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Document Type

Poster

Description

Peanut allergies have been diagnosed exponentially over the last ten-years and are more severe now than ever before. (DuToit et al. 2106) Some of the latest statistics are citing more than double the amount of peanut allergies diagnosed in the last few years. Guidelines set forth in 2010, by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology stated that peanut, milk, soy, wheat, egg, and other tree nuts were to be avoided until three years of age, unless these patients have other chronic illnesses such as asthma or other atopic conditions. If so, the patient is to abstain from these items until the age of five years. Once the patient reaches this stage of life, foods are to be introduced slowly, in small quantities, one food at a time. (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2010) The guidelines have changed in the last two-years after a study known as Learning Early About Peanut Study, LEAP, became published in 2015. It was previously advised to withhold peanut-laden foods until at least three years of age. Recent guidelines suggest children who are exposed to these food sources can allow for desensitization from these allergens at an early age, before their immune systems are completely competent, minimizing potential anaphylactic reactions. (Learning Early About Peanut Study, 2011) The results of this project aim to justify the newest guidelines and research and show that introduction to the peanut protein at age four to six months, allows for immune competency in the pediatric body and quite possibly in-utero. The pathophysiology of the immune response is exponentially different as the body continues to be introduced to cross-reactive allergens as you age.

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Publication Date

2017

Keywords

Child, Preschool; Immune Tolerance; Infant; Peanut Hypersensitivity -- immunology; Peanut Hypersensitivity -- prevention & control

Disciplines

Allergy and Immunology

Introduction of Peanuts to the Pediatric Patient

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