Philippine guidelines on the dietary primary prevention of allergic diseases in children.

BACKGROUND

In response to the continual increase in the prevalence of pediatric allergic diseases in the Philippines, the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (PSAAI) and the Philippine Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (PSPGHAN) have published guidelines on the dietary prevention of allergic diseases in children.

OBJECTIVE

This guideline aims to update the previous guideline recommendations for clinicians on the use of dietary interventions for the prevention of allergic disease in children.

METHODS

Following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach specified in the Department of Health Manual for Clinical Practice Guidelines development, we systematically searched for and appraised clinical practice guidelines and systematic reviews on topics formulated and prioritized by a Steering Committee, which comprised of members of the PSAAI and PSPGHAN. In the absence of an existing systematic review, a de novo systematic review was conducted. A multisectoral consensus panel reviewed the evidence summaries and formulated recommendations through a formal consensus method.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The recommendations made by the consensus panel were based on the available evidence on the benefits and harm of the intervention, as well as the cost, feasibility, acceptability, and availability. Several research gaps exist, resulting in low levels of certainty of evidence on most dietary recommendations for the prevention of pediatric allergic diseases.