Original scientific paper
Changing Pattern of Sensitization in Croatia to Aeroallergens in Adult Population Referring to Allergy Clinic during a Period of 15 Years
Muharem Mehulić
Ketij Mehulić
Ivana Maloča Vuljanko
Suzana Kukulj
Sanja Popović Grle
Andrea Dugac Vukić
Blaženka Barišić
Davor Plavec
Abstract
Published data indicate that during the last decades there is a possible change in the pattern of sensitization to different
aeroallergens in adult population with atopy. The aim of this investigation was based on the hypothesis that during
last 15 years there has been a change in the structure of prevalence of sensitization to different aeroallergens in adult population
of Zagreb and its surroundings with atopy. Medical records from outpatient allergy clinic were screened for the
period 1991.–2004.We included 794 patients during years 1991–1994, 814 patients during years 1995–1999, and 969 patients
during years 2000–2004. Following data were analyzed: age, gender, education level, residence, referral diagnosis,
dominant symptoms, results of skin-prick test (SPT), total and specific serum immunoglobulin E. As risk factors for allergic
sensitization we determined the decade of birth (p<0.0001), male gender (p<0.008), level of education (p<0.0001),
and place of residence (p<0.05). Proportion of sensitized individuals to pollen significantly increased from the period
1991–1994 towards 2000–2004 (p<0.001 for the trend) with a significant increase in the proportion of sensitized individuals
to weed pollen (p=0.002 for the trend) while the proportion of sensitized to other two groups of pollen (grasses and
trees) was not significantly different. A significant increase in the proportion of sensitized individuals was determined
for sensitization to ragweed pollen (p=0.004 for the trend), and to mugwort (p=0.005 for the trend). Despite all its limitations
primarily based on the selection bias the results of this study are conclusive about the significant change in the proportion
of sensitization to different aeroallergens and different pollen groups and individual pollen species during the
investigated 15-year time interval.
Keywords
hypersensitivity; allergens; pollen; ambrosia
Hrčak ID:
69143
URI
Publication date:
24.6.2011.
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