ISSN:
1399-3038
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
A search for IgE antibodies was performed in 224 children, aged 0–15 yr, with symptoms compatible with IgE-mediated allergy, employing total IgE. RAST with up to 17 allergens and the Phadiatop® test. Fiftysix of 113 children (50%), aged 0–3 yr, and 80 of 111 children (72%) aged 4–15 yr had specific IgE antibodies. The most common allergens during the first 4 yr were egg white, a mixture of nuts (hazel nut, peanut, almond, coconut and Brazil nut) and milk. During the 2nd yr of life inhalant allergens became more important. From the 3rd yr they became more common than food allergens as sensitizers. Among the children aged 4–15 yr timothy, cat and nut mix were the most common allergens. Among the children with specific IgE antibodies Phadiatop was positive in 58% of the children younger than 4 yr, and in 91% of the children over that age. Fifty-three of the children with IgE antibodies against nut mix were further investigated for antibodies against hazel nut, peanut and almond, and 48 (91%) were positive against at least one of them. The parents of 41 of these patients answered a questionnaire about adverse symptoms against nuts, and 26 (63%) were aware of clinical sensitivity. In conclusion, IgE antibodies against food allergens dominated in children under 2 yr, and thereafter antibodies against inhalants became more important. An unexpectedly high prevalence of IgE antibodies against nut mixture was found. Phadiatop was a good screening method for identification of children 4 yr or older with IgE antibodies against inhalants.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-3038.1990.tb00014.x
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