FAMILY HISTORY OF ATOPY AS A RISK FACTOR FOR CHILDHOOD ASTHMA AND ALLERGIC DISORDERS IN SAUDI ARABIA

Aims: To analyze risk conferred by family history of asthma, rhinitis and eczema for the development of childhood asthma.

Study Design: Survey of school children in 3 cities of Saudi Arabia using a questionnaire.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pediatrics and Pathology, King Saud University, Riyadh and Department of Biological and Medical Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. January 2008 to December 2010.

Methodology: A cross-sectional, population based study was carried out in 1601 school children, in 3 cities of Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire comprising 35 questions were used for this study. Risk for developing asthma was estimated in terms of odds ratio by bivariate analysis using the chi-squared test with P < 0.05 being considered significant.

Results: While 18.0% and 20.6% of asthmatics, respectively, did not have a positive history of asthma in the immediate family and in relatives, 48.1% and 46.1% had immediate family and relatives with a positive history. History of asthma in the immediate family (parents, siblings) conferred a 4.2-fold and in relatives (aunts, uncles) a 3.3-fold risk (P < 0.0001) increased risk. The risk with a history of rhinitis or eczema in the immediate family was increased ≥ 3 times (P < 0.0001) and for rhinitis in the relatives (P < 0.0001). Exposure to cigarette smoke conferred a 2-fold increased risk (P < 0.0001). Neither exposure to household pets (cats and birds) nor the history of eczema in relatives was significant risk factors.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that the presence of strong familial aggregation and atopy in the immediate family and relatives can be a considerable increased risk factor for the development of childhood asthma.