Cross-sectional study of allergen sensitization in pre-school children living in urban environment of the Altai region with asthma and/or rhinitis

Sensitization spectrum in pre-school children with asthma and/or rhinitis remains unclear. Objective. Our aim was to estimate the allergen sensitization in preschool children living in urban environment of the Altai region with asthma and/or rhinitis. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional survey was performed in 182 children aged from 3 to 6 years suffering from asthma and/or rhinitis in 5 cities of Altai region. Asthma was diagnosed according to the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines, allergic rhinitis was diagnosed according to the ARIA guidelines. ImmunoCAP and skin prick test were used to assess sensitization spectrum. Results. Among the 182 patients 144 (79,1%) had sensitization at least to one allergen. Sensitization to one allergen was detected in 38.5% of children, sensitization to 2 or more allergens - in 40,6%. Sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was detected in 46,7%, to birch pollen - in 37,3%, to cat epithelium - in 27,4% of patients. Sensitization to food allergens was detected only in 10,4%. Conclusion. The study revealed a high frequency of sensitization to 2 or more allergens - in 79,1% of 3-6 years old children with asthma and/or rhinitis . Most often, preschool children with asthma and/or rhinitis are sensitized to 3 inhaled allergens - to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (46,7%), to birch pollen (37,3%) and to cat epithelium (27,4%).