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Atopic dermatitis influences food sensitization among children
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Children with a history of atopic dermatitis were more likely to display food sensitization during food challenge, according to recent research.
“In children referred to a tertiary care center suspected of food allergy, we found that those with a current history of atopic dermatitis (AD) are more often sensitized to the suspected food,” Emmy M. Roerdink, BS, from the department of pediatric pulmonology and allergy at the University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC Research Institute in Groningen, the Netherlands, and colleagues wrote in their study. “However, the association between degree-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) results and the outcome of double-blinded, placebo-controlled food challenges (DBPCFCs) was significantly stronger for children without current AD than for those with current AD. This finding implies that children with AD are more frequently asymptomatically sensitized to the foods in question.”
Roerdink and colleagues analyzed 1,186 children who underwent DBPCFCs for one or more food allergies between 2001 and 2011, according to the abstract. Patient initial reactions were recorded on site, while reactions that occurred within 48 hours after administration were reported through a telephone interview.
They found that children with previous atopic dermatitis (AD) were more likely to have sensitization to foods, according to the abstract. The specific IgE results of children with and without previous or current AD were significantly associated with the outcomes of DBPCFCs; however, these results were stronger among children without current AD.
Regarding DBPCFCs, the rate of positive results for patients with mild AD was 53.3%, moderate AD was 51.7% and severe AD was 100%, according to the abstract. Roerdink and colleagues noted children with AD or worsening AD tended to react to placebo as often as food provided during the food challenge. – by Jeff Craven
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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