoul Metropolitan Area

The prevalence of allergic diseases in children has increased for several decades. We evaluated the correlation between pollen count of weeds and their sensitization rate in Seoul, 1997-2009. Airborne particles carrying allergens were collected daily from 3 stations around Seoul. Skin prick tests to pollen were performed on children with allergic diseases. Ragweed pollen gradually increased between 1999 and 2005, decreased after 2005 and plateaued until 2009 (peak counts, 67 in 2003, 145 in 2005 and 83 grains/m3/day in 2007). Japanese hop pollen increased between 2002 and 2009 (peak counts, 212 in 2006 and 492 grains/m3/day in 2009). Sensitization rates to weed pollen, especially ragweed and Japanese hop in children with allergic diseases, increased annually (ragweed, 2.2% in 2000 and 2.8% in 2002; Japanese hop, 1.4% in 2000 and 1.9% in 2002). The age for sensitization to pollen gradually became younger since 2000 (4 to 6 yr of age, 3.5% in 1997 and 6.2% in 2009; 7 to 9 yr of age, 4.2% in 1997 and 6.4% in 2009). In conclusion, sensitization rates for weed pollens increase in Korean children given increasing pollen counts of ragweed and Japanese hop.

Changes in Sensitization Rate to Weed Allergens in Children with Increased Weeds Pollen Counts in Seoul Metropolitan Area

The prevalence of allergic diseases in children has increased for several decades. We evaluated the correlation between pollen count of weeds and their sensitization rate in Seoul, 1997-2009. Airborne particles carrying allergens were collected daily from 3 stations around Seoul. Skin prick tests to pollen were performed on children with allergic diseases. Ragweed pollen gradually increased between 1999 and 2005, decreased after 2005 and plateaued until 2009 (peak counts, 67 in 2003, 145 in 2005 and 83 grains/m3/day in 2007). Japanese hop pollen increased between 2002 and 2009 (peak counts, 212 in 2006 and 492 grains/m3/day in 2009). Sensitization rates to weed pollen, especially ragweed and Japanese hop in children with allergic diseases, increased annually (ragweed, 2.2% in 2000 and 2.8% in 2002; Japanese hop, 1.4% in 2000 and 1.9% in 2002). The age for sensitization to pollen gradually became younger since 2000 (4 to 6 yr of age, 3.5% in 1997 and 6.2% in 2009; 7 to 9 yr of age, 4.2% in 1997 and 6.4% in 2009). In conclusion, sensitization rates for weed pollens increase in Korean children given increasing pollen counts of ragweed and Japanese hop.

IgE sensitization to the potato allergen in adult allergy patients and identification of IgE binding components: comparison between the wild and genetically modified potato / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of IgE sensitization and allergic risk of genetically modified (GM) potato compared with wild one in adult patients with various allergic diseases. METHODS: One thousand eight hundred eighty eight allergy patients visited Ajou University hospital and 38 healthy controls were enrolled. Skin prick tests were performed with wild and GM extracts. Phosphinothricin N-acetyltransferase (PAT) and neomycin phosphotransferase (NPT) gene was inserted in GM potato. Serum specific IgE level to the two potato extracts was measured by ELISA and their binding specificities were confirmed by ELISA inhibition test. IgE binding components in both wild and GM potato extracts were identified by SDS-PAGE and IgE-immunoblot. RESULTS: One hundred eight patients (5.7%) showed positive responses (A/H >or= 2+) on skin prick test to both wild and GM potatoes. Serum specific IgE was detectable in 50~88% among the positive reactors on skin prick test. ELISA inhibition tests showed similar inhibition pattern between wild and GM. Fourteen IgE binding components within wild potato and nine IgE binding components within GM potato with similar binding patterns, of which three major allergens in wild (26, 34, 45 kDa) and one (45 kDa) in GM one were noted.. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitization rates to wild and GM potato extracts were 5.7% respectively, in adult allergy patients and one common major allergen (45 kDa) was identified. It is speculated that genetic manipulation of the potato did not increase allergenic risk.