Characteristics of childhood peanut allergy in the Australian Capital Territory, 1995 to 2007

Abstract

Background: It is unknown whether clinical features of peanut allergy have changed in the past decade alongside possible increasing prevalence. Objective: The clinical features of peanut allergy over 13 years were examined with regard to age of onset, sex distribution, severity, and incidence. Methods: Retrospective study of 778 patients (age 4 months to 66 years) diagnosed with peanut allergy at a community-based specialist allergy practice in the Australian Capital Territory. Results: Most peanut allergy (90%) developed by age 72 months. In this group, there were no significant time-dependent changes in sex distribution, reaction severity, or age of first reaction (mean/median 12/15.1 mont..