Inpatient Pediatric Allergy Referrals: A One-Year Review of Consultation Trends

Background: Allergic diseases are increasingly prevalent in children, leading to frequent pediatric inpatient consultations for allergy. However, detailed data on the clinical indications for such referrals in hospitalized children remain limited. This study aimed to analyze consultation patterns, diagnoses, and outcomes in pediatric allergy referrals over one year at a tertiary care center. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 992 allergy consultations conducted 795 pediatric inpatients at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital between April 2023 and April 2024. Patient demographics, clinical presentations, diagnostic evaluations, treatment approaches, and consultation outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 992 allergy consultations were conducted for 795 pediatric inpatients, with 60.0% (n=477) being male. The most common age group was 0–2 years (28.3%). Respiratory tract symptoms were the leading reason for consultation (50.8%), with asthma or suspected asthma diagnosed in 57.3% of these patients. Among those with wheezing infant, the diagnosis was confirmed in 58.6%. Suspected drug allergy was the second most common indication (26.0%), primarily presenting as maculopapular rash (n=107) or urticaria (n=80), with 12 cases evaluated for severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Anaphylaxis was identified in 31 patients, mostly triggered by drugs (n=19), followed by foods (n=11). Less common indications included food allergy (7.8%), atopic dermatitis (3.1%), transfusion reactions (1.6%), and eosinophilia (1.4%). Conclusion: Pediatric allergy consultations in this tertiary center predominantly address respiratory symptoms and drug hypersensitivity. Specialist evaluation facilitates accurate diagnosis, safe drug administration, and appropriate management, highlighting the crucial role of inpatient allergy services. These consultations also provide significant educational value for pediatric residents, underscoring the importance of integrated allergy involvement in inpatient pediatric care.