Evaluation of Clinical Features of Pediatric Patients with Wheat Sensitivity

Authors : Gökhan Yörüsün, Funda Aytekin Güvenir, Ragıp Dere, Zeynep Sengul Emeksiz, Emine Dibek Mısırlıoğlu

Pages : 181-185

Doi:10.12956/tchd.1425845

View : 130 | Download : 98

Publication Date : 2024-05-13

Article Type : Research

Abstract :Objective: This study aimed to determine the frequency of true wheat allergy among pediatric patients with wheat sensitivity detected by skin prick test (SPT) in our center and to evaluate the clinical features and prognosis of the patients. Material and Methods: This study was conducted with 63 patients who were found to have wheat sensitivity on skin prick test (SPT) between January 2017 and May 2023 in the Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Clinic of our hospital.Demographic and clinical characteristics, oral provocation tests (OPT) and prognosis of these patients were analyzed. Results: In 9432 food SPTs, wheat positivity was detected in 63 patients and the wheat sensitivity rate was found to be 0.6%. Sixty-one point nine percent of these patients were girls. In patients with wheat atopy, 55.5% were infants between 0-6 months of age. Out of 63 patients, six (9.5%) presented with a history suggestive of IgE-mediated reaction, while 57 (90.5%) presented with a history suggestive of atopic dermatitis. Among these patients with a history of atopic dermatitis, 34 (59.6%) were found to have cow’s milk and egg atopy in addition to wheat sensitivity. Eczema exacerbation was observed in three patients on OPT performed after 2-4 weeks of short term elimination. These patients were able to consume wheat without any reaction after 6-12 months of elimination diet. Conclusion: Wheat sensitivity not confirmed by oral provocation tests leads to unnecessary elimination of wheat, an essential nutrient. This shows the importance of OPT in patients with wheat atopy.
Keywords : Oral provokasyon, Buğday, Duyarlılık