Food-induced anaphylaxis and cofactors - data from the anaphylaxis registry

Food-induced anaphylaxis and cofactors - data from the anaphylaxis registry Food allergens are frequent causes of anaphylaxis. In particular in children and adults they are frequent elicitors of severe allergic reactions, whereas in adults food allergens range among venom and drugs. Since 2006 severe allergic reactions from Germany, Austria and Switzerland are collected in the anaphylaxis registry. Currently 78 hospitals and private practises are connected. From July 2006 until February 2009 1,156 severe allergic reactions were registered. Among children and adolescents (n = 187, age range from 3 months to 17 years) food allergens were with 58% the most frequent elicitors. In the adult group (n = 968, 18 85 years) food allergens were on the third position (16.3%) following venom and drugs. In children legumes (31%) and in particular peanuts were frequently responsible food allergens, followed by tree nuts (25%) where hazelnut was the most frequent elicitor. In adults fruits (13.4%) induced most often severe food dependent anaphylaxis, but also animal products (12.2%); among these most frequently crustaceans and mussels. Cofactors were often suspected in food dependent anaphylaxis, namely in 39% of the adult group and in 14% of the children and adolescence group. In adults drugs (22%) and physical activity (10%) were reported as the most frequent cofactors, in children physical activity was suspected in 8.7% and drugs in 2.6%. Concomitant diseases like atopic dermatitis, allergic asthma or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis were reported in 78% of children and adolescents and in 67% of the adults. In conclusion food-induced anaphylaxis, their cofactors and concomitant diseases in affected patients are age-dependent. The data offers to identify risk factors of anaphylaxis.