A single-center retrospective analysis of allergen sensitization profiles at a tertiary pediatric center in Beijing, China

Background: A comprehensive knowledge of sensitization patterns in suspected allergic children may provide evidence-based clues for prevention and management of allergic disease. Objective: To analyze the sensitization profiles of common allergens in children with suspected allergies in Beijing Children's Hospital in the year 2015. Methska: Of children who had undergone allergen blood testing in 2015 using an allergy screening (AS) semi-quantitative testing method (Mediwiss Allergy Screen testing system, Germany), the results and medical records were reviewed in this retrospective, descriptive study. A further comparison for sensitization patterns among different subgroups was performed. Results: A total of 19,129 individuals (mean age: 9.76 +/- 5.98 years) who had undergone allergy blood testing and had complete clinical data (symptoms, diagnosis, therapy), including 11,701 boys (mean age: 10.61 +/- 4.41 years) and 7,428 girls (mean age: 8.49 +/- 3.09 years), were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. 42.8% (8,181/19,129) children were sensitized to at least one allergen. House dust mite (10.95%) and cow's milk (9.49%) were found to be the most common aeroallergens and food allergens, respectively. The specific IgE (sIgE) tests with high-class sensitization (equal or higher than class 3) were most likely to be caused by dust mite and cow's milk. A significant difference in the overall positive rate of sIgE response was observed between boys and girls, and with a significant gender difference in positive rates to allergens of house dust mite, short ragweed and estrageon, grass pollen, and cat dander. In an age-stratification sIgE response to aeroallergens and food allergen, it is indicated that the younger the age, the higher the food allergy sensitization rates; the older age, the higher the sensitization to aeroallergens. Conclusion: It is necessary to keep a watch on the variation in the sensitization state and to pay greater attention to interpreting test results. This allows the pediatrician to develop a rational treatment and prophylactic strategy with regard to allergen avoidance.