title: Prevalence of allergen sensitization, most important allergens and factors associated with atopy in children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Knowledge of the profile of allergen sensitization among children is important for planning preventive measures. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and profile of sensitization to inhaled allergens and food among children and adolescents in an outpatient population in the city of Palmas.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study at outpatient clinics in Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-four patients aged 1-15 years who were attending two pediatric outpatient clinics were selected between September and November 2008. All of the subjects underwent clinical interviews and skin prick tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A positive skin prick test was observed in 76.6% of the participants (72.3% for inhalants and 28.9% for food allergens). The most frequent allergens were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (34%), cat epithelium (28.7%), dog epithelium (21.3%), Dermatophagoides farinae (19.1%), Blomia tropicalis (18.1%), cow's milk (9.6%) and grasses (9.6%). A positive skin prick test correlated with a history of atopic disease (odds ratio, OR = 5.833; P = 0.002), a family history of atopic disease (OR = 8.400; P < 0.001), maternal asthma (OR = 8.077; P = 0.048), pet exposure (OR = 3.600; P = 0.012) and cesarean delivery (OR = 3.367; P = 0.019).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was the most frequent aeroallergen and cow's milk was the most prevalent food allergen. There was a positive correlation between a positive skin prick test and several factors, such as a family history of atopic disease, maternal asthma, pet exposure and cesarean delivery.
authors: Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Department of Medicine, PalmasTocantinsBrazil.
authors: Raquel Prudente de Carvalho
authors: RP
authors: Baldaçara
authors: Maria de Fátima Marcelos
authors: Mde F
authors: Fernandes
authors: Leonardo
authors: L
authors: Baldaçara
authors: Wilson Tartuce
authors: WT
authors: Aun
authors: João Ferreira de
authors: JF
authors: Mello
authors: Mario Cesar
authors: MC
authors: Pires
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012882:Skin Tests
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens