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Incidence of anaphylaxis and accidental peanut exposure: A systematic review
Antonella Muraro1, J Wesley Sublett2, Tmirah Haselkorn3
1Department of Woman and Child Health, Food Allergy Referral Centre Veneto Region, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy.
Insights
The incidence of anaphylaxis in children with peanut allergy (PA) is 2.74 cases per 100 person-years. This highlights the significant risk of severe allergic reactions in pediatric PA patients.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Peanut allergy (PA) is a growing public health concern with increasing prevalence.
- PA is frequently associated with severe anaphylaxis, particularly in children and adolescents.
- Pediatric food-related anaphylaxis incidence is rising, necessitating focused research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the incidence of peanut-induced anaphylaxis in pediatric patients with PA.
- To quantify the risk of anaphylaxis in children and adolescents diagnosed with peanut allergy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed and supplemental sources.
- Inclusion of peer-reviewed studies in English reporting anaphylaxis incidence in pediatric PA using NIAID/FAAN criteria.
- Meta-analysis of pooled data to estimate incidence rates per 100 person-years.
Main Results:
- Eight studies met inclusion criteria from 830 screened citations.
- The pooled incidence of anaphylaxis among children/adolescents with PA was 2.74 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI: 1.42, 4.05).
- Accidental peanut exposure incidence was 12.28 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI: 11.51, 13.05).
Conclusions:
- Anaphylaxis in children with PA represents a significant health burden for affected individuals and families.
- The findings underscore the importance of managing PA to mitigate risks of severe allergic reactions.
- Further research and public health strategies are needed to address the rising incidence of pediatric PA and anaphylaxis.
Background:
Peanut allergy (PA), a common food allergy, is increasing in prevalence and is associated with high rates of anaphylaxis. Prevalence of food-related anaphylaxis is higher in children and adolescents than in adults, and the pediatric incidence is increasing. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to determine the incidence of peanut-induced anaphylaxis in children and/or adolescents with PA.
Methods:
Literature searches were conducted using the PubMed database and through supplemental methods. Eligible articles for inclusion were peer-reviewed studies published in English that reported the incidence of anaphylaxis in pediatric PA using the 2006 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease/Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network criteria, sample size, and follow-up duration. Incidence rates were calculated as person-years at risk or a crude incidence rate was calculated. Meta-analyses of pooled data were conducted using the I2 statistic as the measure of heterogeneity.
Results:
A total of 830 citations were screened; 8 met the study inclusion criteria and were selected for review. Pooled meta-analysis estimates of the incidence of (1) anaphylaxis among children/adolescents with food allergies, (2) anaphylaxis among children/adolescents with PA, and (3) accidental exposure to peanuts among children/adolescents with PA were 3.72 cases per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.35, 5.10), 2.74 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI = 1.42, 4.05), and 12.28 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI = 11.51, 13.05), respectively.
Conclusions:
The risks of anaphylaxis among children with food allergies and those with PA contribute to the serious overall burden of PA and food allergy for children and their families.
