Peanut consumption in pregnancy associated with peanut sensitization in atopic infants

January 01, 0001

Peanut consumption in pregnancy associated with peanut sensitization in atopic infants

Peanut allergy is typically severe, lifelong, and prevalent. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with peanut sensitization. The researchers evaluated 503 infants 3 to 15 months of age with likely milk or egg allergy but no previous diagnosis of peanut allergy. A total of 308 had experienced an immediate allergic reaction to cow's milk and/or egg, and 204 had moderate to severe atopic dermatitis and a positive allergy test to milk and/or egg.

A total of 27.8% infants had peanut IgE levels greater than or equal to 5 kUA/L, considered indicative of peanut allergy. Multivariate analysis including clinical, laboratory, and demographic variables showed frequent peanut consumption during pregnancy (odds ratio, 2.9), IgE levels to milk and egg, male sex, and nonwhite race to be the primary factors associated with peanut allergy. Frequency of peanut consumption during pregnancy and breast-feeding showed a dose-response association with peanut IgE greater than or equal to 5 kUA/L, but only consumption during pregnancy was a significant predictor. Among 71 infants never breast-fed, frequent consumption of peanut during pregnancy was strongly associated with peanut IgE greater than or equal to 5 kUA/L (odds ratio, 4.99, significant).

The researchers concluded: "In this cohort of infants with likely milk or egg allergy, maternal ingestion of peanut during pregnancy was strongly associated with a high level of peanut sensitization."

This study was done on children with an allergy. Even though we may not be able to generalize to others, peanut avoidance in pregnancy may be worthwhile as we cannot predict which infants may have allergies.

For the full abstract, click here.

The Journal ofAllergy and Clinical Immunology published online 29 October 2010
© 2010 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Maternal consumption of peanut during pregnancy is associated with peanut sensitization in atopic infants. Scott H. Sicherer, MD, Robert A. Wood, MD, Donald Stablein et al. Correspondence to Scott Sicherer: [email protected]

Category: B. Blood/Blood Forming Organs/Immune Mechanisms. Keywords: food allergy, sensitization, atopy, peanut allergy, cohort study, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Stephen Wilkinson, Melbourne, Australia. Posted on Global Family Doctor 10 December 2010

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