65121 Atopic dermatitis and allergic sensitisation in South Asian children in London

Abstract

Racial and ethnic differences in atopic eczema and allergic sensitisation have not been studied extensively, and quality epidemiological data on atopic diseases in South Asian and migrant populations is especially lacking. Tower Hamlets, in East London has a large Bangladeshi population, and eczema in these patients is severe. Allergic sensitisation in Bangladeshi children and young adults was investigated using the Tower Hamlets Eczema Assessment (THEA) study. Eligible participants were Bangladeshi children and young adults aged 0-30 years with eczema living in East London. Data was collected via patient and parent self-report and hospital databases. Specific IgE and skin prick test results were collected retrospectively if available. Saliva samples were collected for DNA extraction and targeted sequencing for FLG loss of function mutations. 682 patients were recruited between May 2018 and December 2021. EASI score was available for 681/682 (mean 7.9 +/- 9.1). Patients with physician diagnosis of food allergy had a higher mean EASI score (9.1 vs. 7.0, p = 0.002). 325/682 patients had previous allergy testing, and 300/325 had a positive allergy test result to at least one allergen. High proportions of positive allergy testing were seen in house dust mite, tree and grass pollen, lentil, egg, sesame, and peanut. In this cohort, common allergens were more similar to those reported in UK populations. This study highlights the differences in allergens across populations and contributes to improving our understanding of the interaction between genetics and environment in atopic dermatitis and allergic sensitisation.Copyright © 2025