Objective The study focuses on analyzing the distribution and characteristics of allergens in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) in the Guangzhou, with the objective of informing clinical practices and interventions.
Methods Analysis was conducted on AD children aged 0 ~ 6 years old who visited the pediatric outpatient clinic of the Guangdong Women and Children Hospital between January 1, 2019, and June 30, 2023. The levels of specific IgE (sIgE) in serum were measured using fluorescence immunoassay. The positive rates and distribution characteristics of allergen testing were analyzed.
Results A total of 1465 children with AD were included in the analysis. 43.2% of AD children showed positive reactions to allergens. Children with multiple allergen positivity had a higher rate than those with single allergen positivity (26.4% v.s.16.8%). The main food allergens were milk and egg white, while the main inhalant allergens were dust mites and cat hair. The distribution of allergens in AD children varied among different age groups, with the highest positive rate of food allergens in children aged 1 to 2 years (53.8%), which decreased in children older than 2 years (46.5%). The positive rate of inhalant allergens significantly increased with age. The positive rates of food and inhalant allergens were slightly higher in the summer and autumn seasons.
Conclusion The common allergens in AD children in the Guangzhou are milk, egg white, dust mites, and cat hair. Allergen distribution varies with age. Therefore, age should be considered as an important reference factor in allergen testing.
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