Food Allergen Sensitisation Patterns in Omani Patients with Allergic Manifestations
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2018, Vol 1, Issue 4
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between food allergen sensitisation patterns and allergic manifestations in Omani patients and highlight the importance of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) testing. Methods: This retrospective study included all patients referred due to allergic manifestations to the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman, from November 2012 to November 2016. Specific IgE blood testing was performed to determine sensitisation to common foods known to cause allergic reactions. Results: A total of 164 patients were referred to SQUH over the study period, with 35.4% presenting with one allergic manifestation, 48.8% with 2–3 and 15.9% presenting with more than three manifestations. There was a family history of allergies in 70.7% of patients. Eosinophil counts and total and specific IgE levels were elevated in 18.9%, 54.9% and 73.2% of patients, respectively. Patients demonstrated sensitisation to cow milk (47.6%), wheat (41.5%), chicken eggs (34.8%), mixed tree nuts (34.1%), lentils (33.5%), peanuts (32.9%), soy (32.3%), shrimp (23.2%) and fish (15.2%). Overall, 19.5% were sensitised to a single allergen, 14% were sensitised to 2–3 and 39.6% were sensitised to more than three allergens. Almost one-third (29.3%) of patients suffered from food-induced anaphylaxis, of which 85.4% were prescribed self-injectable adrenaline. Conclusion: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to describe food allergen sensitisation patterns among Omani patients with allergic manifestations. In conjunction with clinical symptoms, the correct interpretation of specific IgE levels is important to diagnose food allergies and make safe decisions about reintroducing foods.
Authors and Affiliations
Salem Al-Tamemi, Shafiq-Ur-Rehman Naseem, Munira Tufail-Alrahman, Mahmood Al-Kindi, Jalila Alshekaili
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP37476
- DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.18295/squmj.2018.18.04.009
- Views 359
- Downloads 0
Leiomyoma of the Round Ligament of the Uterus Case report and review of literature
Smooth muscle tumours of the round ligament of the uterus are rare and can mimic an inguinal hernia. Preoperative diagnosis can be established by a computed tomography scan of the abdomen or an exploration of the ingui...
Cerebrospinal Fluid Involvement in a Case of Visceral Leishmaniasis Associated with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) implies a benign generalized histiocytic proliferate with erythrophagocytosis and it includes familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and secondary hemophgocytosis. Spinal flu...
Are scintigraphy and ultrasonography necessary before fine-needle aspi ration cytology for thyroid nodules?
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of scintigraphy, ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration in thyroid nodules and to establish the best diagnostic pathway in detecting thyroid cancer. Method: Two hundred and sixteen pat...
Te Learning Organisation and Health Care Education
Te ‘Learning Organisation’ is a concept first described by Peter Senge as an organisation where people continuously learn and enhance their capabilities to create. It consists of five main disciplines: team learning...
Growth in the Number of Female Medical Doctors in Oman What are the reasons?