Peanut allergy.
OBJECTIVE
To highlight recent advances in management of peanut allergy.


RESULTS
Peanut allergy presents during early childhood. The prevalence of peanut allergy in children in developed countries appears to be increasing. Several factors, such as peanut-specific or environmental, are hypothesized as contributing to increased prevalence. However, there is no consensus on this matter. Component-related diagnostic tests are being explored to characterize clinical sensitivity. Currently, the primary treatment includes avoidance of peanut and immediate treatment of anaphylaxis. Recent peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT) trials achieved successful desensitization to peanuts in study participants, which may benefit many patients. Newer prospective studies are exploring effects of early high-dose peanut protein introduction versus avoidance in high-risk infants and development of peanut tolerance [Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP) study]. Several other immunotherapeutic approaches are being investigated in animal models.


CONCLUSIONS
There is no cure for peanut allergy. Peanut oral immunotherapy offers a potential treatment for desensitization.
Pansare
Milind
M
Division of Allergy/Immunology, Wayne State University, and Pediatric Residency Program, The Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA. mpansare@dmc.org
Kamat
Deepak
D
D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D010367:Arachis / Q000276:immunology; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D021183:Peanut Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*
D000485:Allergens