title: The prevalence of sensitization to inhalant allergens in children with atopic dermatitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The role of sensitization to inhalant allergens in atopic dermatitis (AD) in children is uncertain. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship of AD symptoms with sensitization to aeroallergens in Polish children ages 6-7 and 13-14 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  Epidemiology of Allergic Disorders in Poland is a randomized study with medical examination according to the ECRHS II and the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood standards in nine selected regions of Poland. We studied 6-7-year-old (n = 4510) and 13-14-year-old children (n = 4721). A total of 1583 children (25%) had a medical examination and a skin-prick test (SPT) with the 15 most common aeroallergens.
  
  
  RESULTS
  AD was diagnosed in 235 children (8.9%) (8.7%, 6-7-year-old children; 9.0%, 13-14-year-old children; 8.6% boys and 9.1% girls). AD was more frequent in urban versus rural habitants (9.6% versus 3.7%; p < 0.05) and in participants with a positive atopy history versus those without atopy (9.4% versus 5.1%; p < 0.05). Positive SPT was found in 1165 children (43.9%) (38.5% boys, 49.5% girls) and 64.72% with AD versus 41.9% without AD (p < 0.05) and more common in the rural region versus urban setting among 6-7 year-olds (71.8% versus 35.0%; p < 0.05). The most frequent allergic reaction was Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (13.5%), Dermatophagoides farina (11.7%), and grasses/crop plants (11.8%). The same pattern was seen in participants with and those without AD. Children with AD had more frequent positive SPT for all aeroallergens (p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  AD should be more frequent in children with a positive atopy history and in children who live in the city. Aeroallergens play an essential role in pathogenesis of eczema in children. House-dust mites and grass pollen proved to be the most common relevant aeroallergens.
authors: Department of the Prevention of Environmental Hazards and Allergology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland.
authors: Adam J
authors: AJ
authors: Sybilski
authors: Marta
authors: M
authors: Zalewska
authors: Konrad
authors: K
authors: Furmańczyk
authors: Agnieszka
authors: A
authors: Lipiec
authors: Edyta
authors: E
authors: Krzych-Fałta
authors: Bolesław
authors: B
authors: Samoliński
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D008297:Male; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000276:immunology; D006109:Poaceae; D011044:Poland; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology; D015995:Prevalence; D014505:Urban Population
chemical_list: D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D052638:Particulate Matter