Role of nonallergic hypersensitivity reactions in children with chronic urticaria |
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Authors: | I. Ehlers B. Niggemann C. Binder T. Zuberbier |
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Affiliation: | Department of Dermatology, Charité, Humboldt-University Berlin, Germany;Department of Pediatrics, Charité, Humboldt-University Berlin, Germany |
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Abstract: | Background IgE-independent (pseudoallergic) reactions to food and food ingredients are common in a subgroup of adult patients with chronic urticaria, who have daily spontaneous occurrence of wheals. However, for children with chronic urticaria (duration longer than 6 weeks, no physical influence), no data on the importance of pseudoallergen-induced chronic urticaria are available. Therefore, we investigated the role of nonallergic hypersensitivity to food in all children seen with chronic continuous urticaria i n our two clinics over the last 2 years (n = 16). Methods All patients were given a low-pseudoallergen diet for 3 weeks followed by provocation with food rich in pseudoallergens. To identify the main eliciting agents, a subgroup of responders was exposed to food additives by double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges. Results Pseudoallergen-induced urticaria was diagnosed in 12 cases (75%). Reactions occurred mainly to coloring agents and preservatives, but also to monosodium glutamate and a sweetener (saccharin/cyclamate). Conclusions TTiese results confirm that nonallergic hypersensitivity reactions play a role in children with chronic urticaria, although the latter disease is rare at that age. In children, food additives, especially coloring agents and preservatives, appear to play a more important role in eliciting nonallergic hypersensitivity reactions than in adult patients, where naturally occurring pseudoallergens in fruits and vegetables are mainly responsible. |
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Keywords: | children chronic urticaria diet food intolerance nonallergic hypersensitivity pseudoallergy |
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