Characterising the allergic profile of children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition that affects multiple organ systems. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a well-recognised problem but other allergic conditions are less well documented in CF.

OBJECTIVE

To characterise the allergic profile of a cohort of children with CF, with a focus on those with ABPA.

METHODS

A cohort of children with CF were interviewed and retrospective data were collected regarding their allergic histories and other relevant clinical features.

RESULTS

The cohort included 37 children with median age of 9 years (interquartile range: 6-12). There was a history of ≥1 allergic condition(s) in 28/37 children (76%). The most common allergic condition was allergic rhinitis (AR) in 21/37 (57%) and 16 of these 21 children (76%) had another allergic condition. All children with ABPA (8) had another allergic condition. In some children ABPA exacerbations appeared to be seasonal, suggesting possible cross-sensitisation between Aspergillus fumigatus and aeroallergens associated with seasonal AR. Allergic conditions were also common in children with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.