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Food induced urticaria in children
Siriwan Wananukul1, Pantipa Chatchatee, Sucheera Chatproedprai
1Division of Pediatric Dermatology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. wananusw@hotmail.com
Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology
|April 1, 2006
Summary
Food allergy contributes to childhood urticaria, with severe reactions like anaphylaxis possible. Skin prick tests (SPT) require confirmation with food challenges for accurate diagnosis, especially without a suspicious history.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Allergy and Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Urticaria is a common condition in children.
- Identifying the role of food allergy in pediatric urticaria is crucial for effective management.
- Previous studies have shown varying contributions of food allergy to urticaria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the contribution of food allergy to urticaria in children.
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of skin prick tests (SPT) and food challenge tests.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (June 2001-November 2003).
- Enrolled 100 children with urticaria.
- Utilized skin prick tests (SPT) and various food challenge tests (open and double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges [DBPCFC]).
Main Results:
- Food allergy was found in 7% of children with urticaria, and suspected in another 4%.
- Skin prick tests (SPT) showed a high rate of false positives (30%) in children without a history suggestive of food allergy.
- Severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, occurred in some patients with confirmed food allergies.
- Food challenge tests were essential for confirming diagnoses, even with positive SPT results.
Conclusions:
- Food allergy is a significant, though not universal, cause of urticaria in children.
- Skin prick tests (SPT) alone are insufficient for diagnosing food allergy in pediatric urticaria; confirmation via food challenge tests is necessary.
- A detailed patient history is vital for guiding diagnostic testing and interpreting SPT results effectively.