Clinical profiles of patients with wheat-induced anaphylaxis at various ages of onset()

BACKGROUND: Wheat-induced anaphylaxis (WIA) is a serious and potentially life-threatening wheat allergy, more common in adults than in children.

Little is known about the differences in clinical profiles in WIA among patients of various ages in China.

METHODS: We analyzed data retrospectively from an allergy department in a tertiary hospital that included 248 patients (208 adults and 40 children and adolescents) with a history of WIA.

RESULTS: We found that alcohol was more frequent in patients aged ≥50 years [older adults] (19.0%, 4/21) than in those aged 12–17 years [adolescents] (0%, 0/33; p = 0.019).

The frequency of NSAID use in older adults (42.9%, 9/21) was significantly higher than that in adolescents (0%, 0/33; p < 0.001), and patients aged 18–49 years [young adults] (2.8%, 5/178; p < 0.001).

During WIA, cardiovascular symptoms in children were less frequent than those in other age groups (children, 28.6%; adolescents, 87.9%; young adults, 93.0%; older adults, 95.2%; p < 0.001).

The consciousness loss rate in adults (both age groups; p < 0.001) and the hypotension rate in older adults (p = 0.006) were higher than those in other age groups.

Compared with adults (young and older adults), children had a higher rate of allergic comorbidities (p = 0.004, 0.001, respectively) and a higher rate of other food allergies (p < 0.001, <0.001, respectively).

Compared with the mild-to-moderate anaphylaxis group, the severe anaphylaxis group had a higher onset age (p = 0.001), higher cofactor prevalence (p = 0.004), lower allergic comorbidity rate (p = 0.014), and higher positive rate of specific IgE to omega-5 gliadin (ω-5 gliadin) (p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION: Clinical profiles of patients with WIA are different among various onset age/severity groups.

An improved understanding of WIA symptoms in various age/severity groups could help accelerate diagnosis, suggest preventive measures, and contribute to improved patient care.