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A recent clinical study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Global has demonstrated the efficacy of apple oral immunotherapy (OIT) in treating pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS). The research, conducted on nine patients with birch pollen allergies and PFAS, showed that participants could tolerate a whole apple after an average of 39 days of treatment. This approach not only improved apple tolerance but also suggested potential cross-tolerance to other fruits in the Rosaceae family, offering new possibilities for managing this common allergy-related condition.
Key Points:
- Up to 70% of patients with birch pollen allergy may develop pollen food allergy syndrome.
- The study enrolled nine patients, primarily female, with an average age of 38 years.
- All participants were diagnosed with PFAS and birch pollen allergies.
- Initial oral provocation testing determined a median maximum tolerated dose of 4 grams of apple.
- The OIT protocol involved consuming peeled and grated apple mixed with yogurt in gradually increasing amounts.
- Participants achieved tolerance to a whole apple (128 grams) in an average of 39 days.
- This timeframe is significantly faster than previously reported periods of 140 to 240 days for similar therapies.
- Only three participants experienced mild angioedema, with no severe reactions requiring treatment.
- None of the adverse effects necessitated stopping the therapy.
- After 15 months, six out of eight follow-up respondents maintained their tolerance through regular apple consumption.
- The study suggests potential cross-tolerance to other Rosaceae family fruits, expanding dietary options for patients.
- Apple OIT can be self-administered at home, representing a significant advancement in PFAS management.
- Continued apple consumption is necessary to sustain the benefits of the therapy.
- The approach may offer a safe and effective treatment option for carefully selected and well-instructed PFAS patients.
Apple oral immunotherapy shows promise as a safe, effective, and rapidly acting treatment for pollen food allergy syndrome. This approach may offer clinicians a new tool to improve patients’ quality of life by expanding their dietary options and reducing allergic reactions to common fruits.
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