Tabbara K S, Ibrahim A, Ajjawi R, Saleh F
Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain.
Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain; Department of Paediatrics, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Manama, Bahrain.
East Mediterr Health J. 2012 Dec 4;16(12):1214-20. doi: 10.26719/2010.16.12.1214.
This study aimed to define the profile of asthmatic children in Bahrain and the prevalence of sensitization to aeroallergens and foods. A total of 95 children who were clinically diagnosed with asthma were enrolled: 71.6% mild, 20.0% moderate and 8.4% severe asthma (NIH criteria). Serum IgE concentrations were elevated (> 200 kU/L) in 21.1% of patients and highly elevated (> 400 kU/L) in 9.5%. Absolute eosinophil counts were elevated (> 350 × 106/L) in 54.8%. Overall, 67.4% of children were atopic; 56.8% were sensitive to inhalant allergens and 39.0% to foods. The atopic profile was generally similar to asthmatic children in the region and worldwide. Conditions significantly associated with atopic asthma included food allergies, allergic rhinitis and eczema.
