Prevalence and distribution patterns of allergens among children with asthma and asthma-like symptoms in Shanghai, China.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify the prevalence and distribution patterns of allergens among Chinese children with asthma/asthma-like symptoms (ALS). METHODS: A total of 3479 children with asthma/ALS were enrolled. Skin prick test (SPT) was used to test the allergen-specific IgE. We analysed allergens prevalence and distribution, and its relationship with demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Aeroallergens prevalence was higher than that of food allergens (p < 10(- 4)). Boys had higher aeroallergens prevalence than that in girls (p < 10(- 4)). Significant difference of aeroallergens prevalence among cases with different parental allergy history was observed (p < 10(- 4)). Age was positively associated with aeroallergens prevalence before the age of 11.5 (P < 10(- 4)), particularly before the age of 2.42 (P < 10(- 4)). Age was negatively associated with aeroallergens prevalence after the age of 11.5 (P = 0.021). Age was negatively associated with food allergens prevalence before the age of 3.42 (P < 10(- 4)). Age was associated with the intensity of dermatophagoides farinae (DF)/house dust mite (HDM) allergens (P < 10(- 4)). Age was negatively associated with the intensity of shrimp, and crab allergens before the age of 3.3 and 3.3, respectively (P = 0.012, < 10(- 4)). Boys had higher intensity of DF and HDM allergens than that in girls (P < 10(- 4), P < 10(- 4)). Significant differences of the intensity of DF and HDM allergens among groups with different parental allergy history were noted (P < 10(- 4), P < 10(- 4)). CONCLUSIONS: Boys and parental allergy history were associated with higher prevalence and intenstity of aeroallergens. Age was positively and negatively associated with aeroallergens prevalence before and after the age of 11.5, respectively. Age was negatively associated with food allergens prevalence before the age of 3.42.