1398-9995/asset/olbannerleft.gif?v=1&s=2207070238298c1b0c4b1e73fa97140fa65e5f81)
1398-9995/asset/olbannerright.gif?v=1&s=c902da976bf6db24fc36ec0480207615a3d14921)
Role of nonallergic hypersensitivity reactions in children with chronic urticaria
Article first published online: 29 APR 2007
DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.1998.tb03817.x
1398-9995/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=1b4cef9ea672c7adac9aec4870a5ad86dc5e55f6 "Allergy")
Additional Information
How to Cite
Ehlers, I., Niggemann, B., Binder, C. and Zuberbier, T. (1998), Role of nonallergic hypersensitivity reactions in children with chronic urticaria. Allergy, 53: 1074–1077. doi: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.1998.tb03817.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 29 APR 2007
- Article first published online: 29 APR 2007
- Accepted for publication 7 April 1998
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- children;
- chronic urticaria;
- diet;
- food intolerance;
- nonallergic hypersensitivity;
- pseudoallergy
Background IgE-independent (pseudoallergic) reactions to food and food ingredients are common in a subgroup of adult patients with chronic urticaria, who have daily spontaneous occurrence of wheals. However, for children with chronic urticaria (duration longer than 6 weeks, no physical influence), no data on the importance of pseudoallergen-induced chronic urticaria are available. Therefore, we investigated the role of nonallergic hypersensitivity to food in all children seen with chronic continuous urticaria i n our two clinics over the last 2 years (n = 16).
Methods All patients were given a low-pseudoallergen diet for 3 weeks followed by provocation with food rich in pseudoallergens. To identify the main eliciting agents, a subgroup of responders was exposed to food additives by double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges.
Results Pseudoallergen-induced urticaria was diagnosed in 12 cases (75%). Reactions occurred mainly to coloring agents and preservatives, but also to monosodium glutamate and a sweetener (saccharin/cyclamate).
Conclusions TTiese results confirm that nonallergic hypersensitivity reactions play a role in children with chronic urticaria, although the latter disease is rare at that age. In children, food additives, especially coloring agents and preservatives, appear to play a more important role in eliciting nonallergic hypersensitivity reactions than in adult patients, where naturally occurring pseudoallergens in fruits and vegetables are mainly responsible.