D3.19 - Evaluation of allergens in Atopic Dermatitis in children between 6 months and 18years

Determine the primary care-based prevalence of moderate-to-severe atopic eczema/dermatitis in children and to estimate what proportion had co-morbid aero-allergy and/or food allergy that was contributing to their atopic eczema/dermatitis.

Health records were interrogated to identify children with current moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Eligible children were assessed by an allergy specialist involving a detailed allergy history, examination and,if appropriate, measurement specific IgE levels and skin prick test to identify relevant aero-allergens and/or food allergens.

A total of 100 children with moderate to severe atopic eczema/dermatitis were enrolled based on eligibility criteria. Majority of children belonged to 6 months to 1 years of age (43%) followed by 1-5 years of age (35%) remaining proportion was contributed by 5-15 years of age (22%)In our study- food allergens were prevent among 13% children.Most common food allergens was milk (39.47%) followed by egg (18.42%).Other food allergens were crab; beef; wheat; shrimps; peanuts; codfish; mutton and soyabean.There was significantly higher intensity of food allergens among 10-15 years of age group as compared to other age groups children (p<0.001).There was no significant difference was observed in food allergens intensity between male versus female(p=0.343).

This study also showed intensity of food allergens with increased age and gender wise there was no significant difference.

Prevalence and intensity of aero-allergens in our study; aeroallergens were present among 26% children and both food and aero allergens were prevent among 18% children.There was significantly higher intensity of aero allergens among 10-15 years of age group as compared to other age groups children (p<0.001).There was no significant difference was observed in aero allergens intensity between male versus female (p=0.534)

Nutrition status of allergic children:

We could not found significant difference observed in mean value of nutrition status parameter like total protein (p=0.232); albumin (p=0.431); haemoglobin (p=0.347); calcium (p=0.932) and vit. D level (p=0.652) between children with allergy +ve versus allergy -ve.

The prevalence of food and aeroallergen varies from different age groups and has no correlation with nutritional status.The analysis of the pattern of the food and aero allergen  sensitization is invaluable to effective diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases