Publication Date
2-1-2025
Journal
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology:
DOI
10.1016/j.jacig.2024.100379
PMID
39844911
PMCID
PMC11750536
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
12-6-2024
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Published Open-Access
yes
Keywords
Allergists, anaphylaxis, children, education, medical, continuing, food allergy, food hypersensitivity, pediatric
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Management of patients with food allergies is complex, especially in cases of patients with multiple and potentially severe food allergies. Although international guidelines exist for food allergy management, the role of the allergist in the decision-making process is key.
OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate the management patterns and educational needs of practicing allergists treating patients with food allergies.
METHODS: An online survey was e-mailed to United States-based practicing allergists (N = 2833) in November-December 2021. The allergists were screened for managing 1 or more patients (including ≥25% pediatric patients) with food allergies per month. The allergists responded to questions regarding food allergy management in response to 2 hypothetical pediatric case studies, their familiarity with available guidelines and emerging treatments, and their future educational preferences. A descriptive analysis of outcomes was conducted.
RESULTS: A total of 125 responding allergists (4.4%) met the eligibility criteria and completed the survey. The allergists prioritized written exposure action plans, patient-caregiver communication, prevention of serious reactions, and consideration of both food allergy severity and allergic comorbidities in the management of patients with food allergies. With regard to recommending biologics in the future, the allergists identified patient history of anaphylaxis and hospitalizations, food allergy severity, and allergic comorbidities as all being important factors to consider when deciding on appropriate treatment options. The allergists noted their ongoing educational needs, especially for current and emerging treatments for food allergies.
CONCLUSION: With the treatment landscape for food allergies evolving rapidly, the decision-making priorities and continuing educational needs of allergists will be important in optimizing the management of patients with food allergies.
Included in
Allergy and Immunology Commons, Biological Phenomena, Cell Phenomena, and Immunity Commons, Medical Immunology Commons, Pediatrics Commons
