Positive Conversion Of Specific Ige Against House Dust Mite In Children With Atopic Dermatitis Under 24 Months Of Age

Purpose: A considerable number of children with atopic dermatitis (AD) is known to be sensitized with respiratory allergen and developed to respiratory allergic disease. We aimed to determine the time of sensitization to house dust mite (HDM) allergen and identify the risk factors of sensitization in children with AD.Methods: Data from 159 children with AD aged less than 24 months and with no sensitization to HDM were analyzed retrospectively. Disease severity, total IgE, specific IgE levels to HDM and food allergens were assessed. They were followed to monitor positive conversion of specific IgE against HDM and development of allergic respiratory diseases. The specific IgE was considered as positive when its level was over 0.69 kU/L.Results: The 44.7% of children with AD were sensitized to HDM. The 50% of sensitization to HDM occurred at the median age of 52 months using survival analysis. The severity of atopic dermatitis (six area, six sign in atopic dermatitis score> 15; hazard ratio, 2.62) and high peak total IgE in 2 years old (hazard ratio, 1.58) was associated with an increased risk of sensitization to HDM. Sensitization to food allergen, family history of allergic disease and total IgE of 1st visit of hospital were not associated with early sensitization to HDM.Conclusion: The sensitization of HDM of children with AD occurred at the median age of 52 months. The risk factors of sensitization to HDM were AD severity and total IgE level. Children with severe AD need to control the indoor environment before 24 months of age.