TY - JOUR T1 - Refined severity assessment of asthmatic children using molecular allergy diagnostics JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 42 IS - Suppl 57 SP - P1135 AU - Jon Konradsen AU - Björn Nordlund AU - Magnus Borres AU - Annica Onell AU - Hans Grönlund AU - Gunilla Hedlin Y1 - 2013/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P1135.abstract N2 - Introduction: Allergy to furry animals is a risk factor for asthma and is associated with asthma severity. A major step forward in the diagnostic work-up is the introduction of molecular allergology. We compared sensitization to individual allergen components from furry animals in children with severe and controlled asthma.Methods: Children with a positive ImmunoCAP towards any furry animal (cat, dog or horse) were recruited from a Nationwide Swedish study on severe childhood asthma. Severe (n=37, age 12.9 years) and controlled (n=28, age 13.9 years) asthmatics underwent assessment of allergic sensitization by ImmunoCap and Immunosolid-phase allergen chip (ISAC). In addition, Asthma control test, spirometry and a methacholine challenge were performed.Results: Children with severe asthma had lower asthma control (p<0.001) and FEV1 (p<0.001) and more bronchial hyperreactivity (p=0.004) in spite of high doses of inhaled steroids (> 800ug budesonide). Using ImmunoCAP, severe asthmatics had increased levels of IgE antibodies towards cat (p=0.03), dog (p=0.01) and horse (p=0.01). Results from ISAC are presented in Table 1. IgE levels towards Equ c 1 correlated with Asthma control (r=-0.41, p=0.04). Multisensitization towards ≥3 lipocalin allergens (Fel d 4, Can f 1, Can f 3, Equ c 1) was more common in severe asthma (30% vs. 4%, p=0.007).Conclusion: Higher sIgE levels and a more complex molecular spreading of allergen components were observed for children with severe allergic asthma.View this table:Table 1 ER -