Clinical characteristics of latent classes
Table 2 shows the clinical features of patients in each latent class.
The results of the multinomial logistic regression analysis comparing
the temporal pattern of AR, its duration and severity, as well as the
family history of allergic diseases between different classes are shown
in Table 3. We found significant differences in the duration, severity
and temporal patterns of AR, and allergic conjunctivitis between the
four latent classes. Boys were more likely to be in Class 3 (AR with pet
and grass polysensitization and conjunctivitis; OR 2.51, 95%CI
1.08−5.80, p=0.03). Perennial AR was markedly and significantly more
common among children in Class 2 (AR with house dust mite sensitization
and asthma; OR 5.83, 95%CI 3.42−9.94, p<0.001) and Class 3
(AR with pet and grass polysensitization and conjunctivitis; OR 2.88,
95%CI 1.36−6.13, p=0.006). Mild and intermittent AR symptoms were
significantly more common in children in Class 3 compared to those in
Class 1. Maternal history of allergic rhinitis was significantly more
common among children in Class 1, compared to children assigned to other
clusters. AR was more severe in Class 1, compared to other 3 classes,
indicating that upper respiratory symptoms are more severe among
children with isolated seasonal rhinitis than in those with rhinitis and
coexisting asthma.