Researchers successfully treat severe peanut allergy
20 February 2009
Researchers from Addenbrooke's Hospital, in Cambridge, gave four children increasing daily doses of peanut flour. Over six months, the children were able to build up a level of tolerance such that they could eat the equivalent of ten peanuts. Previously, eating one peanut could cause a life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
Peanut allergy affects 1 in 50 young children in the UK. Unlike other childhood food allergies, such as to cow's milk, it rarely gets better. This has a profound effect on their quality of life, with trips to restaurants, birthday parties and friends' houses difficult.
"Every time people with a peanut allergy eat something, they're frightened that it might kill them," said Dr Andy Clark, who led the research. "Our motivation was to find a treatment that would give them the confidence to eat what they like."
Previous attempts to desensitise children to the allergy using peanut injections produced severe side effects.
The new therapy uses spoonfuls of peanut flour fed normally. Starting with a small five milligram serving, the children were able to train their bodies to comfortably tolerate up to 2.38g, alleviating any worry over ingesting a peanut by accident.
"We've got them to a point where they can safely eat at least ten whole peanuts. It's not a permanent cure, but as long as they go on taking a daily dose they should maintain their tolerance," said Dr Clark.
The children are on a regular five peanut-a-day diet, with a further 18 children now taking part in the programme. The researchers say the therapy could be extended to adults as well, but they stress that further trials are required before it can be rolled out more widely.
Image credit:: Wellcome Images
Reference
Clark AJ et al. Successful oral tolerance induction in severe peanut allergy. Allergy, published online before print 20 February 2009.