Atopic profile of asthmatic children in Bahrain

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to define the profile of asthmatic children in Bahrain and the prevalence of sensitization to aeroallergens and foods. A total of 95 children who were clinically diagnosed with asthma were enrolled 71.6% mild, 20.0% moderate and 8.4% severe asthma [NIH criteria] Serum IgE concentrations were elevated [> 200 kU/L] in 21.1% of patients and highly elevated [> 400 kU/L] in 9.5%. Absolute eosinophil counts were elevated [>350 X 10[6]/L] in 54.8%. Overall, 67.4% of children were atopic; 56.8% were sensitive to inhalant allergens and 39.0% to foods. The atopic profile was generally similar to asthmatic children in the region and worldwide. Conditions significantly associated with atopic asthma included food allergies, allergic rhinitis and eczema