Prediction of the severity of allergic reactions to foods

Abstract

Background: There is currently considerable uncertainty regarding what the predictors of the severity of diagnostic or accidental food allergic reactions are, and to what extent the severity of such reactions can be predicted. Objective: To identify predictors for the severity of diagnostic and accidental food allergic reactions and to quantify their impact. Methods: The study population consisted of children with a double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC)–confirmed food allergy to milk, egg, peanut, cashew nut, and/or hazelnut. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. Missing values were imputed using multiple imputation techniques. Two scoring systems were used to determine the severity of the reactions. Results: A total of 734 children were included. Independent predictors for the severity of the DBPCFC reaction were age (B = 0.04, P =.001), skin prick test ratio (B = 0.30, P