Abstract
Background : Safely liberalizing the diet to include an
allergenic food may accelerate resolution of food allergy. The outcome
of liberalization, however, varies among patients.
Methods : We conducted a prospective observational study to
identify factors associated with outcome for egg allergy 1 year after
oral food challenge (OFC). We enrolled children < 72
months-old who had egg allergy and underwent OFC for determination of
the safe intake quantity of egg allergen. At enrollment, each child’s
clinical background was recorded. The Food Allergy Quality of Life
Questionnaire–Parent Form (FAQLQ–PF) was administered to the
caregivers to assess their children’s QoL. Dietary advice based on the
OFC result was then provided to support safe consumption of eggs. At 1
year after OFC, the quantity of egg each child safely consumed in daily
life was surveyed. We classified the egg allergy outcome as Outgrowing
(Group O) if the quantity increased during the 1 year, or as
Non-outgrowing (Group N) if it did not. Factors associated with the
outcome were investigated by multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results : A total of 93 children were enrolled, and after 1 year
57 finished in Group O and 36 in Group N. The mean FAQLQ-PF score at
baseline was significantly lower (i.e., better QoL) in group O than in
group N. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified comorbid
asthma, comorbid atopic dermatitis and a poor QoL as factors predicting
an unfavorable outcome.
Conclusion : QoL may affect food allergy outcome. Intervention
focusing on QoL may promote outgrowing food allergies. (249 words)