Sensitization patterns to food and inhalant allergens in childhood: a comparison of non-sensitized, monosensitized, and polysensitized children.

The clinical interpretation of children sensitized to numerous allergens is challenging. We examined differences between children sensitized to zero, one, or more allergens. This was a retrospective analysis of all specific IgE tests in children 0-18 yrs of age sent to our laboratory by general practitioners and hospital-based specialists for allergy testing between 1990 and 2003.

High prevalence of sensitization to aeroallergens in children 4 yrs of age or younger with symptoms of allergic disease.

The assumption that sensitization to aeroallergens is rare in preschool children is based on population studies in which most subjects have little or no symptoms of atopic disease. We assessed the prevalence of atopic sensitization in children 0 to 4 yr of age presenting with symptoms of allergic disease by reviewing results of all specific immunoglobulin (IgE) tests performed in our hospital laboratory in children 4 yr of age or younger between 1985 and 2003. Tests were ordered by general practitioners or hospital-based pediatricians in children presenting with symptoms of allergic disease.