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Epidemiological study of food allergy in a population of Argentine children
Natalia A Petriz1,2, Carolina Antonietti1, Cecilia Parente1,2
1Sección Alergia Pediátrica, Servicio de Clínica Pediátrica, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires.
Insights
The prevalence of food allergy in Argentine children is 0.87%, with cow's milk being the most common allergen. This study highlights the need for more research on pediatric food allergies in Argentina.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Food allergies are a significant health concern, particularly in young children.
- Epidemiological data on food allergies in Argentina are limited, necessitating local research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify common food allergens in Argentine children.
- To determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of food allergies in this population.
- To provide essential epidemiological data for public health initiatives.
Main Methods:
- An observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted.
- Data were collected from 321 pediatric patients under 18 years of age.
- Confirmed food allergy cases were analyzed for allergen type and clinical presentation.
Main Results:
- Food allergy was confirmed in 64% of the studied pediatric patients.
- Cow's milk protein allergy was the most prevalent (68%), followed by egg allergy (20%).
- Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated mechanisms were observed in 53% of cases, with anaphylaxis in 12%.
Conclusions:
- The overall prevalence of food allergy in the Argentine pediatric population is 0.87%.
- Cow's milk remains the primary allergen across all age groups, including adolescents.
- Findings underscore the importance of understanding local food allergy patterns for effective management and prevention.
Introduction:
Food allergies affect mostly children in their first years of life. Epidemiological data obtained in Argentina are scarce.
Objectives:
To determine offending foods and describe the prevalence and characteristics of patients with food allergy in an Argentine pediatric population.
Patients And Methods:
Observational, retrospective, crosssectional study on patients younger than 18 years.
Results:
A total of 321 patients were included; food allergy was confirmed in 64 % (207) of cases. An immunoglobulinE-mediated mechanism was observed in 53% (109); cow's milk protein allergy, in 68 % (140); egg allergy, in 20 % (41); and anaphylaxis as clinical manifestation, in 12 % (24). The overall prevalence of food allergy was 0.87 % (95 % confidence interval: 0.7-0.9).
Conclusions:
The overall prevalence of food allergy was 0.87%. Cow's milk was the main allergen, even among adolescents.
