Food anaphylaxis in the elderly: Analysis of allergy vigilance network data from 2002 to 2021

Few studies have focused on food allergies in the elderly, even though it may persist or appear de novo.

We reviewed data for all cases of food-induced anaphylaxis in people age ≥ 60 reported to the French "Allergy Vigilance Network" (RAV) between 2002 and 2021. RAV collates data reported by French-speaking allergists regarding cases of anaphylaxis graded II to IV according to the Ring and Messmer classification.

In total, 191 cases were reported, with an even sex distribution and mean age was 67.4 years (range 60 to 93). The most frequent allergens were mammalian meat and offal (31 cases, 16.2%), often associated with IgE to α-Gal. Legumes were reported in 26 cases (13.6%), fruits and vegetables in 25 cases (13.1%), shellfish 25 cases (13.1%), nuts 20 cases (10.5%), cereals 18 cases (9.4%), seeds 10 cases (5.2%), fish 8 cases (4.2%) and anisakis 8 cases (4.2%). Severity was grade II in 86 cases (45%), grade III in 98 cases (52%) and grade IV in 6 cases (3%) with one death. Most episodes occurred at home or in a restaurant and in most cases adrenaline was not used to treat the acute episode. Potentially relevant cofactors such as beta-blocker, alcohol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug intake were present in 61% of cases. Chronic cardiomyopathy, present in 11.5% of the population, was associated with greater, grade III or IV reaction severity (OR 3.4; 1.24-10.95).

Anaphylaxis in the elderly has different causes to younger people and requires detailed diagnostic testing and individualized care plans.