Fish Roe-Induced Anaphylaxis in Italy: A Pediatric Case Report

Abstract

Fish roe are not yet described as triggers of allergic reactions in Italy, especially during the pediatric age; they are more frequently involved in anaphylaxis in Eastern countries, such as Japan. For this report, we reported a case of anaphylaxis in a 2-year-old boy admitted to our Hospital Pediatric Emergency Room with a suspected allergic reaction. 15 min after the meal, he presented generalized urticaria, angioedema, wheezing, sneezing, and two vomiting episodes. The meal was smoked salmon, butter, mayonnaise, anchovies, and fish roe (salmon and lumpfish roe). Tryptase serum levels presented as elevated in the acute phase and normal after 24 h. Serum food-specific IgE tested negative for salmon and other fish, such as skin prick tests. Serum food-specific IgE showed that the patient was sensitized to cow’s milk and eggs, but he doesn’t have a food allergy. He had regularly consumed milk and eggs before and after the allergic reaction without clinical problems. A prick-by-prick test resulted positive for fish roe (salmon and lumpfish roe). Based on patient’s history, allergy test results in vivo, and tryptase serum levels, the diagnosis of anaphylaxis induced by fish roe was confirmed. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first pediatric case of fish roe-induced anaphylaxis reported in Italy.