The Role of Component Resolved Diagnostics for Assessing Hidden Allergens of Idiopathic Urticaria in Childhood

Rationale: Acute idiopathic urticaria (AIU) in childhood is a common condition in childhood. However, the exact causing factors and physiopathology remains unknown. The serum profile of IgE antibodies to those allergen components differs, between patients due to local variation of allergen exposures. The aim of this study was to evaluate hidden allergens of AIU in childhood by using the component resolved diagnostics (CRD).

Methods: Seventy four Children with AIU were recruited from Hanyang University Guri Hospital for last 5 years. There were no positive results from allergy skin prick or serum test, but some of them showed positive food related history and food challenge tests. We applied CRD including pathogenesis-related protein family number 10 (PR-10) and non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTP) for evaluating hidden allergens of AIU.

Results: There were no evidences with allergic skin and serum test for subjects. Twenty-four children of 74 subjects presented positive CRD results including PR-10 (apple (nMal d 1) 7, hazelnut (rConr a 1) 5, peach (rPru p 1) 4, peanut (rAra h 8) 4, kiwi (nAct d 8) 3, birch (rBet v 1) 4, alder (rAln g 1) 1), nsLTP (peach (nPru p 3) 4, hazelnut (rCor a 8) 3, mugwort (nArt v 3) 2), profilins (rBet v2) 3 children.

Conclusions: IgE sensitization to storage proteins in peanut, tree nuts or seeds is regarded as an important risk marker for severe systemic reactions. IgE sensitization to PR-10 or nsLTP may be shown to be the important allergen components for systemic reaction including AIU in childhood.