prevalence of allergic diseases in children with secondary renal tubular acidosis attending a tertiary care pediatric center

Background: It has been suggested a high prevalence of allergic disease in children with RTA. Objectives: To describe the prevalence of allergic diseases in children with secondary RTA (renal tubular acidosis) in the nephrology department of the National Institute of Pediatrics (NIP), México. Methods: An observational, prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study. Children with secondary RTA < 18 years who attended the outpatient nephrology service in the NIP for 24 months, were included. ISAAC questionnaire and the EAACI guidelines were applied. To prove a suspected allergy, skin tests, total and specific IgE, patch testing and food challenge were performed. Using SPSS 19, frequency of allergic diseases was described. Results: 113 patients were included. Age 8 to 168 months. Male: 53.9 %. RTA types: Distal (64.6 %), proximal (26.5 %), mixed (1.8 %) and undetermined (7 %). Age of onset between 1 and 96 months. Serum bicarbonate 10.1 to 20 mEq/L. Allergic diseases were found in 24.8 %: allergic rhinitis (18.4 %), food allergy (9.7 %), atopic dermatitis (8 %), asthma (8 %) and allergic conjunctivitis (6.1 %). Total IgE was increased in 9 patients. Positive skin tests in 14.2 %. Positive chemiluminescence in 18 children; positive open food challenge in 11 children and patch tests in 4. Conclusions: Secondary RTA is common in children attending tertiary care hospitals. The prevalence of allergic disease in children with secondary ATR, is similar to that described in the general population.