D1.409 - Unmasking the Hidden Link: Malnutrition and Allergies in Pediatric Patients

Malnutrition is a common feature in pediatric allergic diseases. It could contribute to immune system dysfunction and influence the disease course. Thus, preventing and treating malnutrition is of pivotal importance for an effective management of these conditions. We evaluated malnutrition and its contributing factors in a cohort of allergic pediatric patients visiting a tertiary center for Pediatric Allergy. 

We evaluated pediatric patients (both sexes, age 2-18 yrs) with respiratory (RA), food (FA) and drug (DA) allergy and with malnutrition by excess (defined by a BMI-for-age z-score >+2 SD) or by defect (defined by a BMI-for-age z-score <-2 SD). Main anamnestic, demographic, lifestyle and dietary variables were assessed.

A total of 204 allergic patients (62.7% male, mean age 9.2 yrs) were evaluated: 121 patients with RA, 57 with FA and 14 with DA. Twelve patients presented multiple allergies (9 with both RA and FA, and 3 with both RA and DA). Malnutrition by excess was smore frequent if compared with malnutrition by defect in allergic patients (86.3% vs 13.7%, p<.05). It was more frequent in patients with RA (95.8%) and with DA (100%), if compared with patients with FA (59.6%) (p<.05). Key contributing factors included poor parental education, high screen time, sedentary behavior, excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods, and reduced intake of healthy, minimally processed foods.

Findings from this study underscore the need for an integrated approach to address malnutrition by excess in allergic patients, particularly those with severe or drug-resistant conditions. Lifestyle and dietary interventions could be crucial for preventing malnutrition and managing allergic diseases effectively.