The role of sensitization to aeroallergens and its determination in children with asthma in Ukraine

Asthma is a very common respiratory disease in the world. In particular, asthma has a great impact on the health of children. In this study, the distribution of sensitization among children with asthma has been analyzed. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of sensitization among children with asthma in the Ukrainian population. Materials and methods. The study involved patients (n=98) with asthma aged from 12 to 18 years (median 6 (3;10)). During the examination, children underwent skin prick testing for common aeroallergens. A positive skin prick test was defined as a blister ≥3 mm in diameter after 15 minutes. Results. Among 98 patients, skin testing with aeroallergens showed a positive result in 76 (77.6%) people: 18 (18.4%) had positive skin testing for at least one allergen, and 58 (59.2%) had polysensitization. Among those sensitized children, 54 (55.1%) were sensitive to pollen allergens, 29 (29.6%) patients were sensitive to cats, 32 (32.6%) to dogs, 30 (30.6%) to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, 27 (27.6%) to Dermatophagoides farinae, and 10 (10.2%) to Alternaria. Conclusion. The most important inhalant allergens for patients with bronchial asthma are pollens (trees, grasses, and weeds), house dust mites, molds, and animal dander. Identifying causative allergens allows for monitoring allergy triggers and determining which asthma patients will be candidates for allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT). Today, most children with asthma do not receive ASIT because of the lack of awareness at the primary care level, a lack of testing for aeroallergen sensitization, and financial inaccessibility of examination and treatment in Ukraine. The study was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethical Committee of these institutions. The informed consent of the children's parents was obtained for the research. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.