Using the canadian egg ladder in children with food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Current management of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) involves strict avoidance of the offending food for 12-18 months, followed by oral food challenge (OFC) under physician supervision. OFCs are resource-intensive and there is a lack of a universal standardized protocol for FPIES. Prolonged avoidance may increase the risk of IgE-mediated allergy, particularly in atopic patients. Food ladders have shown success in promoting accelerated tolerance in patients with IgE-mediated allergy. Our case series evaluated the safety of use of the Canadian Egg Ladder in patients with mild-to-moderate FPIES to egg. METHODS: From May 2020 to November 2021, patients with mild-to-moderate FPIES to egg, defined as no history of lethargy or intravenous fluid administration, were started on the Canadian Egg Ladder. Instructions for advancing up the ladder were identical to using the Canadian Egg Ladder in patients with IgE-mediated allergy. Patients were followed every 3-6 months, at which time information was collected regarding progression up the ladder, symptoms while on treatment and interventions required. Treating allergists completed a survey to capture baseline demographic characteristics and prior tolerance to egg. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using MS Excel. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients with mild-to-moderate FPIES were started on the Canadian Egg Ladder. Median age at initiation of the ladder was 10 months (IQR, 9-11). Nineteen (90.5%) patients completed the ladder, tolerating a serving size amount of cooked egg, over a median duration of 7 month (IQR, 4-9 months). Four patients (19.0%) had mild symptoms including vomiting (9.5%), pallor (9.5%), belching (4.8%), irritability (4.8%) and small spit up (4.8%). In three of the four patients, symptoms were the result of accidental exposure to a higher step of the ladder. There were no reports of lethargy. No patients required health care presentation or intravenous fluid administration. No patients discontinued the ladder. CONCLUSIONS: The Canadian Egg Ladder can safely guide the dietary advancement of egg-containing foods in patients with mild-to-moderate FPIES to egg, without the need for prolonged avoidance and resource-intensive OFCs.

Food Allergy Education and Management in Early Learning and Childcare Centres: A Scoping Review on Current Practices and Gaps.

Anaphylaxis has occurred in preschools/schools yet there are no consistent food allergy (FA) management practices in early learning and childcare centres (ELCC) across jurisdictions. Presently, there are no reviews that have synthesized FA-related knowledge and management practices within ELCC. We aimed to perform a scoping review of FA management in ELCC, and report on perceived gaps or barriers. A PRISMA-ScR-guided search was conducted for North American, European and Australian articles in English/French in the OVID-MedLine, Scopus, and PsycInfo databases. Two independent reviewers screened the titles/abstracts of 2010 articles and full-text screened 77 articles; 15 of which were specifically related to ELCC. If the two reviewers could not agree to the relevance of a given study, a third reviewer provided guidance. This third reviewer also screened French articles. Thematic and descriptive reports of the studies were presented. We reported solely on pre-Coronavirus Disease pandemic ELCC studies. We included ten articles in this review, which provide evidence that ELCC staff have variable baseline knowledge, comprehension, experience, and practices in place to manage FA. ELCC staff also have limited FA-related training and experience regarding administration of epinephrine auto-injectors (EAI). Emergency Anaphylaxis Plans (EAP) were described in four studies. One study reported the parental influence on the site's food purchasing and FA management. Three studies provided educational interventions, which demonstrated increased and sustained FA-related knowledge and confidence post-intervention. Participants deemed the training beneficial and desired annual training and more FA resources to be available. Across jurisdictions, ELCC staff have provided care and administered EAI in emergencies, but training remained variable. Communication and care planning amongst ELCC staff, and parents, is crucial. Annual education, available EAI and EAPs are tools necessary for effectively managing emergencies.

Dietary exposures and allergy prevention in high-risk infants.

Infants at high risk for developing a food allergy have either an atopic condition (such as eczema) themselves or an immediate family member with such a condition. Breastfeeding should be promoted and supported regardless of issues pertaining to food allergy prevention, but for infants whose mothers cannot or choose not to breastfeed, using a specific formula (i.e., hydrolyzed formula) is not recommended to prevent food allergies. When cow's milk protein formula has been introduced in an infant's diet, make sure that regular ingestion (as little as 10 mL daily) is maintained to prevent loss of tolerance. For high-risk infants, there is compelling evidence that introducing allergenic foods early-at around 6 months, but not before 4 months of age-can prevent common food allergies, and allergies to peanut and egg in particular. Once an allergenic food has been introduced, regular ingestion (e.g., a few times a week) is important to maintain tolerance. Common allergenic foods can be introduced without pausing for days between new foods, and the risk for a severe reaction at first exposure in infancy is extremely low. Pre-emptive in-office screening before introducing allergenic foods is not recommended. No recommendations can be made at this time about the role of maternal dietary modification during pregnancy or lactation, or about supplementing with vitamin D, omega 3, or pre- or probiotics as means to prevent food allergy.

CSACI position statement: transition recommendations on existing epinephrine autoinjectors.

Epinephrine is the first line treatment for anaphylaxis, an acute potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It is typically administered intramuscularly in the anterolateral thigh at a dose of 0.01 mg/kg of 1:1000 (1 mg/ml) solution to a maximum initial dose of 0.5 mg. Currently in Canada, epinephrine autoinjectors (EAI) are available in three doses, 0.15 mg, 0.30 mg, and 0.50 mg. There are currently no published studies comparing 0.3 mg and 0.5 mg EAIs in the paediatric or adult populations to compare clinical effectiveness. However, as weight increases above 30 kg, the percentage of the recommended 0.01 mg/kg epinephrine dose from an existing 0.3 mg EAI decreases resulting in potential underdosing. As such, The Canadian Society of Allergy and Immunology (CSACI) recommends that for those who weigh ≥ 45 kg, physicians could consider prescribing the 0.50 mg EAI based on shared decision making with patients.

Establishing Amoxicillin Allergy in Children Through Direct Graded Oral Challenge (GOC): Evaluating Risk Factors for Positive Challenges, Safety, and Risk of Cross-Reactivity to Cephalosporines.

BACKGROUND: Data on the diagnostic properties of direct oral challenges without the use of skin tests in children with suspected amoxicillin allergy are sparse. OBJECTIVE: Assess the use of direct oral challenges. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted between March 2013 and March 2020, in Montreal and Winnipeg. All children referred with reported history of benign reactions (ie, limited to the skin with no mucosal lesions and no vesicles) to amoxicillin were recruited and a 2-step graded oral challenge (GOC) was conducted. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and comorbidities. Eligible children were followed to assess reactions to subsequent use of amoxicillin and to assess the safety of cephalexin use in children with a positive GOC. RESULTS: Among 1914 children recruited, 1811 (94.6%) tolerated the GOC, 42 (2.2%) developed mild immediate reactions, and 61 (3.2%) developed mild nonimmediate reactions. Among 265 participants who had a negative GOC and reused amoxicillin, 226 (85.3%) reported tolerance and 39 (14.7%) had mild cutaneous reactions. Chronic urticaria (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.16; 95% CI, 1.09-1.23) and an index reaction occurring within 5 minutes of exposure (aOR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.04-1.14) were associated with immediate reactions during the GOC. Symptoms lasting longer than 7 days (aOR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.09) and parental drug hypersensitivity (aOR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.03-1.06) were associated with nonimmediate reactions. Among those reacting to the GOC, 12.5% reacted with mild cutaneous reactions to cephalexin challenge. CONCLUSIONS: Direct GOCs are an accurate and safe confirmatory to establish true hypersensitivity among children reporting benign reactions to amoxicillin.

Differentiating Between ß-Lactam-Induced Serum Sickness-Like Reactions and Viral Exanthem in Children Using a Graded Oral Challenge.

BACKGROUND: Serum sickness-like reactions (SSLRs) are defined by the presence of rash (primarily urticaria) and joint complaints (arthralgia/arthritis) that are believed to occur due to a non-IgE-mediated response to medications. However, similar reactions can occur due to viral infections, and it can be difficult to distinguish between the two. This may lead to unnecessary avoidance of the culprit antibiotic. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate children presenting with suspected SSLRs through a graded oral challenge (GOC). METHODS: All children referred to the Montreal Children's Hospital for potential antibiotic allergy (ß-lactam or other antibiotics) and a clinical presentation compatible with SSLR were recruited for the study between March 2013 and February 2020. A standardized survey with questions on treatment, symptoms, and associated factors was completed, and a GOC (10% and subsequently 90% of the oral antibiotic dose) was conducted. Patients with a negative GOC were contacted annually to query on subsequent antibiotic use. RESULTS: Among 75 patients presenting with suspected SSLRs, the median age was 2.0 years and 46.7% were males. Most reactions were attributed to amoxicillin. Among the 75 patients, 2.7% reacted immediately (within 1 hour) to a GOC and 4.0% had a nonimmediate reaction. Of the 43 patients successfully contacted, 20 reported subsequent culprit antibiotic use of whom 25.0% had a subsequent mild reaction (macular/papular rash). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first and largest pediatric study to assess SSLR using a GOC. Our findings suggest that using a GOC is safe and appropriate for differentiating between ß-lactam-induced SSLR and viral exanthem in this population.

Prospective evaluation of testing with baked milk to predict safe ingestion of baked milk in unheated milk-allergic children.

BACKGROUND: Cow's milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies affecting young children. A subset of milk-allergic individuals can eat baked milk without allergic symptoms which is beneficial in terms of prognostication and liberalization of the diet. A retrospective study suggested that skin prick testing (SPT) with a baked milk (muffin) slurry may provide a sensitive means of predicting the outcome of a medically supervised baked milk oral food challenge. We evaluated the predictive value of SPT with baked milk to identify unheated milk-allergic children who are able to safely eat baked milk. METHODS: Children aged 2-16 years with a prior history of reaction to milk and a milk extract SPT of 8-14 mm were recruited. Investigator-blinded SPT to muffin slurry and powdered milk in triplicate and specific IgE (sIgE) to casein and milk were performed. Graded oral challenge to egg-free baked milk muffins (total 2.6 gm milk protein) was performed in the hospital. Reliability of tests was analyzed for intraclass correlation. Statistical significance for clinical characteristics of population and muffin testing versus baked milk reactivity was calculated with Fisher exact test for dichotomous and t-test for continuous variables. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare immunological characteristics between individuals who tolerated or reacted to baked milk. Fitted predicted probability curves and ROC curves were generated. RESULTS: Thirty-eight children were consented and 30 met study criteria. The muffin SPT and casein sIgE were significantly different in those who passed versus failed baked milk challenge. Negative (<3 mm) baked milk tests were found in 8/30 children (27 %) and were associated with non-reactivity to baked milk (p = 0.01) with a sensitivity of 1 (0.70-1.00). All children with negative SPT for baked milk passed the oral challenge. Specificity was 0.41 (0.19-0.67). The optimal decision point for the muffin SPT was 4 mm and the casein sIgE was 6 kU/L. The powdered milk test was not helpful. CONCLUSIONS: Skin prick testing with a baked milk (muffin) slurry may have a role in clinical practice to identify baked milk tolerance in milk-allergic patients.

Allergy to sunflower seed and sunflower butter as proposed vehicle for sensitization.

BACKGROUND: It is hypothesized that household exposure to allergenic proteins via an impaired skin barrier, such as atopic dermatitis, may contribute to the development of IgE sensitization. Household presence of peanut is a risk factor for the development of peanut allergy in children. Sunflower seed butter is a peanut-free alternative to peanut butter, and sunflower seed allergy is an uncommon but reported entity. CASE PRESENTATION: A 3 year old boy presented with oral discomfort that developed almost immediately after he ate sunflower seeds for the first time. He was given a dose of diphenhydramine. Subsequently he vomited, and his symptoms gradually resolved. A similar episode occurred to a commercial snack made with sunflower seed butter. Skin prick testing demonstrated a large positive (10 mm wheal) wheal-and-flare response to a slurry of fresh sunflower seed within 3-4 minutes associated with severe pruritus. This child has an older sibling with confirmed peanut allergy (PNA). After the PNA diagnosis was made, the family home became peanut-free. In lieu of peanut butter, sunflower butter was purchased and eaten frequently by family members, but not by the child reported herein. Subsequent to the episodes above, the child ate a bread roll with visible poppy seeds and developed itchy throat, dyspnea, and urticaria. Epicutaneous skin testing elicited a >10 mm wheal size within 3-4 minutes in response to a slurry of whole poppy seeds and 8 mm to fresh pumpkin seed, which had never been consumed. CONCLUSIONS: A case of sunflower allergy in the context of household consumption of sunflower butter has not yet been reported. We suggest that homes which are intentionally peanut-safe may provide an environment whereby infants with impaired skin barrier are at increased risk of allergy to alternative "butter" products being used, via cutaneous exposure to these products preceding oral introduction to the child.

Controlled delivery of high vs low humidity vs mist therapy for croup in emergency departments: a randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT: Children with croup are often treated with humidity even though this is not scientifically based, consumes time, and can be harmful. Although humidity using the traditional blow-by technique is similar to room air and no water droplets reach the nasopharynx, particles sized for laryngeal deposition (5-10 microm) could be beneficial. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a significant difference in the clinical Westley croup score exists in children with moderate to severe croup who were admitted to the emergency department and who received either 100% humidity or 40% humidity via nebulizer or blow-by humidity. DESIGN AND SETTING: A randomized, single-blind, controlled trial conducted between 2001 and 2004 in a tertiary care pediatric emergency department. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 140 previously healthy children 3 months to 10 years of age with Westley croup score of more than 1 or 2 or higher (scoring system range, 0-17); 21 families refused participation. INTERVENTION: Thirty-minute administration of humidity using traditional blow-by technique (commonly used placebo, n = 48), controlled delivery of 40% humidity (optimally delivered placebo, n = 46), or 100% humidity (n = 46) with water particles of mass median diameter 6.21 microm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: A priori defined change in the Westley croup score from baseline to 30 and 60 minutes in the 3 groups. RESULTS: Groups were comparable before treatment. At 30 minutes the difference in the improvement in the croup score between the blow-by and low-humidity groups was 0.03 (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.72 to 0.66), between low- and high-humidity groups, 0.16 (95% CI, -0.86 to 0.53), and between blow-by and high-humidity groups, 0.19 (95% CI, -0.87 to 0.49). Results were similar at 60 minutes. Differences between groups in pulse and respiratory rates and oxygen saturation changes were insignificant, as were proportions of excellent responders; proportions with croup score of 0 at study conclusion; and proportions receiving dexamethasone, epinephrine, or requiring additional medical care or hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: One hundred percent humidity with particles specifically sized to deposit in the larynx failed to result in greater improvement than 40% humidity or humidity by blow-by technique. This study does not support the use of humidity for moderate croup for patients treated in the emergency department. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00230841.

The role of attribution to clerk factors and contextual factors in supervisors' perceptions of clerks' behaviors.

BACKGROUND: Novice clinical clerks are expected to integrate smoothly into a medical team, often with little guidance. PURPOSE: To explore medical residents' and attendings' perceptions of clerk behaviors that may aid or hinder this integration. METHODS: Three resident focus groups and 5 attending staff interviews were conducted. Transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-seven instances of clerk behaviors were identified. Many similar behaviors were alternately perceived as positive or negative, depending critically on 2 dimensions the clerk (speculated motives or personality traits) or the context (timing of behavior or clerk's stage of training). Motives and traits were mentioned nearly 3 times as often as contextual factors, possibly reflecting the fundamental attribution error, as described in social psychology. Supervisors' perceptions of why or when a behavior was enacted were an important factor in their perceptions. CONCLUSIONS: With explicit discussion of this phenomenon, supervisors' judgments might suffer from fewer biases, and students' integration into the team and profession might occur with less ambiguity and stress.