Early risk factors for sensitisation to food allergens in children up to three years old

Introduction
It has been indicated that perinatal factors may affect the increased risk of developing a food allergy, atopic dermatitis, asthma, or allergic rhinitis.

The aim of the study
To analyse the early risk factors for sensitisation to food allergens in children up to three years of age with suspected food allergy.

Material and methods
The study included 318 children under three years of age. IgE-sensitisation was stated on the basis of the presence of specific IgE-antibodies (Bi^oCheck, Germany). The positive results of atopy patch tests (APT) (Finn Chambers, Finland) formed the basis for non-IgE-mediated sensitisation.

Results
The sensitisation to foods was confirmed in 203 children (63.84%), including IgE-mediated sensitisation in 52 (16.35%) and non-IgE-mediated in 151 children (47.48%). In 115 (36.16%) children the test results were negative. Compared with the control group, patients with non-IgE-mediated sensitisation significantly more often inhabited rural areas (22.61% vs. 39.07%, p = 0.004). The frequency of caesarean deliveries was similar in both studied groups (35.1% and 40.38%) and controls (40.87%) (p > 0.05). In the group of children with non-IgE-mediated sensitisation, the average time of breastfeeding was significantly longer than in the control group (3.00 vs. 1.50 months, p = 0.018). Compared with the control group, the children with a positive APT were more often exclusively breastfed (28.48% vs. 15.65%, p = 0.013).

Conclusions
The method of feeding in the first year of life and place of residence were associated with the development of sensitisation to food allergens. There was no evidence that perinatal factors were crucial for the development of food sensitisation in children up to three years of age.