Sensibilización y alergia alimentaria mediada por Inmunoglobulina E específica y su afectación a la calidad de vida en un grupo de adolescentes de 13 a 15 años de edad en el Cantón Santa Isabel: Un estudio trasnversal.

Abstract

Background: This study reports the prevalence of FS and FA as well as its burden on the quality of life of a group of adolescents from Santa Isabel-Ecuador. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried-out among 462 adolescents attending schools in Santa Isabel from July 2014 to February 2016. Data collection comprised the application of a skin prick test including 19 food allergens and a self-reported questionnaire on symptoms suggestive of FA. All the adolescents with a positive skin prick test to one or more allergens and symptoms were tested for specific IgE to improve the FA diagnosis. Results: FS prevalence was 7.14%. FA prevalence was 4.33%. In both cases, shrimp and peanut were the most common allergens. The prevalence of FA after the application of specific IgE decreased to 2.4%. The burden of FA on the adolescents quality of life was rather small 0,05/6, DE±0,94 reflecting the lack of knowledge about their condition Conclusion: This study provides new information regarding adolescents FS and FA living in a Latin-American country. The importance of the study relies on the methodologies applied. FS and AA are prevalent among the studied population. Shrimp and peanut are the most important allergens; both have been correlated with fatal anaphylactic reactions in adolescents. Although the potential risks, the adolescents seem not no understand their condition as reflected in the lack of affectation on their quality of life.