[The natural history of allergy to eggs in atopic dermatitis]

Pediatr Med Chir. 1994 Sep-Oct;16(5):485-7.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

The outcome of atopic dermatitis and the incidence [correction of prevalence] of asthma was ascertained in a four-year follow-up in 47 children with eczema due to egg allergy. At the end of the study, skin lesions had cleared in 32 (68%) children. Of these, 18 (38.2%) developed tolerance to egg about two years after diagnosis, while 14 (29.7%) continued an elimination diet. Fifteen children (31.9%) are still affected by eczema due to discontinuation of the egg-free diet. At the end of follow-up, 23 children had presented at least three asthma episodes. Therefore, the incidence [correction of prevalence] of asthma in children with atopic dermatitis appears to be significantly higher when egg allergy is present. Egg allergy could be a marker of an atopic condition and therefore be an unfavourable prognostic signal as to the outcome of the disease and the appearance of respiratory allergy.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Asthma / diagnosis
  • Asthma / epidemiology
  • Asthma / etiology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / complications
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / diagnosis*
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / etiology
  • Eggs / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Food Hypersensitivity / complications
  • Food Hypersensitivity / diagnosis*
  • Food Hypersensitivity / etiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Prognosis
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / epidemiology
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / etiology