Background
Children are the age group with the highest prevalence of allergy diseases. There is currently a lack of knowledge regarding monosensitization and polysensitization characteristics in children. In this study, we investigated the characteristics and differences between monosensitization and polysensitization in children in Weifang, eastern China.
Objective
To demonstrate the basic features of monosensitization and polysensitization in children. To explore the inherent and clinical parameter differences between monosensitized and polysensitized children.
Material and Methods
A total of 6030 individuals with a physician-determined need for allergy testing were tested for 15 common allergens, including 9 aeroallergens and 6 food allergens. A total of 938 allergen-positive children aged 1 month to 18 years were eventually included in this analysis. Complete blood count results from the same time as the allergen test were derived from the computerized medical records. Intrinsic features such as age, gender, sIgE, T-IgE, and clinical parameters such as eosinophil percentage, eosinophil count, basophil percentage, and basophil count were compared.
Results
The results showed that dust mite-related allergens, mould-related allergens, and tree and grass pollen-related allergens were the most prevalent allergens among monosensitized children. Additionally, the results of the combined pattern of polysensitive childhood allergens indicate the most common two allergens that were present together included dust mites and mould-related allergens, dust mite and Artemisia pollens, and dust mite and Humulus scandens pollens. Polysensitization can result in higher sIgE, T-IgE and eosinophil levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we provide a basic overview of allergens in monosensitized and polysensitized children. These findings provide new insight into the management of allergic diseases, particularly from the standpoint of polysensitization.