Background
Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) and hen’s egg allergy are the most common early childhood food allergies and the leading cause of anaphylaxis in the first two years of life1. These significantly impact the quality of life for both children and families, with management posing a significant burden. The distinguishing feature of this study is its aim to prospectively examine the relationship between IgE and SPT results with allergy severity, treatment outcomes and likelihood of successful reintroduction.
Aims
The primary objective is to determine the relationship between the levels of specific IgE & SPT results, to successful progression through the milk/egg ladders in children with IgE-mediated milk/egg allergies.
Methods
This is a prospective cohort study conducted as a sub-project of the “Children with IgE-mediated Allergy on the Milk and Egg Ladder (CArLa): A Feasibility Pilot Study”. Inclusion criteria include children diagnosed with IgE-mediated CMPA/egg allergy who have commenced on the milk/egg ladder. This will be confirmed by the patient’s clinical history and SPT for egg OR milk >3mm and/or positive specific IgE levels for egg OR milk >0.35kU/L. Exclusion criteria include children who have non-IgE-mediated CMPA/egg allergy, OR significant comorbidity. Demographic data and allergic history will be collected through the Food Allergy Quality of Life (FAQOL) questionnaire and from the first clinic appointment, along with diagnostic tests, with a 6-month & 12-month follow-up thereafter. Participating parents will be set up with an E-Diary (link sent to their email address) to record their child’s progress through the ladder or any accidental exposures that may occur.
Hypothesis
The expected outcome is that higher IgE levels and larger SPT wheal sizes correlate with increased allergy risk of allergic reactions on the milk/egg ladders, as well as reduced success of progression through the milk/egg ladders in children with IgE-mediated milk and/or egg allergies.