Prevalence of sensitization to inhaled and food allergens in a group of children with primary renal tubular acidosis.

OBJECTIVE

Some reports associate certain illnesses of the urinary system with allergies. Thus, we decided to examine the prevalence of sensitization to allergens in a group of children with primary renal tubular acidosis (RTA).

METHODS

Children with primary RTA who attended the nephrology department at a third level pediatric hospital during a four-month period, were included. With informed parental consent, a questionnaire and skin prick test, total IgE, specific IgE and milk precipitins were performed.

RESULTS

Forty-three children were included, aged 5 months to 9 years (mean, 3.4 ± 1.8 years), and a male/female ratio of 1.7:1. The age of onset of ATR ranged from 2 to 18 months. The most common symptoms at the beginning of disease were: failure to thrive and lack of appetite. Twenty-one parents (48.8%) noticed an association between the introduction of cow´s milk and the beginning of symptoms. Skin tests were positive in 27.9%. Total IgE levels were elevated in 34.9%, ranged from 5.9 to 324 IU/mL. Allergen-specific IgE was positive in 25.6%, mainly for milk, wheat and egg white. The milk precipitins test was positive in 9 patients (21%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although this study demonstrated the existence of allergen sensitization in a group of children with RTA, it is necessary to look for this association in studies with larger sample size and to use tests with higher specificity and sensitivity.