One-third of tested infants passed peanut allergy challenge

Researchers in Australia found that 271 of 778 infants previously diagnosed with peanut allergy passed a supervised food challenge, suggesting that some diagnoses made after an early reaction and positive allergy test may not reflect an ongoing allergy. The result represents about 35% of the selected infants tested, not all babies with suspected peanut allergy. The infants had a history of reacting to peanut and skin-prick or blood-test results consistent with allergy. Their challenges took place roughly six months after their initial diagnosis, as part of Australia’s ADAPT oral immunotherapy program. Under medical supervision, infants were given gradually increasing amounts of peanut protein while staff watched for symptoms. About 65% of the infants reacted during the challenge, and 12% experienced anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. The findings therefore do not support parents testing peanut at home after a previous reaction. Researchers and clinicians say any reassessment or reintroduction should take place with specialist medical oversight. Study coauthor Tim Brettig said supervised oral food challenges should play a greater role when an infant’s diagnosis is...