Mapping paediatric aeroallergen sensitization profils and optimizing skin prick test panels in Southern Belgium
(2025) 53nd Congress of the BVK-SBP — Location: Mons (13.March.2025)
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MappingpaediatricaeroallergensensitizationprofilesandoptimizingskinpricktestpanelsinSouthernBelgium.pdf
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- Background: Allergic diseases are rapidly increasing worldwide, with considerable regional variations. In Belgium, studies on paediatric aeroallergen sensitisation have been lacking. Methods: This multicentre, epidemiological study analysed data from paediatric patients who underwent skin prick tests for suspected aeroallergen-related allergic reaction. Data were retrospectively collected from patients seen in 2023 at seven participating hospitals in Southern Belgium, including two tertiary centres, CHU UCL Namur Mont-Godinne and Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, and five secondary centres, CHC Montlégia, CHU UCL Namur Saint-Elisabeth, Clinique Notre-Dame de Grâce de Gosselies, Clinique Saint-Pierre d’Ottignies and Grand Hôpital de Charleroi. The study also sought to identify the most relevant aeroallergens and to define a region-specific minimal panel optimising diagnostic efficiency. Results: A total of 3297 patients were included, with respiratory symptoms being the primary indication for testing. The overall skin prick test positivity rate was 46.2%, with significant age-related variations, including a notably lower rate in children under 3 years (16.6%). The most common allergens identified were house dust mites (63.9%), grass pollen (43.5%), Betulaceae pollen (35.9%), and cat dander (31.1%). Over 63% of sensitised children exhibited polysensitisation, with its prevalence increasing with age. Two distinct five-allergen panels, one for children under 3 years and one for older children, capture over 95% of sensitisation. Conclusion: This study provides a real-life overview of aeroallergen sensitisation based on a large cohort of Belgian children. Two minimal five-allergen panels offer a cost-effective and region-specific diagnostic tool. Findings also highlight the limited positivity of skin prick tests in children under 3 years, underscoring the importance of adequate test performance and interpretation in this age group to ensure reliable results.
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Stavart, C., Thimmesch, M., Cousin, J., De Saint-Moulin, T., Gueulette, E., Blavier, N., Goubau, C., & Bodart, E. (2025). Mapping paediatric aeroallergen sensitization profils and optimizing skin prick test panels in Southern Belgium. 53nd Congress of the BVK-SBP, Mons. https://hdl.handle.net/2078.5/271727