Patterns of sensitization of asthmatic children in the post-COVID period in Georgia

<bold>Background:</bold> Allergies to house dust mites (HDM), mold (mx2), pets, and food are linked to asthma onset and severe episodes. Childhood atopic asthma, marked by allergic sensitization, remains a significant concern due to airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. Recent studies suggest a synergistic effect of viruses and allergens on asthma exacerbations. The COVID-19 pandemic, declared over by WHO on May 5, 2023, adds complexity to this dynamic <bold>Objective:</bold> The main goal of the study was to identify atopic asthma phenotype in a cohort of asthmatic children who presented at our clinic during the post-COVID-19 period and to determine the types of sensitization that correlated with clinical symptoms. <bold>Methods:</bold> 102 pediatric asthma patients (30 girls, 72 boys; ages 6-16) were studied. Asthma diagnosis pre-treatment relied on respiratory symptoms confirmed by spirometry, with sensitization assessed via ImmunoCAP. <bold>Results:</bold> HDM emerged as the predominant allergen in the patient cohort, with a significant majority comprising 76% of subjects (77 patients). The average specific IgE concentration to HDM was 15.5-100 kUA/l; 17% (17 patients) to timothy grass (g6) 3.5-17.5 kUA/l, and 15% (15 patients) to mx2. 62% (63 patients) exhibited monosensitivity to HDM, 6% (6 patients) to timothy grass (g6), and 8% (8 patients) to mx2. Moreover, 5% of individuals exhibited polysensitization to both HDM and mx2, 3% were polysensitized to HDM, mx2, and g6. <bold>Conclusions:</bold> The findings highlight the pivotal role of allergic sensitization in pediatric asthma cases diagnosed during the post-COVID-19 era. Achieved tailored patient management strategies and facilitated immunotherapy regimen shifts for treating asthma.