[Prevalence of atopy and atopic diseases in children living in an orphanage in Lodz area--pilot study].

Over the past three decades there has been an increase in the prevelance of allergic diseases, specially among children.was to estimate the prevalence of atopy and atopic diseases in children who are living in orphanages in Lodz.120 children 5-18 years old living in 2 orphanages were studied. Main outcome measures were history, physical examination, FEV1, skin prick-test results with 18 allergens; peripheral blood eosinophil count, level of total and specific IgE in children with positive skin-test results were secondary and point.Bronchial asthma was diagnosed in 5.83% (6 of 120) patients, seasonal allergic rhinitis was diagnosed in 2.5% (3 of 120) patients and atopic dermatitis was diagnosed in 1.67% (2 of 120) patients. The skin prick-tests were positive in 12.5% children. Mean number of respiratory tracts infection in early childhood was significantly lower in atopic children than in non-atopic children--3.3 +/- 2,3 vs 8.7 +/- 2.5 (p<0.001). Mean total serum IgE concentration value reached upper limit in 26.6% of non-atopic patients and in 32.4% non-atopic children peripheral blood eosinophil count was significantly increased suggesting possible presence of active helminth infection, what might protect against atopy.In children living in orphanages we observed the lower prevalence of atopy (12.5%) and atopic diseases than in general population (25.4-40.2%).