Real life study of the use of omalizumab for pediatric patients with multiple food allergies.

BACKGROUND

Multiple food allergies (MFAs) affect 30% of the child population with food allergy. The current treatment is the exclusion diet, which frequently affects the quality of life for these patients. The objective of the study was to describe the effect of omalizumab treatment in children diagnosed with MFAs who experienced frequent anaphylactic reactions and the impact on their quality of life.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A descriptive observational study. Patients with severe food restrictions and high-risk due to multiple episodes of anaphylaxis were included. The allergy was confirmed by compatible clinical, skin tests, positive specific IgE and oral food challenges (OFCs). Omalizumab treatment was initiated and the impact on the life quality of patients and their families was assessed using the validated Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire-Parent Form.

RESULTS

Five patients with an average age at diagnosis of 3.58 years (range between 1.5-7.9 years), were diagnosed with MFAs. All patients presented with anaphylaxis. All patients were treated with omalizumab between 2013 and 2019. Omalizumab treatment was initiated at a mean age of 6.05 years (range between 4.5-8.25 years). All patients have undergone OFC to reintroduce food successfully. 2 patients had their dose of omalizumab reduced by half, and 1 patient has had the time interval extended between administrations due to the maintenance of food tolerance. No immediate local or systemic adverse reactions were documented. Two patients have commenced omalizumab administration at home without incident.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with MFAs who are treated with omalizumab do not show reactions in response to most of the foods to which they previously had anaphylaxis. Consequently, these patients were able to significantly expand the variety of their diet, improving the life quality and avoid anaphylaxis following the inadvertent intake of these foods.