Clinical profiles of patients with wheat-induced anaphylaxis at various ages of onset.

BACKGROUND

Wheat-induced anaphylaxis (WIA) is a serious and potentially life-threatening wheat allergy, more common in adults than in children. Little is known about the differences in clinical profiles in WIA among patients of various ages in China.

METHODS

We analyzed data retrospectively from an allergy department in a tertiary hospital that included 248 patients (208 adults and 40 children and adolescents) with a history of WIA.

RESULTS

We found that alcohol was more frequent in patients aged ≥50 years [older adults] (19.0%, 4/21) than in those aged 12-17 years [adolescents] (0%, 0/33;  = 0.019). The frequency of NSAID use in older adults (42.9%, 9/21) was significantly higher than that in adolescents (0%, 0/33;  < 0.001), and patients aged 18-49 years [young adults] (2.8%, 5/178;  < 0.001). During WIA, cardiovascular symptoms in children were less frequent than those in other age groups (children, 28.6%; adolescents, 87.9%; young adults, 93.0%; older adults, 95.2%;  < 0.001). The consciousness loss rate in adults (both age groups;  < 0.001) and the hypotension rate in older adults ( = 0.006) were higher than those in other age groups. Compared with adults (young and older adults), children had a higher rate of allergic comorbidities ( = 0.004, 0.001, respectively) and a higher rate of other food allergies ( < 0.001, <0.001, respectively). Compared with the mild-to-moderate anaphylaxis group, the severe anaphylaxis group had a higher onset age ( = 0.001), higher cofactor prevalence ( = 0.004), lower allergic comorbidity rate ( = 0.014), and higher positive rate of specific IgE to omega-5 gliadin (ω-5 gliadin) ( = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

Clinical profiles of patients with WIA are different among various onset age/severity groups. An improved understanding of WIA symptoms in various age/severity groups could help accelerate diagnosis, suggest preventive measures, and contribute to improved patient care.