D2.15 - The etiology and risk factors of food allergies in children in Albania

A food allergy happens when the immune system reacts to a certain food protein. Although symptoms can be the same, food allergies are different than a food intolerance. Food intolerance does not affect the immune system. Some children can have potentially life-threatening reactions to food allergies, so it is important to have a food allergy confirmed by an allergist and follow directions for allergy management.

Data on food allergies in Albania are scarce. Thus, we attempted to identify the patterns, etiology and risk factors of FA in children in Albania.

This is a prospective study, including all the children diagnosed with food allergies during a six months period in our hospital from June 2024-December 2024.Socio demographics and relevant clinical data were gathered via using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Skin prick test (SPT), specific IgE test and ISAC immunocap test were performed to confirm the FA

195 were suspected with history of food allergies.85/195 (43.5%) children were male. The median age of the cohort was 8.5 years.120/195(61.5%) children tested positive for at least one of the FAs.41/195(21%) children tested positive for > 3 types of FAs and 20/195(10%) tested positive for >5 types of FAs. 39/195(20%) of children had allergies to cow’s milk, 42/195(21.5%) to alpha-gal,39/195(20%) to mammalian meat and 25/195(12.8%) to egg. Allergy to sea food, coconut milk, fish, fruits, Omega-5-gliadin, nuts, legumes and vegetables were seen in 15 % of children. Frequency of having FA was relatively higher in children who have used any kind of antibiotics > 1 week during their infancy(OR 1.095, 96 CI 0.51 TO 2.5), although not statistically significant(p 0.85). The food allergens had triggered anaphylaxis in 110/195(56.4%) children while others had only gastrointestinal or skin manifestations.

Cow’s milk and alpha gal were the most common FA in children. Some children may outgrow their allergies and may be able to eat the food as they get older. Reintroduce a food only after discussing it with the child's physician, who can discuss follow-up testing or food challenges to ensure reactions do not occur.