Epidemiology of Paediatric Italian Food Allergy: Results of the EPIFA study

Rita Nocerino, RN, PhDs; Laura Carucci, MD, PhD; Serena Coppola, RD, PhDs; Gaetano Cecere, MD; Maria Micillo, MD; Tina Castaldo, MD; Stefania Russo, MD; Marialuisa Sandomenico, MD; Antonio Marino, MD; Renato Gualano, MD; Paola Ercolini, MD; Antonella Capasso, MD; Giorgio Bedogni, MD, PhD; Roberto Berni Canani, MD, PhD

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Global (Aug 2024)

Epidemiology of Paediatric Italian Food Allergy: Results of the EPIFA study

Rita Nocerino, RN, PhDs,
Laura Carucci, MD, PhD,
Serena Coppola, RD, PhDs,
Gaetano Cecere, MD,
Maria Micillo, MD,
Tina Castaldo, MD,
Stefania Russo, MD,
Marialuisa Sandomenico, MD,
Antonio Marino, MD,
Renato Gualano, MD,
Paola Ercolini, MD,
Antonella Capasso, MD,
Giorgio Bedogni, MD, PhD,
Roberto Berni Canani, MD, PhD

Affiliations

Rita Nocerino, RN, PhDs: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; ImmunoNutritionLab at CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Laura Carucci, MD, PhD: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; ImmunoNutritionLab at CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Serena Coppola, RD, PhDs: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; ImmunoNutritionLab at CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Gaetano Cecere, MD: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Maria Micillo, MD: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Tina Castaldo, MD: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Stefania Russo, MD: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Marialuisa Sandomenico, MD: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Antonio Marino, MD: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Renato Gualano, MD: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Paola Ercolini, MD: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Antonella Capasso, MD: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Giorgio Bedogni, MD, PhD: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine, S Maria delle Croci Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
Roberto Berni Canani, MD, PhD: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; ImmunoNutritionLab at CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; European Laboratory for the Investigation of Food-Induced Diseases, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Task Force for Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Corresponding author: Roberto Berni Canani, MD, PhD, Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples Federico II, Via S Pansini 5 80131, Naples, Italy.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 3, no. 3
p. 100246

Abstract

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Background: Updated epidemiologic data are important for defining effective public health strategies for pediatric food allergy (FA). Objective: The Epidemiology of Paediatric Italian Food Allergy (EPIFA) study was designed to investigate the epidemiology of pediatric FA in one of the most heavily populated Italian regions. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed in collaboration with family pediatricians aimed at investigating the epidemiology of Italian pediatric FA during 2009 to 2021. Family pediatricians in the Campania region were invited to use the Google Forms platform for online compilation of data forms. Data forms were reviewed by experienced pediatric allergists at the coordinating center. Results: A total population of 105,151 subjects (aged 0-14 years) was screened during the study period. Data from 752 FA patients were evaluated. A progressive increase in FA incidence and prevalence was observed from 2009 to 2021, with a relative increase up to 34% and 113.6%, respectively, at the end of study period. The relative increase in FA prevalence was higher in the 0-3-year-old age group in the same study period (+120.8%). The most frequent allergens were cow’s milk, hen’s egg, and nuts. Conclusion: The results of the EPIFA study showed an increase in pediatric FA incidence and prevalence from 2009 to 2021 in Italy. These results underline the necessity of new effective strategies for preventing and managing these conditions.

Published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Global

ISSN: 2772-8293 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Medicine: Internal medicine: Specialties of internal medicine: Immunologic diseases. Allergy
Website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-allergy-and-clinical-immunology-global

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