Sensitization to Common Allergens Among Children with Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis in Qatar

Background: Childhood asthma (A) and allergic rhinitis (AR) are common in Qatar. Aeroallergens sensitization is integral in disease pathogenesis and clinical presentation. Determining sensitization patterns assists clinicians in tailoring an efficient medical management. Objective: To determine the aeroallergen sensitization pattern and relationship to clinical parameters. Methods: A retrospective review of children (2-14-years) files with i) Pediatric Allergist/or Pulmonologist confirmed-diagnosis of A, and AR, and ii) positive skin prick test (SPT). Results: Among 473 patients (69.1% males; 30.9% females), aged 7.6 years, family history was positive in 66.3%: 59.4% in A, 64.2% AR, and 78.2% A-AR. The number of allergens/patients was 2.1 +/- 1.7. Median eosinophil count was 400 cells/ul and IgE 287 KU/L. Rates of A, AR, and A-AR varied significantly in children <= 5 years compared to >10 years: A was 43.2% vs 17.8%, and AR 34.5% vs 16.4%. Two hundred and four children (43.1%) were mono-sensitized, 215 (45.5%) oligosensitized (2-3 allergens), and 54 (11.4%) polysensitized (>= 4 allergens). A-AR ranked the top number of positive allergens. The commonest aeroallergen was Der pl (38.1%), followed by Der f (29.0%), cat (22.6%), alternaria (18.8%), American cockroach (18.4%), and dog (14.0%). House dust mite (HDM) and American cockroach were commoner in <= 5 years than older >10-year children (52.5%, 24.1%), while cat and dog allergens were commoner in older ones (37.1%, 21.6%). Conclusion: Family history is quite positive in patients with A and AR. Common aero-allergens include HDM, cats, and alternaria in the young children, while animal allergens were commoner in the older children.