Sensitization profile in asthmatic children: a retrospective study of 100 patients

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of allergic asthma is increasing, with approximately 40% to 80% of asthmatic children having an allergic component. In Tunisia, the allergen profile found in most adult series shows a clear predominance of house dust mites, followed by pollen. The aim of this study is to investigate the sensitization profile of Tunisian children with asthma. Methods: This is a retrospective study of observations of patients followed up in consultation and/or hospitalized in the Children's Medicine B department of the Tunis Children's Hospital, over a 5-year period from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017. Results: We studied 100 children, with a sex ratio of 1.09. The mean age of onset of symptoms was 4 years and 11 months. 34% of our patients had a history of familial atopy. Personal atopy was observed in 53% of patients. Prick tests were carried out on all patients, and was positive in 68%, with a predominance of house dust mites. Conclusion: The sensitization profile of our patients showed a predominance of house dust mites as the implicated pneumallergen and a sensitization rate of 68% among our asthmatic patients.