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Richardson T, Vickery BP, Gupta R, Goldstein F, Kobernick M, Chan V, Wescott S, Gandhi G, Winders T. Navigating the landscape of food allergies: Insights and perspectives from the AMCP Market Insights Program. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2024; 30:S1-S10. [PMID: 39088372 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2024.30.8-a.s1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
AMCP convened a panel of clinical and managed care experts to identify insights regarding the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and management approaches for immunoglobulin E-mediated food allergies. This article aims to summarize expert perspectives on health care system challenges and areas of agreement concerning the management of food allergies, and to advance payers' understanding of their role in supporting health care for patients with food allergies. Food allergy management requires dietary modification and is associated with significant patient and caregiver burdens. Emerging therapies provide hope for those living with food allergies but will likely lead to a rise in health plan pharmacy expenses. In considering the value of new treatments, it is important to consider the total cost of care and the value of preventing anaphylaxis and enhancing the patient's quality of life. Several challenges remain in identifying the appropriate patient population for treatment with newer agents and in optimizing treatment outcomes. Addressing health disparities will require standardized clinical protocols, better access to specialized allergy care, and management of comorbid conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ruchi Gupta
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, IL
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tonya Winders
- Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform, Hendersonville, TN
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2
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Conway AE, Golden DBK, Brough HA, Santos AF, Shaker MS. Serologic measurements for peanut allergy: Predicting clinical severity is complex. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2024; 132:686-693. [PMID: 38272114 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2024.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Allergist-immunologists use serologic peanut allergy testing to maximize test sensitivity and specificity while minimizing cost and inconvenience. Recent advances toward this goal include a better understanding of specific IgE (sIgE) and component testing, epitope-sIgE assays, and basophil activation testing. Predicting reaction severity with serologic testing is challenged by a range of co-factors that influence reaction severity, such as the amount and form of any allergen consumed and comorbid disease. In 2020, the Allergy Immunology Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters recommended Ara h 2-sIgE as the most cost-effective diagnostic test for peanut allergy because of its superior performance, when compared with skin prick testing and serum IgE. Basophil activation testing, a functional test of allergic response not evaluated in the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters guideline, is a promising option for both allergy diagnosis and prognosis. Similarly, epitope-sIgE testing may improve prediction of reaction thresholds, but further validation is needed. Despite advances in food allergy testing, many of these tools remain limited by cost, accessibility, and feasibility. In addition, there is a need for further research on how atopic dermatitis may be modifying serologic food allergy severity assessments. Given these limitations, allergy test selection requires a shared decision-making approach so that a patient's values and preferences regarding financial impact, inconvenience, and psychological effects are considered in the context of clinician expertise on the timing and use of optimized testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David B K Golden
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Helen A Brough
- Department of Women and Children's Health (Pediatric Allergy), School of Life Courses Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Children's Allergy Service and Children's Allergy Service, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's and St. Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra F Santos
- Department of Women and Children's Health (Pediatric Allergy), School of Life Courses Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Children's Allergy Service and Children's Allergy Service, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's and St. Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marcus S Shaker
- Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire; Section of Allergy and Immunology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire.
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3
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Fiocchi A, Ebisawa M. Omalizumab is the Columbus egg for food allergies. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 24:144-146. [PMID: 38656288 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
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Casale TB, Fiocchi A, Greenhawt M. A practical guide for implementing omalizumab therapy for food allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153:1510-1517. [PMID: 38599291 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The recent approval of omalizumab for the treatment of IgE-mediated food allergy is an important step forward for the millions of food allergy patients in the United States. Through the depletion of circulating IgE and the subsequent reduction of FcεR1 on key effector cells, patients increase their tolerance to food allergens. However, omalizumab does not permit patients to eat foods that they are allergic to with impunity. Rather, it protects them from most accidental exposures. In addition, omalizumab does not cure food allergy and has not demonstrated true immunomodulation. Thus, omalizumab might be a lifelong therapy for some patients. Furthermore, there are many important questions and issues surrounding the appropriate administration of omalizumab to treat food allergy, which we discuss. Managing treatment of patients with disease that falls outside the dosing range, assessing treatment response or nonresponse, addressing its appropriateness for patients older than 55, and determining whether immunotherapy plus omalizumab provides any advantage over omalizumab alone all need to be examined. Identifying appropriate patients for this therapy is critical given the cost of biologics. Indeed, not all food allergy patients are good candidates for this therapy. Also, when and how to stop omalizumab therapy in patients who may have outgrown their food allergy needs to be elucidated. Thus, although this therapy provides a good option for patients with food allergies, much information is needed to determine how best to use this therapy. Despite many unanswered questions and issues, we provide clinicians with some practical guidance on implementing this therapy in their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B Casale
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy and Immunolgy, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Fla.
| | | | - Matthew Greenhawt
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colo
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Dinardo G, Cafarotti A, Fierro V, Artesani MC, Indolfi C, Miraglia Del Giudice M, Fiocchi A. Role of biologics in severe food allergy. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 24:138-143. [PMID: 38538153 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review examine the dynamic landscape of food allergy treatment within the context of emerging biologics. Our purpose is to comprehensively evaluate the potential benefits, challenges, and transformative impact associated with the utilization of biologics in comparison to conventional therapeutic modalities. RECENT FINDINGS This document synthesizes recent scientific investigations to various biologics, such as omalizumab, ligelizumab, dupilumab, and tezepelumab, providing a nuanced understanding of their roles in oral immunotherapy, rapid desensitization, and overall food allergy management. Recent studies and clinical trials highlight the impact of anti-IgE treatment on food allergies, revealing critical findings such as dose-related efficacy, facilitation of rapid desensitization in peanut allergies, and the sustained positive outcomes observed in individuals with multifood allergies. SUMMARY The use of biologics presents a groundbreaking approach in the treatment of food allergies. The multifaceted action of these agents, along with their potential to overcome the challenges associated with traditional therapies, marks a significant advancement. Despite the persisting challenges of economic constraints and the need for further safety studies, biologics offer a promising avenue for improving the quality of life for individuals with food allergies. Ongoing research and collaborative efforts are imperative to fully realize the transformative potential inherent in these emerging therapeutic frontiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Dinardo
- Department of Women, Children, and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples
| | - Arianna Cafarotti
- Pediatric Allergology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Fierro
- Pediatric Allergology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cristiana Indolfi
- Department of Women, Children, and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples
| | - Michele Miraglia Del Giudice
- Department of Women, Children, and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples
| | - Alessandro Fiocchi
- Pediatric Allergology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Arasi S, Mazzuca C, Urbani S, Cafarotti A, Fiocchi A. Perspectives in the validation of DEFASE: a paradigm shift in food allergy management. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 24:171-176. [PMID: 38656289 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To explore the groundbreaking international consensus on the DEFASE (DEfinition of Food Allergy Severity) project as a revolutionary grading system for IgE-mediated food allergy severity. Against the backdrop of the growing public health challenge posed by food allergy, this article delves into the importance of validating and implementing DEFASE in real-world clinical settings. RECENT FINDINGS With new therapeutic options available for food allergy, including biologics alongside immunotherapy, it is urgent to properly support clinical decision-making in the management of the disease. The DEFASE score is the first international consensus-based grading system of severity associated with food allergy as a whole disease embracing multidisciplinary perspectives from different stakeholders involved. In its current version, this comprehensive scoring system has been developed to be used in research settings. SUMMARY The review emphasizes the potential impact of DEFASE on patient outcomes, healthcare management, and resource allocation, underscoring its significance for the allergy scientific community. Future research should focus on internal and external validation of the scoring system, targeting these models to various food allergenic sources, populations, and settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Arasi
- Translational Research in Paediatric Specialities Area, Division of Allergy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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D’Aiuto V, Mormile I, Granata F, Napolitano F, Lamagna L, Della Casa F, de Paulis A, Rossi FW. Worldwide Heterogeneity of Food Allergy: Focus on Peach Allergy in Southern Italy. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3259. [PMID: 38892968 PMCID: PMC11173152 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Food allergy (FA) has shown an increasing prevalence in the last decades, becoming a major public health problem. However, data on the prevalence of FA across the world are heterogeneous because they are influenced by several factors. Among IgE-mediated FA, an important role is played by FA related to plant-derived food which can result from the sensitization to a single protein (specific FA) or to homologous proteins present in different foods (cross-reactive FA) including non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs), profilins, and pathogenesis-related class 10 (PR-10). In addition, the clinical presentation of FA is widely heterogeneous ranging from mild symptoms to severe reactions up to anaphylaxis, most frequently associated with nsLTP-related FA (LTP syndrome). Considering the potential life-threatening nature of nsLTP-related FA, the patient's geographical setting should always be taken into account; thereby, it is highly recommended to build a personalized approach for managing FA across the world in the precision medicine era. For this reason, in this review, we aim to provide an overview of the prevalence of nsLTP-mediated allergies in the Mediterranean area and to point out the potential reasons for the different geographical significance of LTP-driven allergies with a particular focus on the allergenic properties of food allergens and their cross reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina D’Aiuto
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.D.); (I.M.); (F.N.); (F.D.C.); (A.d.P.); (F.W.R.)
| | - Ilaria Mormile
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.D.); (I.M.); (F.N.); (F.D.C.); (A.d.P.); (F.W.R.)
| | - Francescopaolo Granata
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.D.); (I.M.); (F.N.); (F.D.C.); (A.d.P.); (F.W.R.)
| | - Filomena Napolitano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.D.); (I.M.); (F.N.); (F.D.C.); (A.d.P.); (F.W.R.)
| | - Laura Lamagna
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Francesca Della Casa
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.D.); (I.M.); (F.N.); (F.D.C.); (A.d.P.); (F.W.R.)
| | - Amato de Paulis
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.D.); (I.M.); (F.N.); (F.D.C.); (A.d.P.); (F.W.R.)
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), WAO Center of Excellence, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Wanda Rossi
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.D.); (I.M.); (F.N.); (F.D.C.); (A.d.P.); (F.W.R.)
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), WAO Center of Excellence, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Bahna SL. History of food allergy and where we are today. World Allergy Organ J 2024; 17:100912. [PMID: 38800498 PMCID: PMC11126526 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The food allergy (FA) entity went through a long difficult road which led to much delay in its recognition. After long periods of denial and misdiagnosis, it attained its current designation as food hypersensitivity or allergy. This review will briefly address the evolution of the FA entity from the early BC era until our 21st century and highlight the milestones in the main aspects of diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research. A great recognition of the allergy specialty was gained by the discovery of its main mediator -immunoglobulin E in 1967 - which also helped in classifying FA into IgE-mediated (immediate-type) and non-IgE-mediated. The cause of the increasing prevalence during the past few decades may be attributed to an increased food consumption and the consequences of modern lifestyle (the hygiene hypothesis). In addition to a skillful medical history-taking, helpful tests have been developed involving the skin or blood. The scratch test was modified to the prick test and in certain instances prick-by-prick. The use of intradermal test has been markedly reduced. Blood testing began by measuring specific-IgE antibodies (sIgE) in the serum using the radioallergosorbent test which went through multiple modifications to avoid radioisotope material and increase the test's sensitivity. The test was advanced to measure sIgE to individual allergen components. Recently, cellular tests were developed in the form of basophil activation or mast cell activation. In most cases, FA needs verification by appropriately-designed challenge testing. Regarding treatment, strict avoidance remains the basic approach. Certain food-labeling regulations led to some improvement in the problem of hidden food allergens but more is desired. Recently some protocols for oral immunotherapy (OIT) showed reasonable safety and efficacy in preventing reactions to accidental exposures. The protocol for peanut has been approved in the United States and other foods are expected to follow. Epicutaneous immunotherapy showed higher safety and promising efficacy. Sublingual immunotherapy might follow as well. Studies on the use of certain biologicals, alone or in combination of OIT, showed promising findings. Very recently, omalizumab was approved in the United States for patients with multiple FA. A major change in the strategy of prevention is the benefit of introducing allergenic foods at an early age (4-6 months). Research on FA markedly flourished in recent decades with increasing numbers of investigators, funding, publications, and education. Despite the major strides, still more awaits exploration with expected better understanding and practice of FA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami L. Bahna
- Allergy & Immunology Section, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
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Warren CM, Bartell TR. Sociodemographic inequities in food allergy: Insights on food allergy from birth cohorts. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2024; 35:e14125. [PMID: 38656700 DOI: 10.1111/pai.14125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
A large and growing corpus of epidemiologic studies suggests that the population-level burden of pediatric FA is not equitably distributed across major sociodemographic groups, including race, ethnicity, household income, parental educational attainment, and sex. As is the case for more extensively studied allergic disease states such as asthma and atopic dermatitis epidemiologic data suggest that FA may be more prevalent among certain populations experiencing lower socioeconomic status (SES), particularly those with specific racial and ethnic minority backgrounds living in highly urbanized regions. Emerging data also indicate that these patients may also experience more severe FA-related physical health, psychosocial, and economic outcomes relating to chronic disease management. However, many studies that have identified sociodemographic inequities in FA burden are limited by cross-sectional designs that are subject to numerous biases. Compared with cross-sectional study designs or cohorts established later in life, birth cohorts offer advantages relative to other study designs when investigators seek to understand causal relationships between exposures occurring during the prenatal or postnatal period and the atopic disease status of individuals later in life. Numerous birth cohorts have been established across recent decades, which include evaluation of food allergy-related outcomes, and a subset of these also have measured sociodemographic variables that, together, have the potential to shed light on the existence and possible etiology of sociodemographic inequities in food allergy. This manuscript reports the findings of a comprehensive survey of the current state of this birth cohort literature and draws insights into what is currently known, and what further information can potentially be gleaned from thoughtful examination and further follow-up of ongoing birth cohorts across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Warren
- Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tami R Bartell
- Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Patrick M. Magoon Institute for Healthy Communities, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Warren C, Gupta R, Seetasith A, Schuldt R, Wang R, Iqbal A, Gupta S, Casale TB. The clinical burden of food allergies: Insights from the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Patient Registry. World Allergy Organ J 2024; 17:100889. [PMID: 38523669 PMCID: PMC10959723 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Food allergies are serious and potentially life-threatening, and often place a large burden on patients and their caregivers, including impacts on quality of life. Objective To assess the real-world patient burden of food allergies, using self-reported data available from the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Patient Registry (NCT04653324). Methods The FARE Patient Registry is voluntary and captures real-world experiences of adults and pediatric patients in the United States, and their caregivers, through a series of surveys assessing patient health and experiences with food allergies. Self-reported data were descriptively analyzed. Results The FARE study cohort included 5587 patients with food allergies; 82% had multiple food allergies and 62% were aged <18 years. About half of the patients were first diagnosed by an allergist/immunologist (53%), most commonly with a skin prick test (71%) or a serum immunoglobulin E test (62%). This analysis found that food allergies (most commonly peanut [66%], tree nuts [61%], egg [43%], and milk [37%]) impart a large clinical burden on patients, many of whom experience food-related allergic reactions and comorbidities. Many patients experienced >1 food-related allergic reaction per year (42%), with 46% experiencing food-induced anaphylaxis. Half of all food-related allergic reactions occurred at home. Accidental exposures to food allergens were experienced by 77% of patients. The most common allergic comorbidities reported by patients with food allergies were atopic dermatitis (48%), asthma (46%), and allergic rhinitis (39%). The clinical burden of food allergies were found to be greater in patients with multiple food allergies, and different for adults versus pediatric patients. Conclusion This is the first study to assess patient experience and disease burden information from patients contributing to the FARE Patient Registry, thus providing a unique insight into the lives of patients in the United States with food allergies. These insights may assist clinicians and other public health stakeholders in the management of patients with food allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ahmar Iqbal
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Thomas B. Casale
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
- Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), McLean, VA, USA
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Bartha I, Almulhem N, Santos AF. Feast for thought: A comprehensive review of food allergy 2021-2023. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153:576-594. [PMID: 38101757 PMCID: PMC11096837 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.11.918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
A review of the latest publications in food allergy over the past couple of years confirmed that food allergy is a major public health concern, affecting about 8% of children and 10% of adults in developed countries. The prevalence of food allergy varies around the world, with the increase being driven mainly by environmental factors, possibly together with genetic susceptibility to environmental changes. A precise diagnosis of food allergy is extremely important. Both new tests (eg, the basophil activation test) and improved optimization of information provided by existing tests (eg, the skin prick test and measurement of specific IgE level) can contribute to improving the accuracy and patients' comfort of food allergy diagnosis. Understanding the underlying immune mechanisms is fundamental to designing allergen-specific treatments that can be safe and effective in the long term. New discoveries of the immune response to food allergens, including T-cell and B-cell responses, have emerged. Novel therapeutic approaches are being trialed at various stages of development as attempts to allow for more active intervention to treat food allergy. Prevention is key to reducing the increase in prevalence. Early introduction of allergenic foods seems to be the most effective intervention, but others are being studied, and will, it is hoped, lead to modification of the epidemiologic trajectory of food allergy over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Bartha
- Children's Allergy Service, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Women and Children's Health (Pediatric Allergy), School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Noorah Almulhem
- Children's Allergy Service, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, King Fahad Hospital of the University, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alexandra F Santos
- Children's Allergy Service, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Women and Children's Health (Pediatric Allergy), School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Dinardo G, Dahdah L, Cafarotti A, Arasi S, Fierro V, Pecora V, Mazzuca C, Urbani S, Artesani MC, Riccardi C, Valluzzi RL, Indolfi C, Miraglia Del Giudice M, Fiocchi A. Botanical Impurities in the Supply Chain: A New Allergenic Risk Exacerbated by Geopolitical Challenges. Nutrients 2024; 16:628. [PMID: 38474756 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The supply chains of food raw materials have recently been heavily influenced by geopolitical events. Products that came from, or transited through, areas currently in conflict are now preferentially supplied from alternative areas. These changes may entail risks for food safety. METHODS We review the potential allergenicity of botanical impurities, specifically vegetable contaminants, with particular attention to the contamination of vegetable oils. We delve into the diverse types of botanical impurities, their sources, and the associated allergenic potential. Our analysis encompasses an evaluation of the regulatory framework governing botanical impurities in food labeling. RESULTS Unintended plant-derived contaminants may manifest in raw materials during various stages of food production, processing, or storage, posing a risk of allergic reactions for individuals with established food allergies. Issues may arise from natural occurrence, cross-contamination in the supply chain, and contamination at during production. The food and food service industries are responsible for providing and preparing foods that are safe for people with food allergies: we address the challenges inherent in risk assessment of botanical impurities. CONCLUSIONS The presence of botanical impurities emerges as a significant risk factor for food allergies in the 2020s. We advocate for regulatory authorities to fortify labeling requirements and develop robust risk assessment tools. These measures are necessary to enhance consumer awareness regarding the potential risks posed by these contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Dinardo
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Lamia Dahdah
- Allergy Diseases Research Area, Pediatric Allergology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 0165 Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Cafarotti
- Allergy Diseases Research Area, Pediatric Allergology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 0165 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Arasi
- Allergy Diseases Research Area, Pediatric Allergology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 0165 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Fierro
- Allergy Diseases Research Area, Pediatric Allergology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 0165 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Pecora
- Allergy Diseases Research Area, Pediatric Allergology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 0165 Rome, Italy
| | - Carmen Mazzuca
- Allergy Diseases Research Area, Pediatric Allergology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 0165 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Urbani
- Allergy Diseases Research Area, Pediatric Allergology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 0165 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Artesani
- Allergy Diseases Research Area, Pediatric Allergology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 0165 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Riccardi
- Allergy Diseases Research Area, Pediatric Allergology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 0165 Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Luigi Valluzzi
- Allergy Diseases Research Area, Pediatric Allergology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 0165 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Indolfi
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Miraglia Del Giudice
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fiocchi
- Allergy Diseases Research Area, Pediatric Allergology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 0165 Rome, Italy
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Fiocchi A, Monaci L, De Angelis E, Calandrelli V, Dahdah L, Valluzzi R, Urbani S, Mazzuca C, Arasi S, Cafarotti A, Riccardi C, Artesani MC, Putignani L, Pecora V, Marzano V, Fierro V. Reactivity to allergenic food contaminants: A study on products on the market. Clin Transl Allergy 2023; 13:e12301. [PMID: 37746792 PMCID: PMC10515704 DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The frequency and severity of reactions in food-allergic consumers exposed to unintentional food allergen contamination during production is unknown. To warn allergic consumers, it has been suggested for pre-packaged foods to be precautionary labelled when the food allergen contamination may exceed the amount to which 1%-5% of the population could react (ED01-ED05). ED01 for hazelnut and milk have been estimated at 0.1 and 0.2 mg, respectively, by the Voluntary Incidental Trace Allergen Labelling (VITAL) initiative. The respective reference doses recommended by the FAO/WHO Codex consultation are 3 and 2 mg. We evaluated the reactivity to potential traces of milk and hazelnut allergens in allergen-free pre-packaged products by children affected by severe allergies to milk and hazelnuts. METHODS Oral Food Challenges with commercially available hazelnut-free wafer biscuits and milk-free chocolate pralines were administered to patients with severe food allergies to hazelnut and cow's milk, respectively. Contamination levels of milk or hazelnut allergens were measured using chromatographic separation interfaced with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. RESULTS No hazelnut allergic patient showed allergic reactions to exposure to biscuits, nor any milk allergic patient displayed allergic reactions to the dark chocolate praline. While no hazelnut trace was detected in biscuits, the praline was found to be contaminated by milk at concentrations ranging between 8 and 35 mg total protein/kg food. In our dose model, these amounts exceeded 1.5-10 times the VITAL ED01 and reached the threshold suggested by the FAO/WHO Codex consultation. CONCLUSIONS Upon the consumption of food products available on the market, many patients with severe food allergies tolerate significantly higher doses of allergen than reference doses indicated in the VITAL system used for precautionary allergen labelling. These doses support the safety of the FAO/WHO recommended reference doses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda Monaci
- Institute of Sciences of Food ProductionCNR‐ISPABariItaly
| | | | | | - Lamia Dahdah
- Allergy DptBambino Gesù Children's HospitalIRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Rocco Valluzzi
- Allergy DptBambino Gesù Children's HospitalIRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Sara Urbani
- Allergy DptBambino Gesù Children's HospitalIRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Carmen Mazzuca
- Allergy DptBambino Gesù Children's HospitalIRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Stefania Arasi
- Allergy DptBambino Gesù Children's HospitalIRCCSRomeItaly
| | | | - Carla Riccardi
- Allergy DptBambino Gesù Children's HospitalIRCCSRomeItaly
| | | | - Lorenza Putignani
- Unit of Microbiology and Diagnostic ImmunologyBambino Gesù Children's HospitalIRCCSRomeItaly
- Unit of Human MicrobiomeDepartment of Diagnostics and Laboratory MedicineBambino Gesù Children's HospitalIRCCSRomeItaly
| | | | - Valeria Marzano
- Unit of Microbiology and Diagnostic ImmunologyBambino Gesù Children's HospitalIRCCSRomeItaly
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14
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Pouessel G, Deschildre A, Dribin TE, Ansotegui IJ, Cardona V, Chinthrajah RS, Ebisawa M, Muraro A, Roberts G, Sampson HA, Waserman S, Wood RA, Worm M, Turner PJ. Refractory Anaphylaxis: A New Entity for Severe Anaphylaxis. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:2043-2048. [PMID: 37172716 PMCID: PMC10716823 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Anaphylaxis reactions lie on a spectrum of severity, ranging from relatively mild lower respiratory involvement (depending on the definition of anaphylaxis used) to more severe reactions that are refractory to initial treatment with epinephrine and may rarely cause death. A variety of grading scales exist to characterize severe reactions, but there is a lack of consensus about the optimal approach to define severity. More recently, a new entity called refractory anaphylaxis (RA) has emerged in the literature, characterized by the persistence of anaphylaxis despite initial epinephrine treatment. However, slightly different definitions have been proposed to date. In this Rostrum, we review these definitions as well as data relating to epidemiology, elicitors, risk factors, and management of RA. We propose a need to align the different definitions for RA, to improve epidemiological surveillance, advance our understanding of the pathophysiology of RA, and optimize management strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Pouessel
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Roubaix, France; Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy Department, Hospital Jeanne de Flandre, CHU Lille, Lille, France.
| | - Antoine Deschildre
- Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy Department, Hospital Jeanne de Flandre, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Timothy E Dribin
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Ignacio J Ansotegui
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Hospital Quironsalud Bizkaia, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Victoria Cardona
- Allergy Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, and ARADyAL research network, Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Sharon Chinthrajah
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif
| | - Motohiro Ebisawa
- National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital, Sagamihara, Japan
| | | | - Graham Roberts
- Department of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK, NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, David Hide Asthma and Allergy Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Isle of Wight, UK
| | | | - Susan Waserman
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont, Canada
| | - Robert A Wood
- Division of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Margitta Worm
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul J Turner
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
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15
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Mutarelli A, Giavina-Bianchi B, Arasi S, Cafarotti A, Fiocchi A. Biologicals in IgE-mediated food allergy. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 23:205-209. [PMID: 37185824 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW A better understanding of the most recent scientific literature in the use of biological therapy in the treatment of patients with IgE-mediated food allergy. RECENT FINDINGS A systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated safety and effectiveness of omalizumab in the treatment of food allergy. The findings support the potential use of omalizumab as a monotherapy or as an adjunct to oral immunotherapy in IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy. The potential use of other biologics in the management of food allergy is subject of speculation. SUMMARY Different biological therapies are under evaluation for food allergic patients. The advance in literature will guide for a personalized treatment in the near future. However, additional research is needed to better understand the best candidate for each treatment, the optimal dose and timing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stefania Arasi
- Allergy Diseases Research Area, Pediatric Allergology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Cafarotti
- Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Allergy Diseases Research Area, Pediatric Allergology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fiocchi
- Allergy Diseases Research Area, Pediatric Allergology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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