[A study of food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis by analyzing the Japanese cases reported in the literature]

We surveyed and analyzed cases of food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA) in the Japanese literature. We found 167 cases which were reported as FDEIA since 1983. Analyzing these case, following characteristic features were revealed: 1) Recent upward trend in the number of reports of FDEIA was noted. 2) Male cases were more frequent than female cases, while about half of the cases were teenager. 3) More than half of the cases were proved to be induced by wheat followed by shrimp. In those under 20, shrimp was the most popular cause rather than wheat. 4) Skin test and/or IgE RAST showed positive results in most cases, suggesting that the response itself is linked to type I allergic reaction. 5) About 40% of the patients had history of atopic disease, indicating that atopic condition may play some role in FDEIA. 6) All cases who performed provocation test with aspirin responded to food challenge and/or exercise in combination with aspirin. This indicates that aspirin plays a key provoking factor in FDEIA. 7) In 17 cases FDEIA attacks were observed during noon recess or physical education class after lunch at school. We stress here the importance of a nation-wide education to school teachers the potential danger of this disorder.