A recent study conducted by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) in Melbourne, published in the journal Allergy, sheds light on the trajectory of peanut allergies in children. The research reveals that while two-thirds of children with a peanut allergy remain allergic by the age of 10, a significant portion naturally outgrow this allergy, with the majority achieving resolution by the age of six.
This groundbreaking study utilized antibodies as biomarkers to distinguish between persistent and resolved peanut allergies in children over the course of their first decade. Specifically, changes in the levels of two antibodies, sIgG4 and sIgE, responsive to peanut allergens, were instrumental in determining the resolution of the allergy. Notably, alterations in these antibody levels over time proved to be indicative of whether a child was likely to outgrow their peanut allergy.
The research, which involved 156 infants in Melbourne diagnosed with peanut allergy, tracked their progress through questionnaires, skin prick tests, blood tests, and oral food challenges at ages four, six, and 10. Remarkably, the study found that peanut allergy resolved in one-third of children by the age of 10, with the vast majority achieving resolution between ages four and six.
Kayla Parker, a researcher at MCRI, emphasized the significance of these findings for clinicians in identifying children who may continue to have a peanut allergy. She stressed the importance of regular monitoring by allergists to ensure appropriate clinical care for these children, especially those showing decreasing antibody markers, who may benefit from additional assessments to confirm resolution of their peanut allergy.
The study’s findings provide valuable insights into the management of peanut allergies in children, offering a potential roadmap for clinical decision-making and follow-up care. Parker underscored the importance of early intervention strategies for children at risk of persistent peanut allergy, as well as the need for innovative treatment options, such as those available through food allergy clinical trials.
Additionally, another study led by MCRI highlighted the significant public health burden of allergic diseases in Australian children. Published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, this research revealed that allergies affect 40% of primary school-aged children, with a third experiencing multiple allergies. Asthma prevalence remained stable between ages six and 10, while rates of eczema decreased and hay fever cases increased during the same period.
Associate Professor Rachel Peters, a co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of prevention and treatment strategies for allergic diseases, including nut allergies, eczema, asthma, and hay fever. Understanding the prevalence of allergies across different age groups is crucial for informing healthcare resource allocation and improving disease management strategies.
The findings from these studies contribute to ongoing efforts to advance our understanding of allergic diseases and improve outcomes for children affected by these conditions. With continued research and collaboration among experts in the field, there is hope for better prevention, management, and treatment of allergies in children across Australia and beyond.
