Is Peanut Hypersensitivity in Children Related to Household Consumption?

Peanut allergy is one of the most common and severe food allergies. The knowledge of risk factors for sensitization is essential to prevent it. The aim of the study was to analyze the sensitization to peanut in children and its association with the household peanut consumption (HPC). Forty-six children ≤18 months with clinical history of food allergy or atopic dermatitis (AD) were included. Prick-tests with whole peanut extract (1000 IC/mL, Alyostal®) were performed. HPC was evaluated by a questionnaire administered by the allergist. Gender, age, AD, breast feeding and first-degree family history of allergic disease were analyzed. Mean age was 11.6 months (SD 4.1). Male/female ratio, 32/14. Twenty-two children (47.8%) had cow’s milk allergy; 13 (28.3%), egg allergy; 1 fish and 1 fruit allergy (2.2%). Thirty-tree (71.7%) suffered from AD. HPC was referred in 30 cases (65.2%). Forty-tree (93.5%) were breast feeding and 30 (65.2%) have positive first-degree family history. No children have introduced peanut in his diet. Nine (19.6 %) had positive prick test with peanut. The frequency of sensitization was higher in children with HPC (9/30=30% versus 0/16; p