Correlation between age and allergens in pediatric atopic dermatitis.
BACKGROUND
There has been significant progress recently in the clinical investigation of atopic dermatitis (AD), especially in the recognition of aeroallergens as aggravating factors in AD. However, sensitization to food allergens and aeroallergens in children with AD has not been fully studied.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the correlation between age and allergens in children with AD.


METHODS
A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2002, on 262 children with a definitive diagnosis of AD aged 0 to 16 years. Comparison of 3 age groups (<2 years, 2-5 years, and >5 years) with the correlation of food allergens and aeroallergens using the CAP-FEIA test was made using linear regression and logistic regression analyses.


RESULTS
In children younger than 2 years, AD was associated with food allergens. In children aged 2 to 5 years, both food allergens and aeroallergens played an important role. In children older than 5 years, only elevated aeroallergen specific IgE levels were noted (P < .02). Age correlated negatively with food allergens and positively with aeroallergens after adjusting for sex (P < .04). Sensitization to aeroallergens may correlate with acquisition of the respiratory symptoms of the atopic state.


CONCLUSIONS
Food allergens may be the major trigger of AD in early life, after which the role of environmental aeroallergens become more important and may be associated with respiratory sensitization.
Wang
I-Jen
IJ
Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Hospital, Department of Health, Taipei, Taiwan.
Lin
Yu-Tsan
YT
Yang
Yao-Hsu
YH
Chen
Chi-Ling
CL
Tsai
Ya-Huei
YH
Chiang
Bor-Luen
BL
Hwang
Kung-Chang
KC
D000293:Adolescent; D000375:Aging / Q000276:immunology*; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology
D000485:Allergens; D007073:Immunoglobulin E