title: Cross allergic reactions in infants and toddlers with atopic dermatitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Prevalence and clinical significance of cross sensitization in children up to 3 years old, diagnosed with atopic dermatitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The retrospective study included 69 children up to 3 years old with atopic dermatitis. Allergological diagnostics was performed based on skin tests, determination of total IgE concentration and allergen-specific IgE.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cross sensitization was found in 26% of children. Other patients were qualified to the control group. The sensitization to trees pollen and fruits as well as grass pollen and vegetables were the most frequent types of cross allergy. The patient's family history was positive with regard to atopy in 72% of children from the study group vs. 31% of children from the control group. The statistically higher prevalence of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma as well as co-existence of sensitization to house dust mite and animal dander were revealed in the study group. The total concentration of IgE, eosinophilia and SCORAD values were statistically higher in the study group. Children with cross sensitization required systemic steroid therapy more frequently.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In children up to 3 years with atopic dermatitis and sensitization to plant pollen, the role of a pollen-food allergy syndrome must be taken into account in the pathogenesis of the disease. In children with cross sensitization, the course of atopic dermatitis is more severe; the symptoms from the respiratory and digestive system co-exist. The positive family history is a factor, predisposing to the development of cross sensitization in infants and toddlers.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cudowska
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kaczmarski
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wasilewska
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003429:Cross Reactions / Q000276:immunology*; D063607:Dander / Q000276:immunology; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008894:Milk Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D057685:Plant Weeds / Q000276:immunology; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology; D015995:Prevalence; D039981:Pyroglyphidae / Q000276:immunology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012882:Skin Tests; D014197:Trees / Q000276:immunology; D014675:Vegetables / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D008894:Milk Proteins; D007073:Immunoglobulin E