Immunologic Features of Infants with Milk or Egg Allergy Enrolled in an Observational Study (Consortium of Food Allergy Research) of Food Allergy

Publication Type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2010
Authors
Sicherer, S; Wood, R; Stablein, D; Burks, A; Liu, A; Jones, S; Fleischer, D; Leung, D; Grishin, A; Mayer, L; Shreffler, W; Lindblad, R; Sampson, H
Secondary
J Allergy Clin Immunol
Volume
125
Start Page
1077
Pagination
1077-1083 e1078
Date Published
05/2010
Keywords
allergens; Arachis hypogaea; Dermatitis; Egg Hypersensitivity; Female; Immunoglobulin E; Infant; Interleukin-4; Leukocytes; Male; Milk Hypersensitivity; Peanut Hypersensitivity; Research NIH Extramural; Risk Factors; Skin Tests
Abstract
{BACKGROUND: Immune features of infants with food allergy have not been delineated. OBJECTIVES: We sought to explore the basic mechanisms responsible for food allergy and identify biomarkers, such as skin prick test (SPT) responses, food-specific IgE levels, and mononuclear cell responses, in a cohort of infants with likely milk/egg allergy at increased risk of peanut allergy. METHODS: Infants aged 3 to 15 months were enrolled with a positive SPT response to milk or egg and either a corresponding convincing clinical history of allergy to milk or egg or moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Infants with known peanut allergy were excluded. RESULTS: Overall, 512 infants (67% male) were studied, with 308 (60%) having a history of a clinical reaction. Skin test responses, detectable food-specific IgE, or both revealed sensitization as follows: milk, 78%; egg, 89%; and peanut, 69%. SPT responses and food-specific IgE levels were discrepant for peanut (15% for IgE > or = 0.35 kU(A)/L and negative SPT response vs 8% for positive SPT response and IgE <0.35 kU(A)/L
URL
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20451041