Author/Authors :
Tabbara, K.S. Arabian Gulf University - College of Medicine and Medical Sciences - Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Bahrain , Ibrahim, A. Arabian Gulf University - College of Medicine and Medical Sciences - Department of Paediatrics, Bahrain , Ibrahim, A. Ministry of Health - Salmaniya Medical Complex - Department of Paediatrics, Bahrain , Ajjawi, R. Ministry of Health - Salmaniya Medical Complex - Department of Paediatrics, Bahrain , Saleh, F. Arabian Gulf University - College of Medicine and Medical Sciences - Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Bahrain , Saleh, F. Ministry of Health - Salmaniya Medical Complex - Department of Pathology, Bahrain
Abstract :
This study aimed to define the profile of asthmatic children in Bahrain and the prevalence of sensitization to aeroallergens and foods. A total of 95 children who were clinically diagnosed with asthma were enrolled: 71.6% mild, 20.0% moderate and 8.4% severe asthma (NIH criteria). Serum IgE concentrations were elevated ( 200 kU/L) in 21.1% of patients and highly elevated ( 400 kU/L) in 9.5%. Absolute eosinophil counts were elevated ( 350 × 106/L) in 54.8%. Overall, 67.4% of children were atopic; 56.8% were sensitive to inhalant allergens and 39.0% to foods. The atopic profile was generally similar to asthmatic children in the region and worldwide. Conditions significantly associated with atopic asthma included food allergies, allergic rhinitis and eczema.
