Faculty Bibliography

Current oral food challenge (OFC) protocols for food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) exhibit significant variability, creating potential for inconsistent diagnostic outcomes and severe reactions. Based on the published evidence and our clinical experience, we propose a practical, standardized OFC dosing protocol that emphasizes patient safety, goals based on age-appropriate servings (AASs), and clinical monitoring. A recent systematic review reported that most patients with persistent FPIES who underwent OFCs reacted to just 25% of an AAS, with low rates of severe reactions. Thus, we recommend that most patients undergoing a medically supervised FPIES OFC receive a cumulative dose of 25% AAS, followed by observation for a minimum of 4 hours. Supervised challenges should be followed by gradual up-titration to an AAS at home. A lower dose may be considered for patients with a history of severe FPIES symptoms to trace amounts of food. For patients with atypical FPIES, we recommend a slightly modified protocol, using graded dosing per IgE-mediated food allergy protocols, followed by extended FPIES OFC monitoring. Anticipated outcomes from implementation of this standardized OFC protocol include improved diagnostic accuracy, enhanced patient safety, and a structured approach to food reintroduction. Standardizing practices for FPIES OFCs will also permit harmonization of data to advance research.

BACKGROUND:Pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS), also called oral allergy syndrome, results from cross-reactivity between pollen allergens and plant-derived foods. While typically mild, PFAS can occasionally cause systemic reactions. A 2003 U.S. survey characterized its epidemiology and management; this study repeated the survey in 2023 to assess changes. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate changes in prevalence, clinical patterns, diagnostic practices, and management of PFAS among U.S. allergists over two decades. METHODS:A 16-question survey (7 original, 9 new) was electronically distributed to 737 randomly selected AAAAI members in October 2023, and results were compared with 2003 survey responses RESULTS: Sixty-seven allergists (9%) responded. Reported prevalence of PFAS increased in children (median 5% to 10%, p = 0.01) and adults (8% to 20%, p < 0.001). The proportion of allergists with patients experiencing systemic PFAS rose from 20% to 67%, though the median percentage of affected patients declined (5% to 1%). Grass pollen emerged as a key sensitizer, alongside birch and ragweed. Nut-induced PFAS was increasingly recognized, cited as a frequent trigger of systemic symptoms and a reason for epinephrine auto-injector (EAI) prescription. Overall, EAI prescribing declined, with 0% of allergists "always" prescribing in 2023 vs 30% in 2003. Diagnostic practices showed increased but limited use of component-resolved diagnostics, while dietary advice remained variable, especially for nut PFAS. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Allergists report higher estimated prevalence of PFAS, greater recognition of nut-induced and systemic PFAS, and evolving diagnostic and management practices. Findings underscore the need for updated guidelines on PFAS diagnosis and management.

Complementary feeding (CF) influences infants' long-term dietary preferences, growth, and food allergy (FA) risk. However, guidance given to families and the implementation of FA prevention guidelines by healthcare professionals (HCPs) remain unclear. This study explored HCPs' perspectives and practices regarding CF strategies in the context of FA prevention across different regions and professional backgrounds. An online survey conducted by an EAACI task force between December 2023 and May 2024 assessed CF timing, allergenic food introduction, nutrient supplementation, and FA preventive measures. 550 HCPs (pediatricians, allergists, dietitians), 68% from Europe, participated. HCPs recommended CF initiation at a median of six months for breastfed infants and five months for formula-fed and FA high-risk infants. Atopic dermatitis (94%) and family history of allergies (87%) were the most recognized FA risk factors. Vitamin D (49%), probiotics (28%), and omega-3 fatty acids (18%) were commonly recommended supplements. Regional, professional, and educational influences differences emerged, with Northern European HCPs favoring earlier CF and allergen introduction, often without structured guidance. Southern European HCPs preferred a structured sequence and later CF initiation. A flexible, evidence-based framework is needed to guide FA prevention while accommodating cultural and geographical differences.

Consumption of an amino acid-based formula (AAF) with added synbiotics [short-chain oligofructose and long-chain inulin (scFOS/lcFOS, 9:1 ratio) and Bifidobacterium breve M-16V] (AAF-S) beneficially impacts the gut microbiome of infants with cow's milk allergy (CMA). We assessed the effect of consuming AAF with or without synbiotics by children with CMA for 12 months on their fecal (branched) short-chain fatty acids (SCFA/BCFA) concentrations, and on gut barrier and inflammation markers (Netherlands Trial Register NTR3725). Feces and saliva were collected from 161 children (≤13 months) with IgE-mediated CMA at baseline, 6 and 12 months after enrollment, and at 24 and 36 months follow-up. Fecal SCFA and BCFA were analyzed by gas chromatography, and gut barrier and inflammation markers were measured in saliva/feces by ELISA or ImmunoCAP. At 6 months, children receiving AAF-S had significantly lower fecal propionate, valerate and BCFA concentrations compared to children consuming AAF. The percentage of propionate from the total 6 SCFA/BCFA (acetate + butyrate + propionate + valerate + isobutyrate + isovalerate) was significantly lower, while the percentage of acetate from the total 6 SCFA/BCFA was significantly higher in the AAF-S group. There were no significant differences between groups in fecal concentrations of butyrate at 6 months, nor in SCFA or BCFA at baseline and after 12, 24 or 36 months. Intestinal inflammation and barrier markers did not differ between groups. Addition of synbiotics to AAF brings concentrations of key fecal microbial metabolites more in line with patterns observed in healthy breastfed infants. The effects on SCFA and BCFA concentrations were transient and only seen at 6 months.

The current standard management of anaphylaxis recommends immediate activation of emergency medical services after epinephrine administration. Recently the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2023 anaphylaxis practice parameter has provided a conditional recommendation that patients at low risk may observe initial response to epinephrine at home.

BACKGROUND/UNASSIGNED:Data on severity of food allergy across nations are lacking. Building on the World Allergy Organization (WAO) DEFASE (Definition of Food Allergy Severity) score, we aim to explore its global applicability as a grading system for IgE-mediated food allergy (FA) severity. METHODS/UNASSIGNED:An international survey (WAO FASE Project) was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed to WAO members. The survey collected detailed data on diagnostic practices, therapeutic options, characteristics of FA patients, severity of reactions (including anaphylaxis), and eliciting doses of allergenic foods. In addition, FA management costs were examined (medical expenses, medication costs, and impact on quality of life and productivity). RESULTS/UNASSIGNED:We obtained information from 157 centers in 50 countries. FA management varied significantly across regions. Oral immunotherapy and omalizumab are widely used in Europe and North America. The use of advanced diagnostic tests (molecular diagnostics) vary widely between these regions. Thirty-five percent of patients with anaphylaxis exhibited severe symptoms (respiratory or cardiovascular compromise), with marked regional differences: more frequent in Western Asia (55.83%), Southern Africa (50%), and less frequent in South-Eastern Asia (12.5%) and Central America (21.72%). Approximately 1 in 4 patients reacted to less than half an age-appropriate portion of the allergenic food. Depending on the region, peanut, milk, egg, wheat, hazelnut, and peach allergies varied considerably. Economic resources and healthcare systems play an important role in determining access to diagnostic tests and therapeutic options, which have a direct impact on the severity and management of FA. CONCLUSIONS/UNASSIGNED:With wide global disparities in access to diagnostic and therapeutic tools for food allergies, this condition entails a vast healthcare and economic commitment. The percentage of patients receiving a high severity diagnosis using DEFASE could be around 3%, similar to that of asthma patients diagnosed with severe refractory asthma.