Prevalencia de la alergia alimentaria mediada por IgE en pacientes de 2 semanas a 5 años, atendidos en consulta externa de Alergología en el Hospital Dr. Roberto Gilbert Elizalde periodo enero 2017 – enero 2021.

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of food allergy is different in each country, depending on a number of factors. Although this pathology is on the rise, many countries do not have accurate data. Methods: Observational, retrospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study in patients with a diagnosis of food allergy, confirmed clinically and by specific IgE values, who were between two weeks and five years of age. Of 4,631 patients treated at the outpatient Allergology service, 262 met the inclusion criteria. Results: The prevalence of food allergy was 5.7%, 64.5% corresponded to the male sex, the most affected age group was 13 to 24 months with 29.5%. Egg was the most common allergen (63.7%), followed by milk (54.6%). Mucocutaneous manifestations were the most frequent (68.3%), followed by respiratory (31.7%) and digestive (26%). 68.3% of the patients reported atopic family history, asthma was the most reported disease (33.6%), followed by rhinitis (29.4%). Conclusions: The prevalence obtained in this study borders the prevalence reported worldwide. The male sex is the most affected, almost doubling the female sex. Food allergy predominates in children under two years of age. In this population, the most frequent allergens are eggs, followed by milk. Likewise, class II specific IgE is highly suggestive of allergic pathology. The most frequent symptoms were urticaria and rash. The atopic hereditary factor is closely related to the suffering of this disease.