title: Sensitisation patterns and association with age, gender, and clinical symptoms in children with allergic rhinitis in primary care: a cross-sectional study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Polysensitisation is a frequent phenomenon in patients with allergic rhinitis. However, few studies have investigated the characteristics of polysensitised children, especially in primary care.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This analysis describes the patterns of sensitisation to common allergens and the association with age, gender, and clinical symptoms in children in primary care diagnosed with allergic rhinitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional data from two randomised double-blind placebo-controlled studies were used to select children aged 6-18 years (n=784) with a doctor's diagnosis of allergic rhinitis or use of relevant medication for allergic rhinitis in primary care. They were assessed for age, gender, specific IgE (type and number of sensitisations), nasal and eye symptom scores.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 699 of the 784 children (89%) with a doctor's diagnosis or relevant medication use, a positive IgE test for one or more allergens was found. Polysensitisation (>2 sensitisations) was found in 69% of all children. Sensitisation was more common in children aged 9-13 than in younger children aged 5-8 years (p=0.03). Monosensitisation and polysensitisation were not significantly different in girls and boys. The severity of clinical symptoms did not differ between polysensitised and monosensitised children, but symptoms were significantly lower in non-sensitised children.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Polysensitisation to multiple allergens occurs frequently in children with allergic rhinitis in general practice. Overall, clinical symptoms are equally severe in polysensitised and monosensitised children. Treatment decisions for allergic rhinitis should be made on the basis of a clinical history and allergy testing.
authors: Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors: Cindy M A
authors: CM
authors: de Bot
authors: Esther
authors: E
authors: Röder
authors: David H J
authors: DH
authors: Pols
authors: Patrick J E
authors: PJ
authors: Bindels
authors: Roy Gerth
authors: RG
authors: van Wijk
authors: Johannes C
authors: JC
authors: van der Wouden
authors: Heleen
authors: H
authors: Moed
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D065631:Rhinitis, Allergic; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D007073:Immunoglobulin E