Phenotypical characterization of tree nuts and peanut allergies in east Mediterranean children.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: The characteristics of tree nuts (TNs) and peanut (PN) allergies vary in different regions of the world. We aim to identify the characteristics of TNs/PN allergies in Turkish children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 227 children [4.8 (3.2-6.8) years] with TN and/or PN allergies were included. The phenotypical features of TNs/PN allergic children and the risk factors for multiple TNs/PN allergies were evaluated.

RESULTS

Allergy to TNs/PN developed at a median age of 12.0 (10.0-18.0) months. The most common TNs/PN responsible for food allergies were the hazelnut (63.9%) and the pistachio (54.6%). Of TNs/PN allergic children, 54.2% experienced reactions with at least two types of . Current ages 6-10 years [OR:2.455, 95% CI:1.255-4.852, p=0.009] and family history of atopy [OR:2.156, 95% CI:1.182-3.932, p=0.012] were the risk factors for multiple TNs/PN allergies. Most of the patients with cashew nut and pistachio allergies exhibited co-sensitization and co-allergy to both of these TNs/PN. Although the rarest TNs/PN allergy was seen with almond, the possibility of allergy to other TNs or PN was highly increased in the patients with almond allergy compared to other TNs/PN.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with TNs/PN allergy living in an East Mediterranean region differ from the counterparts living in Western countries by an earlier age of onset of the TNs/PN allergy symptoms, increasing possibility to have multiple TNs/PN allergy at older ages, and different spectrum of TN/PN allergies (hazelnut followed by pistachio/cashew) that all indicate the consumption habits which are important determinants of TN/PN allergy development.