Journal
PEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
Volume 16, Issue 6, Pages 507-511Publisher
BLACKWELL PUBLISHING
DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2005.00310.x
Keywords
allergy; anaphylaxis; food; immunoglobulin E; peanut; sensitization
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The aims of this study were to define the development of sensitization and clinical allergy to multiple nut types by age, and to identify associations. This observational cross- sectional study was carried out in a tertiary level allergy clinic. Seven hundred and eighty four nut-allergic children, prospectively enrolled on first attendance with history of a type-1 allergic reaction shortly after definite nut ingestion with evidence of sensitization (presence of nut-specific IgE) by skin prick test (SPT) to peanut, Brazil, almond, hazel and walnut (positive >= 3 mm). Details of exposure (tolerance or allergy) to each nut were obtained. The main outcome measures were mono or multisensitization (specific IgE to one or more than one nut type, demonstrated by SPT); mono or multiallergy (clinical allergy to one or more than one nut type). By 2 yr of age at least 19% were multisensitized, and 2% multiallergic. Increasing proportions were exposed to multiple nut types with increasing age (23% at 2 yr to 73% by 10 yr) and greater proportions were multisensitized (19% at 2 yr to 86% at 5-14 yr) and multiallergic (2% at 2 yr to 47% at 14 yr). This study is the first to define the natural history of multiple nut allergies in childhood. New findings are that a large proportion of those aged 0-1 yr with nut allergy are already sensitized (have specific IgE) to multiple nut types, implying in utero or early life sensitization; those who present later in childhood are increasingly likely to be sensitized and clinically allergic to multiple nuts. This is related to increased duration of allergy and exposure to multiple nut types with age. Children with nut allergy should avoid all nut types from the onset.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available