Assessment of Perinatal Risk Factors in Children with Allergic Rhinitis in the Republic of Moldova

Background: In the last 10 years, the developed countries have been witnesses to a 1.5-2.0 fold increase in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis, which could be perceived as an epidemic. In the last five years, the Republic of Moldova has recorded an overall upward morbidity due to paediatric allergic rhinitis. Thus, in the reference period, the incidence rate went up by 2.39 times and the level of allergic rhinitis prevalence also increased by 2.11 times during the same period of time. It is well-acknowledged that perinatal risk factors are decisive factors in the development of allergic rhinitis in children at high risk, a statement supported by various authors.

Objective: To estimate perinatal risk factors in children with allergic rhinitis.

Methods: A questionnaire based selective descriptive study was conducted to estimate some perinatal risk factors in children with allergic rhinitis. The research cohort included 151 children with confirmed diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. The patients were interviewed based on the actual cases of the Departments of Allergology, Pulmonology and ENT from the Institute of Mother and Child.

Results: The percentage of children with an aggravated anamnesis on the mother’s side (and/or her relatives) prevails – 43.7%, followed by the brothers/sisters’ side – 31.7%, and the father’s side (and/or his relatives) – 24.6%. We classified the perinatal risk factors in children with allergic rhinitis. Thus, the disregard of doctor’s recommendations on hypoallergenic diet in pregnancy and during breastfeeding was ranked first – 49.0%. The gestational age at birth (premature born babies and overdue babies) was ranked second – 42.0%. The use of milk-based infant formulas was ranked third – 40.0%. The early introduction of solids before 5 months was ranked fourth – 27.81%, followed by the use of milk-based infant formulas across the first six months postpartum – 27%.

Conclusion: The primary prophylaxis of paediatric allergic rhinitis is rooted in the outlining and ranking of the perinatal risk factors.