[Clinical epidemiologic features in children allergic to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in children allergic diseases in Hangzhou and its surrounding areas.

Methods: Western blotting was used to detect the serum antibody for 9 422 children who were admitted due to clinically suspected allergic diseases. Clinical epidemiological features were analyzed for those with total IgE>100 IU/ml and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus-specific IgE > or = 0.35 IU/ml.

Results: The prevalence of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in children with allergic diseases was 41.2% (3 878/9 422). The most common symptoms were allergic rhinitis [47.8%(1852/3 878)] and asthma [18.5%(716/3 878)]. The allergic diseases were most prevalent in July, August and October. The diseases were more prevalent in children over 3 years old and above. more in males [68.8% (2668/3878)] than females [31.2% (1210/3878)].

Conclusion: Data suggest that Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is an important allergen causing allergic diseases in children in Hangzhou.