Document Type : original article
Authors
Department of Allergy, Inflammation and Asthma, 1st Pediatric Clinic, University of Athens, Childrens’ Hospital ‘Agia Sophia’, Athens, Greece.
Abstract
Background: We retrospectively analyzed data from 1090 referrals for investigation of allergies.
Methods: Detailed clinical history, skin tests, specific IgE.
Results: Food allergies accounted for a significant percentage of the referrals (27.17%). IgE and non-IgE allergies were detected in 20.02% and 7.15% of cases, respectively. The prominent symptom of IgE mediated allergies was generalized urticaria and/or angioedema, while anaphylaxis was detected in 12.58% of cases. The most common sensitizations were to milk, egg, and tree nuts with a significant sensitization to peanuts. Comorbidities such as eczema, allergic rhinitis and asthma were not frequently reported (18.58% and 12.89% respectively). Among patients with IgE milk allergy and allergic proctocolitis, a significant number responded to extended hydrolyzed milk.
Conclusions: Food allergies in children are an important focus for the Department of Allergy. Our results are not consistent with in previous reports on food allergies in Athens, Greece. We report the incidence of anaphylaxis and systemic reactions, as well as high incidence of tree nut allergies, especially to peanuts and walnuts, in addition to milk and egg allergies. We also observed a high incidence of FPIES syndrome in fish. We report the incidence of concomitant diseases including allergic rhinitis/asthma and eczema, and compare our findings with existing literature.
Keywords
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