STUDY: Significance
of potato allergy in children with atopic eczema
The study aims to determine the prevalence and significance of potato
allergens in children with atopic eczema with poor skin control despite
therapy. Anecdotal evidence signifies that potato may be a very significant
contributor to the exacerbation of the disease.
Many patients with atopic eczema follow a “hypoallergenic”
dietary regime which has potato as one of the main sources of starch.
Based on our anecdotal evidence, this study may result in a significant
change in the dietary regime that severe atopic eczema patients may
follow. Allergen characterisation may influence the diagnosis and management
of atopic eczema.
Principle Investigator:
Dr HA Steinman
Food & Allergy Consulting & Testing Services (FACTS)
Collaborators:
Dr Mike Levin
Department of Paediatrics, Somerset Hospital
Prof Fatima Ferreira
Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Austria.
Karen Horsburgh
Dietician, Food & Allergy Consulting & Testing Services (FACTS)
Dr Gavin Gottschalk
Head: Dept of Dermatology, Red Cross Children’s Hospital Allergy
Clinic
Prof Cas Motala
Senior Consultant, Head of Red Cross Children’s Hospital Allergy
Clinic
Objectives
- To determine the prevalence of positive skin prick tests and specific
IgE to various potato allergens in atopic eczema subjects with poor
skin control despite therapy
- To determine whether the prevalence of potato sensitivity (as defined
above) is correlated with the severity of atopic eczema
- To determine if there is an association between latex (HevB7) sensitivity
and potato sensitivity and/or eczema
- To determine whether a particular expression of atopic eczema is associated
with sensitivity to potato or a specific potato allergen
- To determine the relevant potato allergens
- To determine the presence of positive acute clinical potato sensitivity
on double blinded placebo controlled challenge
- To determine the effect of a potato-free diet on atopic eczema subjects
Envisaged outputs/outcomes:
Anticipated benefits to the subjects
The individual participant will be screened for potato allergy. The
accompanying potato-elimination diet will confirm whether potato allergens
play a role in the exacerbation of the individual’s atopic eczema,
and if positive will enable dietary modification which may result in
improvement in the individual’s condition and potentially a reduction
or termination of treatment.
Significance of project
- Assessing whether potato is a major allergen in atopic eczema
- Assessment and characterisation of potato allergens associated with
atopic eczema
- Potential characterisation of new potato allergens
- Evaluation whether specific potato allergens result in specific cutaneous
expression of atopic eczema
- Evaluation whether potato varieties or cooking methods affect the
allergenicity of potato
- Assessing the correlation between potato sensitivity and latex (HevB7)
sensitivity.
- Many patients with atopic eczema follow a “hypoallergenic”
dietary regime which has potato as one of the main sources of starch.
Based on our anecdotal evidence, this study may result in a significant
change in the dietary regime that severe atopic eczema patients may
follow |
