Food allergy in children: results of a standardized protocol for oral desensitization

Abstract

Background/aims: Food allergy in children is still an unresolved problem that merits investigation, particularly when the food is fundamental for the child's growth. Reports in the literature that deal with the possibility of a desensitizing treatment are sporadic and often inconsistent, and no standardized protocols are yet available. In this paper we propose a standardized oral desensitization program for food allergy in children.

Methodology: The treatment was carried out in 14 cases with allergy to food (milk in 6 cases, egg in 5, fish in 2 and apple in 1 case). The control group consisted of 10 age and sex matched allergic subjects (5 to milk, 4 to egg and 1 to fish), who underwent a strict elimination diet regimen.

Results: Compliance to treatment was satisfactory, since 12 out of the 14 treated cases (85.7%) completed the program. Treatment was successful in 100% of the cases that completed the program: all the treated patients are now able to tolerate any food with no untoward effects or need for preventive drugs.

Conclusions: The proposed standardized oral desensitization treatment may represent a safe and convenient alternative in the management of food-allergic subjects.