Analysis of serum allergen test results in children with allergic diseases in Shanghai

Objective To analyze the distribution of serum allergens in children with allergic diseases in Shanghai and provide diagnostic and therapeutic evidence for the prevention and management of allergic diseases. Methods A total of 560 children diagnosed with allergic diseases (including bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis) who attended the pediatric outpatient clinic at Ruijin Hospital from 2021 to 2023 were enrolled. Total serum IgE levels were measured using scattering turbidimetry, and specific serum IgE antibodies against various allergens were detected by immunoblotting. A retrospective analysis was performed. Results 1. Among the 560 children, the positive rate of total IgE was high, and multiple allergens were commonly found. 2. The allergens were mainly Dermatophagoides farinae (59.11%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (58.75%), cow’s milk (28.04%), egg (22.14%) and Aspergillus niger with rosary branches (21.43%). No significant gender differences were observed in allergen distribution (P>0.05). 3. For inhalant allergens, the positive rates of Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and cat dander increased with age, with the highest rates observed in children aged 7-15 years (72.55%, 71.76%, and 26.67%, respectively), and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). For food allergens, the positive rate for cow’s milk was highest during early childhood (34.55%) and decreased with age (P<0.05). 4. Regarding inhalant allergens, the positive rate for Aspergillus niger with rosary branches showed seasonal variation (P<0.05), peaking in autumn (28.89%). Among children sensitized to cockroaches, the positive rate for shrimp/crab was as high as 38.5%, and a significant correlation was observed between cockroach sensitization and crustacean food allergens (P<0.05). Conclusions In children with allergic diseases in Shanghai, the most common inhalant allergen is Dermatophagoides farinae, followed by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and cat dander, with age-related differences observed. The most common food allergen is cow’s milk, followed by egg white, peanut/soy, lamb/beef, cashew, pistachio, almond, and walnut. There is a significant correlation between cockroach and shrimp/crab sensitization, suggesting that children sensitized to crustaceans should be closely monitored for potential cockroach sensitization.