BACKGROUND

IgE-mediated allergy to the wheat protein omega-5-gliadin (O5G) is associated with wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA), where exercise acts as a cofactor, triggering anaphylaxis after wheat ingestion. The wider application of O5G-specific IgE (sIgE) testing has revealed that the manifestations of O5G allergy extend beyond WDEIA.

AIMS

This study documents clinical manifestations in a large series of patients with sIgE to O5G.

METHODS

A retrospective clinical audit was performed on adult patients with a positive O5G sIgE (>0.35kU/L) between 2007 and 2013 compared with a group who had negative O5G sIgE. Clinical characteristics and skin prick test (SPT) results were examined.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven patients were characterised, 26 of whom presented with food-dependent exercise-induced allergy, whilst others presented with exercise-induced symptoms without apparent food association (16/67), idiopathic anaphylaxis (10/67), food-induced allergic symptoms without exercise (10/67) or recurrent acute urticaria (5/67). Specific IgE to O5G had 91% sensitivity and 92% specificity for wheat-related allergic symptoms. SPT had sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 84%.

CONCLUSION

WDEIA is the most common manifestation of O5G allergy, but patients may present with a variety of allergic manifestations, and wheat allergy is not always obvious on history. Non-exercise cofactors or a lack of cofactors were identified in many patients. A distinctive feature of this allergy is that despite regular wheat ingestion, allergic reactions to wheat occur infrequently. Testing for sIgE to O5G should be considered in patients presenting with exercise-induced urticaria/anaphylaxis, idiopathic anaphylaxis and recurrent acute (but not chronic) urticaria.