Evaluation of a new protocol for wheat desensitization in patients with wheat-induced anaphylaxis.

ABSTRACT

AIM: New approaches such as oral immunotherapy (OIT) may be useful in IgE-mediated anaphylaxis to wheat. PATIENTS & METHODS: 12 patients underwent OIT protocol that comprised of two phases the first with semolina flour and the second with spaghetti. Total and specific wheat IgE were assayed by ELISA before and after OIT and 18 months later. Skin prick tests were also performed. RESULTS: Patients successfully tolerated 50 g of wheat. The median baseline total IgE was decreased after up-dosing phase and decreased after follow-up (p < 0.01). The median baseline wheat-specific IgE was increased after up-dosing and decreased after follow-up (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The efficiency and safety of our OIT protocol were shown on wheat allergic patients but further investigation is needed.