IgE-dependent sensitization to tropho- and aeroallergens with regard to age, sex and birth season of children and adolescents living in the north-eastern region of Poland

Introduction
A small number of studies concern trophoallergens and aeroallergens sensitization in the developmental age population in Poland. Only a few studies describe the role of selected factors determining the frequency and type of IgE-dependent sensitization in this population.

Aim
To assess the rate of sensitization to chosen tropho- and aeroallergens in the group of sensitized patients living in the north-eastern region of Poland with regard to age, sex and birth season.

Material and methods
Skin prick testing (SPT) with selected food allergens (trophoallergens) and airborne allergens was used to evaluate the sensitization process of patients recruited to this study between 1998 and 2012. A positive result of sensitization was defined when the patient had at least one positive skin prick test with the allergen studied. The skin prick tests were done after written consent had been obtained from the parents.

Results
Significant results were as follows: sensitization was more common in boys (41.9%) than in girls (35.7%); the highest percentage of sensitized patients was observed in the group of children aged 13–18 years (45.0%) as compared to the group of children up to 3 years old (the lowest 33.1%). The highest percentage of sensitized patients was observed among children born during winter (41.3%), the lowest among children born in autumn (36.8%).

Conclusions
The assessment of sensitization to chosen trophoallergens and airborne allergens should include the role of age, sex and birth season of the diagnosed patient.