Related Experiment Videos
Soy hypersensitivity in children with food allergy
P G Giampietro1, V Ragno, S Daniele
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Roma La Sapienza, Italy.
Annals of Allergy
|August 1, 1992
Summary
In children with suspected food allergies, soy hypersensitivity was uncommon, with only 3% showing a positive challenge test. IgE antibody testing for soy allergy had low predictive value.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Food Hypersensitivity Research
- Clinical Immunology
Background:
- Food allergy is a common concern in infants and children presenting with suggestive symptoms.
- Atopic dermatitis was highly prevalent (78%) in the study population.
- Previous sensitization to other allergens like cow's milk and egg was also common.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of both IgE antibody sensitization and clinical hypersensitivity to soy in children.
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of IgE testing (RAST) for soy allergy.
- To assess the role of soy in pediatric food allergy.
Main Methods:
- Study involved 317 children with suspected food allergy undergoing allergy testing.
- Tests included IgE antibody measurements (PRIST, RAST) for various allergens and open oral soy challenges.
- Clinical data, including history, physical examination, and presence of atopic dermatitis, were collected.
Main Results:
- Humoral sensitization (IgE antibodies) to soy was found in 22% of children.
- Only 3% of children (10 out of 317) had a positive clinical challenge test to soy.
- IgE testing for soy showed low positive predictive value (0.06) despite good specificity (0.83).
Conclusions:
- Clinical soy hypersensitivity is infrequent in children with suspected food allergy.
- IgE antibody levels alone are not reliable predictors of clinical soy allergy.
- Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, including challenge tests, is crucial for diagnosing food hypersensitivity.