title: Which aeroallergens are associated with eczema severity?
abstract: We investigated if a correlation exists between aeroallergen sensitization and the severity of eczema. Data on aeroallergen response to skin-prick testing (SPT) and disease severity of children with eczema (n = 119) were evaluated. Atopy, as defined by at least one positive response to aeroallergen skin prick testing, was found in > 90% of eczema patients. House dust mite was the most commonly sensitized aeroallergen, followed by cat fur. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae sensitization were associated with eczema severity (present in 67% of the mild and 97% of the severe group; P = 0.001). However, there was no association between eczema severity and higher strengths of SPT response (defined as SPT > 1+ to dust mites or dust). Atopy to moulds, Bermuda grass, cockroach, cat and dog was less prevalent and was not associated with eczema severity. It is sensible to advise parents on specific avoidance strategies only in severely affected children who have a definitive history of eczema exacerbation by specific aeroallergens and who are not responsive to conventional treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, China. ehon@hotmail.com
authors.forename: K L E
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Hon
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.forename: M C A
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Lam
authors.forename: K Y
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Fok
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Ng
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000485:Allergens; D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D003058:Cockroaches / Q000276:immunology; D004285:Dogs / Q000276:immunology; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis; D004485:Eczema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008925:Mites / Q000276:immunology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012882:Skin Tests
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D004391:Dust