Avoiding peanuts may result in recurrence of allergy from the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology

MILWAUKEE - Children who keep avoiding peanuts after they outgrow their peanut allergy have a higher risk that their peanut allergy will return, according to a study in the November 2004 Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology (JACI). The JACI is the peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

For their study, David M. Fleischer, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and colleagues studied 68 patients who had previously outgrown their peanut allergy. They sought to determine the percentage of patients who reacquire peanut allergy later; identify any risk factors for recurrent peanut allergy; and develop specific recommendations for treating patients who have outgrown peanut allergy.

Based on questionnaire results, repeat peanut-specific IgE levels, and repeat food challenges, the researchers found that patients who have outgrown their peanut allergy have approximately an 8% chance of it reoccurring. The study found this risk is significantly higher in patients who continue to avoid eating peanut after their allergy is resolved.

Based on the study's results, researchers recommend that patients eat concentrated forms of peanut at least once a month after outgrowing their peanut allergy in an attempt to maintain their tolerance to peanut.

Researchers also recommended that patients and families who rarely eat peanuts or eat them in limited amounts after outgrowing their allergy should continue to carry epinephrine at all times.

The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. The AAAAI serves as an advocate to the public by providing educational information and a physician referral directory through its Web site at www.aaaai.org.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: This study was published in the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, but does not necessarily reflect the policies or the opinions of the Academy. To receive a copy of the study, please contact John Gardner (jgardner@aaaai.org) at (414) 272-6071. For more information and access to the archive of past JACI news releases, visit the Media Center of the AAAAI Web site, www.aaaai.org.