Allergic rhinitis in young children: clinical and allergological correlations, risk factors, sensitization patterns and major allergens

Introduction. Identifying the causes of allergic diseases and allergen sensitization patterns in young children remains a challen­ ging task of significant interest to the medical community. Objective. This study aimed to determine risk factors, sensitization profiles, and major allergens in children aged 2–4 years with allergic rhinitis (AR) residing in Beloretsk (Republic of Bashkortostan). Materials and methods. In this open-label, single-center, prospective study, 113 children with persistent rhinitis were enrolled and divided into two groups: AR (n = 68, mean age 3.19±0.78 years) and non-AR (n = 45, 3.00±0.80 years). Evaluations included medical history, eosinophilic cationic protein levels, total and specific IgE (ImmunoCAP), and nasal cytology. Polysensitized children (n = 11) underwent further testing using the ISAC-112 molecular panel. Statistical analysis employed median (Me) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), Mann — Whitney U-test, Yates-corrected χ ² test, Spearman’s correlation coefficient, and Chaddock’s scale. Results. AR developed by the age of three, with 54.41% of patients exhibiting mild persistent perennial symptoms (p = 0.019), predominantly sneezing (p < 0.001). Significant risk factors included family history of asthma (OR 11.9; 95% CI [2.8; 50.9]), seasonal AR (OR 2.5; 95% CI [1.1; 5.7]), maternal anemia (OR 2.3; 95% CI [1.1; 5.0]), cesarean delivery (OR 2.8; 95% CI [1.2; 6.8]), atopic dermatitis (OR 3.9; 95% CI [1.4; 10.3]), adenoid hypertrophy grade 2—3 (OR 3.2; 95% CI [1.3; 8.1]), animal exposure (OR 3.6; 95% CI [1.8; 7.3]), and passive smoking (OR 2.8; 95% CI [1.4; 5.8]). Sensitization was detected to cat dander (75.00%), dog dander (66.18%), birch (47.06%), timothy grass (20.59%), mugwort (36.76%), and house dust mites (D. p., D. f.) (41.18%). Molecular analysis (ISAC-112) confirmed sensitization to Fel d 1 (90.91%) and Bet v 1 (73.72%). Conclusion. These findings highlight the importance of regional studies in understanding the clinical and risk factors of pediatric allergic diseases, contributing to improved diagnosis and prevention strategies.