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High prevalence of house dust mite sensitization in children with severe asthma living at high altitude in a tropical country
Author(s) -
DuenasMeza Elida,
TorresDuque Carlos A.,
CorreaVera Eliana,
Suárez Miguel,
Vásquez Catalina,
Jurado Jenny,
Medina María,
Barón Oscar,
ParejaZabala María J.,
GiraldoCadavid Luis F.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
pediatric pulmonology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.866
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1099-0496
pISSN - 8755-6863
DOI - 10.1002/ppul.24079
Subject(s) - interquartile range , medicine , asthma , spirometry , house dust mite , exhaled nitric oxide , sensitization , cross sectional study , allergy , pediatrics , allergen , immunology , pathology
Background Some studies, mainly in Europe, have shown a low level of sensitization to house dust mite (HDM) allergens at high altitude (HA). Differently, some others in tropical countries have shown a higher level. The aim of this study was to evaluate allergens sensitization, including HDM, in children with severe asthma (SA), residents at HA in a tropical middle‐income developing country. Methods Observational, analytical, cross‐sectional study in children aged 6‐15 years old with SA at HA (2640 m). Skin prick tests (SPT), serum IgE, exhaled fraction of nitric oxide (FE NO ), spirometry, and asthma questionnaire (ACT) were performed. Associations were explored by Pearson or Spearman coefficients. Results We included 61 children. Most patients were male (61.3%), median age: 10 years (Interquartile range [IQR]: 8‐12), median BMI: 17 kg/m 2 (IQR: 16‐20); Median of positive SPT: 2 (IQR: 2‐3). At least one SPT was positive in 88.7% of patients and 87.9% were positive for at least one HDM. Serum IgE: 348 UI/mL (IQR: 154‐760) and FE NO : 22 ppb (IQR: 9‐41). Prebronchodilator values were (% predicted): FVC: 109.7% (±15.5%), FEV 1 : 98.4% (±16.3); FEV 1 /FVC: 82% (±8%). SPT were inversely correlated with the FEV 1 /FVC (Rho: −0.34; 95% CI: −0.55 a −0.09; P = 0.008). Conclusions These children with SA living at HA in a tropical middle‐income developing country have a high prevalence of HDM sensitization. One explanation for this might be that tropical conditions, such as temperature and humidity, could modify the effect of the altitude on asthma.