Investigation of Allergic Sensitization Pattern in 4,203 Children in Northern China.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to investigate the allergen sensitization pattern among 4,203 children in the Shanxi region of China and to provide guidance for diagnosis and prevention of allergic diseases.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) results of 4,203 children aged 0-12 years from January to December in 2019. SIgE antibodies to 19 allergens in the serum sample were detected by enzyme ALLERGO-SORBENT testing.

RESULTS

In total, 49.70% (2,089/4,203) of children with allergic diseases were positive for sIgE, and the top 5 allergens were egg white 18.63% (783/4,203), artemisia 14.47% (608/4,203), milk 13.04% (548/4,203), ragweed 8.66% (364/4,203), and poplar/willow/elm 8.52% (358/4,203). Significant differences in the positive rate of food allergens and aeroallergens in different ages were found (p < 0.05). 50.98% (1,065/2,089) patients were sensitive to 2 or more allergens. The high sensitization rate in the >3-year group was significantly higher than the ≤3-year group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Egg white and artemisia are the most common allergens in children in northern China. This study provides allergic sensitization pattern of children and clinical epidemiological data in the region.