Eosinophils are more relevant than basophils to allergic sensitization
in pediatric adenotonsillar hypertrophy
Abstract
Objective: Eosinophils and basophils both play important roles in the
immune response, but the relationships between them and allergy in
adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) children is unclear. This study aimed
to investigate the relationship between eosinophil/basophil counts and
peripheral specific IgE levels, and identify the common allergens in
children with ATH. Methods: We initially screened 931 consecutive
children who underwent adenotonsillectomy in our department from 2018 to
2019 , and finally included 676 children. The eosinophil count, basophil
count, and specific IgE levels were evaluated. The eosinophil count,
basophil count and levels of specific IgE were collected. Logistic
regression analyses were performed to evaluate the odds ratios (ORs) and
95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for atopy. Results: The eosinophil
and basophil counts in atopic participants were significantly higher
compared to non-atopic participants. The eosinophil count correlated
with the levels of IgE specific to all allergens, and eosinophilia was
independently associated with all tested atopy allergens other than
atopy to dander after multivariate adjustment for age, sex, vitamin D,
BMI, and visiting season. Additionally, the basophil count correlated
with the IgE levels specific to A. alternate and food mix, and
basophilia was significantly associated with atopy to food mix after
multivariable adjustment. Furthermore, among allergic participants, D.
farinae was the most prevalent allergen, followed by food mix, D.
pteronyssinus and A. alternata. Conclusion: Eosinophils were more
relevant to allergic sensitization than basophils, with eosinophils
being significantly associated with all tested atopy allergens apart
from dander, and basophils being associated with atopy to food mix.
Furthermore, D. farinae was the most prevalent allergen and may be
indicative of desensitization therapy.