TITLE:
Profile of Peanut Sensitization in Children Attending a Pneumo-Allergology Consultation at the Teaching Hospital Campus of Lomé, Togo
AUTHORS:
Mawouto Fiawoo, Manani Hemou, Foli Agbéko, Salimtoa Moussoma, Mazama Pakoudjare, Nadiedja Kokou Douti
KEYWORDS:
Peanut, Sensitization, Allergy, Child, Togo
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.14 No.5,
September
18,
2024
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Food allergies are on the constant increase worldwide. Among them is peanut allergy, which also affects children. The aim of this study was to determine the profile of peanut sensitization in children attending a pneumo-allergology consultation. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, which ran from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2022, on children sensitized to peanuts seen in pneumo-allergology consultations at the Teaching Hospital Campus of Lomé. Results: The sample included 137 children aged 3 months to 18 years. The frequency of peanut sensitization was 25.3%. The mean age of patients was 6.3 ± 4.3 years (minimum 6 months and maximum 18 years). The 6 months to 5 years age group was the most represented (43.1%). The sex ratio was 1.3. The main reasons for consultation were rhinorrhea (67.9%), sneezing (36.5%) and cough (35.8%). Allergic rhinitis was identified as a personal history in 75.2% of patients. Peanut allergy was manifested as rhinorrhea (62.5%), asthma (26.8%) and eczema (8.9%). The risk of onset of symptoms within 15 - 30 minutes was 1.87 times (p = 0.001, CI = [1.2 - 2.1]) for peanuts consumed in roasted form with shell. Severe clinical signs such as Quincke’s Edema and anaphylactic shock were found in 1.4% of cases. Conclusion: Peanut allergy was common in children. Severe clinical signs were rare.