Prevalence of Allergies in Children With Complex Medical Problems

Abstract

The aim is to determine whether there is a pattern of allergic and immune abnormalities in children with complex medical problems. The authors retrospectively studied a convenience sample of 69 children in a case management program. Of 69 children, 42 underwent immunologic investigations during the selected time frame. Forty (95%) had 1 or more allergic disorder. Cow's milk sensitivity was present in 32 (76%). Abnormal immunoglobulin levels, IgG, IgA, and IgE were found at a greater frequency than in the general pediatric population (P <.005). Lymphocyte subset percentages were decreased for B cells (CD19) and natural killer cells (CD57, CD16/56; P <.05). Presence of a gastrostomy tube, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastric acid suppression, and chronic constipation were common and failure to thrive, developmental delay, sleep disturbance, and recurrent otitis media were present in the majority. The authors report a higher than expected prevalence of allergic and immune abnormalities in children with complex medical problems.

The Relationship Between Lower Respiratory Tract Microbiome and Allergic Respiratory Tract Diseases in Children

“…All children were classified into NAS and AS groups according to the value of TIgE. Comparing the clinical indices of the two groups, the percentage eosinophils count (EO%), the absolute eosinophils count (EO#), and the CD16/56 level were significantly different in the two groups, which was consistent with the meaning of these clinical indices, because EO%, EO#, and CD16/56 were all reported the meaningful indicators for allergy disease (Kelly, 2018;Kelly and Khan, 2008;Fulkerson and Rothenberg, 2013). IgE production is influenced by the microbiome as germ-free mice or mice with a low diversity microbiome developed elevated levels of serum IgE early in life (Cahenzli et al, 2013).…”

The Relationship Between Lower Respiratory Tract Microbiome and Allergic Respiratory Tract Diseases in Children

“…All children were classi ed into NAS and AS groups according to the value of TIgE. Comparing the clinical indices of the two groups, the percentage eosinophils count (EO%), the absolute eosinophils count (EO#), and the CD16/56 level were signi cantly different in the two groups, which demonstrated the children in this study was effectively grouped, because EO%, EO#, and CD16/56 were all reported the meaningful indicators for allergy disease [31][32][33]. Then the microbiome, such as Bacteroidetes and Streptococcus and, showed positively or negatively correlated with TIgE.…”

Efficacy of Feeding Team Recommendations for Infants/Children Presenting With Signs of Milk Allergy

“…1 However, feeding problems have been reported to persist in 3% to 10% of children, resulting in the caregivers seeking professional guidance. 1 Research shows a significant increase in the prevalence of food allergies in children throughout the United States. 7 Food allergies in infants and young children often present as gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EE), particularly when they are non-immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated.…”

“…Caregivers have reported feeding difficulties in approximately 25% to 40% of infants and toddlers that consist of colic/irritability, 1,2 vomiting, [2][3][4] slow eating, 3 and refusal to eat. [1][2][3][4] Feeding problems, although they are transient and usually resolve without significant medical intervention, may be associated with failure to thrive, 1.2 eczema, 1 rhinitis/cough, 1 urticaria, 4 ear infections, 1 asthma, 1,3,4 constipation, 1,5,6 diarrhea, 1,4 and bloody stools. 1 However, feeding problems have been reported to persist in 3% to 10% of children, resulting in the caregivers seeking professional guidance.…”

“…[1][2][3][4] Feeding problems, although they are transient and usually resolve without significant medical intervention, may be associated with failure to thrive, 1.2 eczema, 1 rhinitis/cough, 1 urticaria, 4 ear infections, 1 asthma, 1,3,4 constipation, 1,5,6 diarrhea, 1,4 and bloody stools. 1 However, feeding problems have been reported to persist in 3% to 10% of children, resulting in the caregivers seeking professional guidance. 1 Research shows a significant increase in the prevalence of food allergies in children throughout the United States.…”