An analysis of skin prick test reactions in allergic rhinitis patients in Istanbul, Turkey.

This retrospective, population-based study reviewed skin prick test (SPT) results against various allergens of 1,552 patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) in the district of Kartal, Istanbul, Turkey. The skin prick tests yielded a positive result in 946 patients (60.9%). Seven hundred and forty-give (48%) patients had perennial AR, 558 (36%) perennial AR with seasonal exacerbations and 249 (16%) had seasonal AR. The prevalence of AR was highest in the age of 21-40 years with 48.7%. The allergen group with the highest SPT positivity was pollens at 44.3%, followed by molds at 38.4%, mites at 35.1%, and epithelia-insect at 30.8%. The strongest single allergen was Altemaria altemata with 33.3%, followed by Dermatophagoides farinae with 29.3%, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus with 25.3% and a mix of four cereals (barley, maize, oat, wheat) with 25.2%. This information will help etiological research as well as the development of more efficient treatment plans for patients with allergic rhinitis in our country.