Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Egg allergy is the second frequently seen childhood allergy after cow milk allergy (0.5-2.5%). During infancy it presents frequently with urticaria and atopic dermatitis, however, in some cases with anaphylactic reactions as well. Herein it is aimed to examine the clinical features of children with egg allergy and impact of age group to clinical features.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study consisting of 59 IgE-mediated egg allergy patients during September 2013-2015. Diagnosis was done by positive food provacation test or by a history of anaphylaxis with egg. Patients under 2 years of age were enrolled as Group I and those over 2 years as Group II, and the demographic, clinical and biochemical findings were compared.

RESULTS

Mean age was 27.1±13.8 months, beginning of symptoms were at mean age of 7.8±8.2 months. Of the patients 33.9% were girls and 66.1% were boys. Patients presented with cough 28.8% (n=17), dyspnea 28.8% (n=17), urticaria 18.6% (n=11), restlessness 16.9% (n=10), vomiting 10.1% (n=7), diarrhea 8.4% (n=5). Patients were diagnosed as atopic dermatitis in 72.8% (n=43), asthma in 28.8% (n=17), urticaria/angioedema in 18.6% (n=11), colitis in 10.1% (n=6), anaphylaxis in 3.3% (n=2). Regarding the distribution of symptoms and diagnosis, diagnosis of asthma and symptoms of cough and dyspnea were recorded significantly higher over 2 years of age (p<0.05).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Clinical features and laboratory findings of egg allergy can vary according to age. Respiratory symptoms outstand in patients over 2 years. So, clinical features and diagnostic tests should be evaluated according to age groups.