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Heterogeneity of pollen food allergy syndrome in seven Southern European countries: The @IT.2020 multicenter study
Author(s) -
Lipp Theresa,
Acar Şahin Aydan,
Aggelidis Xenophon,
Arasi Stefania,
Barbalace Andrea,
Bourgoin Anne,
Bregu Blerina,
Brighetti Maria Antonia,
Caeiro Elsa,
Caglayan Sozmen Sule,
Caminiti Lucia,
Charpin Denis,
Couto Mariana,
Delgado Luís,
Di Rienzo Businco Andrea,
Dimier Claire,
Dimou Maria V.,
Fonseca João A.,
Goksel Ozlem,
Guvensen Aykut,
Hernandez Dolores,
Hoffmann Tara Maria,
Jang Dah Tay,
Kalpaklioglu Fusun,
Lame Blerta,
Llusar Ruth,
Makris Michael P.,
Mazon Angel,
Mesonjesi Eris,
Nieto Antonio,
Öztürk Ayse,
Pahus Laurie,
Pajno Giovanni Battista,
Panasiti Ilenia,
Papadopoulos Nikolaos G.,
Pellegrini Elisabetta,
Pelosi Simone,
Pereira Ana M.,
Pereira Mariana,
Pinar Munevver,
Potapova Ekaterina,
Priftanji Alfred,
Psarros Fotis,
Sackesen Cansin,
Sfika Ifigenia,
Suarez Javier,
Thibaudon Michel,
Travaglini Alessandro,
Tripodi Salvatore,
Verdier Valentine,
Villella Valeria,
Xepapadaki Paraskevi,
Yazici Duygu,
Matricardi Paolo M.,
Dramburg Stephanie
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.363
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1398-9995
pISSN - 0105-4538
DOI - 10.1111/all.14742
Subject(s) - medicine , asthma , allergy , food allergy , oral allergy syndrome , comorbidity , sensitization , multicenter study , pollen , family history , immunoglobulin e , pediatrics , immunology , biology , ecology , randomized controlled trial , antibody
Background Pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS) is a frequently underdiagnosed disease due to diverse triggers, clinical presentations, and test results. This is especially relevant in geographic areas with a broad spectrum of pollen sensitization, such as Southern Europe. Objectives To elucidate similarities and differences of PFAS in nine Southern European centers and identify associated characteristics and unique markers of PFAS. Methods As part of the @IT.2020 Multicenter Study, 815 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), aged 10–60 years, were recruited in seven countries. They completed questionnaires regarding SAR, comorbidities, family history, and PFAS, and underwent skin prick testing (SPT) and serum IgE testing. Results Of the 815 patients, 167 (20.5%) reported PFAS reactions. Most commonly, eliciting foods were kiwi (58, 34.7%), peach (43, 25.7%), and melon (26, 15.6%). Reported reactions were mostly local (216/319, 67.7%), occurring within 5 min of contact with elicitors (209/319, 65.5%). Associated characteristics included positive IgE to at least one panallergen (profilin, PR‐10, or nsLTP) ( p = 0.007), maternal PFAS (OR: 3.716, p = 0.026), and asthma (OR: 1.752, p = 0.073). Between centers, heterogeneity in prevalence (Marseille: 7.5% vs. Rome: 41.4%, p < 0.001) and of clinical characteristics was apparent. Cypress played a limited role, with only 1/22 SPT mono‐sensitized patients reporting a food reaction ( p < 0.073). Conclusions PFAS is a frequent comorbidity in Southern European SAR patients. Significant heterogeneity of clinical characteristics in PFAS patients among the centers was observed and may be related to the different pollen sensitization patterns in each geographic area. IgE to panallergen(s), maternal PFAS, and asthma could be PFAS‐associated characteristics.