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True multifood allergy in a 4-year-old child: a case study
G B Pajno1, G Passalacqua, S La Grutta
1II Pediatric Division. University Hospital. Messina. Italy. Giovanni.Pajno@unime.it
Allergologia Et Immunopathologia
|December 5, 2002
Summary
This case study confirms multifood allergy in a child, where specific IgE antibodies triggered reactions to numerous foods. This condition can cause significant dietary restrictions and requires careful management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Clinical Nutrition
- Immunopathology
Background:
- Food allergy is prevalent in children, often improving with age.
- Multifood allergy presents a severe clinical picture with potential for significant dietary impairment.
- This report details a case of a child with confirmed multifood allergy.
Observation:
- Prick-by-prick testing and serum IgE tests identified sensitivities to multiple foods.
- Specific IgE was confirmed for egg, fish, peanuts, walnut, fig, orange, strawberry, peach, and cherry.
- Total serum IgE levels were elevated at 730.6 kU/l.
Findings:
- Skin prick tests showed varying degrees of wheal reactions to multiple fresh foods.
- Specific IgE radioallergosorbent assays (RAST) confirmed sensitization to a wide array of foods.
- Double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges (DBPCFC) were positive for all tested foods, confirming multifood allergy.
Implications:
- This case validates multifood allergy, a condition not frequently encountered but associated with severe dietary limitations.
- Accurate diagnosis through methods like DBPCFC is crucial for managing multifood allergy.
- Understanding multifood allergy is essential for preventing severe reactions and ensuring adequate nutrition in affected children.