Evaluation of red meat allergy patients and review of the literature

Background. It was reported that prevalence of red meat allergy in children was higher in our country than in western populations. However, the diagnosis of these patients is often delayed. The aim of the study was to present the clinical and laboratory characteristics of our red meat allergy patients. Methods. The data were collected retrospectively from the files of children with red meat allergy. Also, 6 adults with red meat allergies were recorded in the families of the children. Patients with symptoms associated with red meat allergy and sensitive to beef or mutton in prick-to-prick tests were recorded. Results. The median age of the 43 patients was 12 years (2-37), and 51% were male. Most of the patients were children (n=37, 86%). The median age was 10 years in children (2-17), and 54% were male. All of the children had dermatologic manifestations, 51% had respiratory symptoms, and 64% had anaphylaxis upon exposure to red meat. The anaphylaxis history was not associated with demographic, clinical and laboratory data. A total of 63% children had additional allergic diseases, and 75% of them were sensitive to both mutton and beef in prickto- prick tests. The median total IgE level of the children was 327 (20-3550) IU/mL, median eosinophil count was 210/mm 3 (40-990) and mean vitamin D was 13.1 ± 1.2 mcg/L (n=27). Anaphylaxis occurred in 3 of 9 patients who received the open oral food challenge (OFC) test. After OFC, 3 patients continued to eat red meat without issues, and 1 patient was recommended to eat alternatives to red meat. Conclusions. Clinical and laboratory findings were heterogeneous in children with red meat allergy. Anaphylaxis risk seems to be higher than other food allergies. OFC test is more helpful in both diagnosis and alternative red meat selection compared to laboratory findings

The Role of Neonatal Sepsis in the Development of Allergic Diseases in Childhood

WOS: 000406929600003Aim: We aimed to demonstrate the effect of neonatal sepsis on the development of allergic diseases at later ages. Materials and Methods: For the study, 126 children who were diagnosed with sepsis in the neonatal period, and hospitalized between 2001 and 2003 were recruited, and divided into two groups. Group one consisted of children who had sepsis in the neonatal period. Group two children were chosen from among group one's siblings as controls in whom genetic and environmental factors leading to allergic diseases were similar. The prevalence of allergic diseases were compared between the two groups. The Turkish version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children questionnaire was used via the face-to-face methodology. Additionally, total blood count was studied for potential eosinophilia, total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were measured, and skin prick tests were performed on each subject. Results: Total IgE levels and sensitivity to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinea were significantly lower (p<0.05) in group one. Also the prevalence of asthma and allergic symptoms were significantly less common (p<0.05) in the first group. Interestingly, we found no significant difference in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis between the two groups. Conclusion: The present study highlighted that contact with severe infections such as sepsis in the neonatal period can be a cause of decreased sensitivity to environmental allergens and the prevalence of asthma in childhood