Peanut Allergy: An Epidemiologic Analysis of a Large Database.

OBJECTIVE

To confirm new observations on peanut allergy and answer current concerns that families and healthcare providers have about peanut allergy.

STUDY DESIGN

Children who presented with a story of peanut allergy or peanut sensitization were asked to participate in a registry, which allowed an analysis focused on questions that a food allergy support group had about children with peanut allergy or sensitization.

RESULTS

A total of 1070 children were entered into the registry over 5 years. Two-thirds had a reaction to peanut. Children with peanut allergy were predominantly male (63%), white (78%), and with private health insurance (80%). Most reactions involved the skin (55%) and anaphylaxis occurred in 35%. The median age of a reaction was 1 year old. Atopic dermatitis was noted in 60% and asthma in 41%. Additional food allergy was noted in 58%. When second exposures occurred 28% had a more severe reaction. Skin test size did not differentiate the type of a reaction and children with anaphylaxis had slightly higher specific IgE levels. Severe reactions with inadvertent exposure in children who were peanut sensitized was rare (<1%).

CONCLUSIONS

The strategies for peanut allergy prevention and treatment have evolved. The data obtained in this large registry can answer many questions that families and healthcare providers have during this transition.