[Oral provocation tests for adverse reactions to food].
BACKGROUND
Diagnosis of adverse reactions to food is difficult, but important. The prevalence of perceived adverse reactions is high, especially in small children.


METHODS
72 children 0-17 years of age hospitalised in our clinic for investigation of adverse food reactions. Oral provocation tests were performed open, blind and double blind.


RESULTS
41 (20 %) positive provocation tests were registered, 31 by nurses and doctors only, ten solely by parents. Eggs and cow's milk were the most common causes of positive reactions, fish and wheat gave somewhat less reactions. Of the positive provocations, 19 had different outcomes from what was expected; 89 % of the children could have one or more foods added to their diet, wholly or in part.


CONCLUSIONS
Systematic use of oral provocation tests may be of use to eliminate unnecessary diets in children.
Søyland Wasenius
Anne K
AK
Barneklinikken, Voksentoppen, Rikshospitalet, 0027 Oslo.
Halvorsen
Ragnhild
R
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male