[Testing for specific immunoglobulins E (IgE) in case of suspected allergy in children: the results in a laboratory for general practitioners and medical specialists].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the results of allergic sensitization tests to food and inhalant allergens in children younger than 4 years of age and in older children.

DESIGN: Descriptive, retrospective.

METHOD: The results of all specific IgE tests performed in children, 0-18 years ofage, in our hospital laboratory during the period 1985-2003 were reviewed. The hospital laboratory performed these tests for both general practitioners and specialists.

RESULTS: During the study period, specific IgE tests were performed in 9131 children. Sensitization to inhalant allergens was found in 50% (3087/6185) of the children above 4 years of age and in 32% (9311/2946) of children 4 years of age or younger. Sensitization to house dust mite (12%), dog dander (9%), and cat dander (8%) was more common in young children than sensitization to pollen (7%) (p < 0.001). Sensitization to food allergens was found in 23% of schoolchildren and adolescents. Of these children, 48% were sensitized to 5 or more different inhalant or food allergens. In children 4 years of age or younger, paediatricians ordered most of the tests, while in the older children most tests were ordered by general practitioners.

CONCLUSION: Sensitization to inhalant allergens is common in children 4 years of age or younger. Sensitization to food allergens is not confined to young children but is also frequently found in schoolchildren and adolescents. In such cases, there is often sensitization to several food and inhalant allergens, the clinical significance of which is usually unclear.