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Intolerance to sodium metabisulfite in children with steroid-dependent asthma
1Pediatrics Department, Valencia University, Spain.
Insights
This study investigated sodium metabisulfite intolerance in children with steroid-dependent bronchial asthma. Challenge tests revealed a 20% prevalence of adverse reactions, suggesting careful consideration of this sulfite in asthmatic children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Sulfite sensitivity is a known concern in respiratory diseases.
- Steroid-dependent bronchial asthma requires careful management of potential triggers.
- Sodium metabisulfite is a common additive with potential allergenic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of sodium metabisulfite intolerance in children with steroid-dependent bronchial asthma.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of oral challenge testing for sulfite sensitivity in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A single-blind oral challenge test with varying doses of sodium metabisulfite (5-100 mg) was administered to 20 children (aged 7-14) with steroid-dependent bronchial asthma.
- Positive reactions were confirmed using a double-blind challenge protocol.
- Clinical assessment for intolerance was conducted.
Main Results:
- A 20% prevalence of positive challenge tests for sodium metabisulfite was observed.
- Four out of 20 children showed confirmed positive reactions via double-blind challenge.
- Only one child exhibited clinical suspicion of sulfite intolerance.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of sodium metabisulfite intolerance in children with steroid-dependent bronchial asthma is 20%.
- Oral challenge testing is a viable method for diagnosing sulfite sensitivity in this group.
- Further research may be warranted to explore the clinical significance of these findings.
Abstract:
Oral challenge tests were carried out with sodium metabisulfite solution doses of 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 mg, dissolved in 20 ml of citric acid, and administered to 20 children aged 7-14 years with steroid-dependent bronchial asthma. A single-blind challenge protocol was performed initially and the positive responses were confirmed by double-blind challenge. Initially, 6 of 20 presented a positive reaction, confirmed in 4 of 20 by double-blind challenge. Only 1 child was clinically suspected of exhibiting intolerance to this agent. The prevalence of the challenge test using sodium metabisulfite in children with steroid-dependent bronchial asthma was 20%.