RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The atopic march is characterized by the sequential presence of food allergy, atopic dermatitis, rhinitis and asthma. Risk factors for the progression of the allergic disease defined as atopic march have not been established. OBJECTIVE: To determine the associated factors with the development of atopic march in children between the ages of 2 and 12 years. METHODS: This case-control study included children between 2 and 12 years of age, 50 in the group of atopic march and 50 controls, characterized by an allergic disease. A questionnaire on atopic antecedents was given, skin tests with allergens were performed to the patients and their parents, and the level of serum IgE was measured. RESULTS: We found as associated risk factors for the development of atopic march, the following: male sex (OR= 3.62), positive skin tests in their parents (OR=2.66) and urinary tract and gynecologic infections during pregnancy (OR = 4.95). CONCLUSIONS: Male sex, sensitization to allergens in their parents and maternal infections during pregnancy are associated risk factors for the development of atopic march in children.
