Background: Most children with egg allergy (EA), can tolerate extensively heated and baked egg (EHBE). Consumption of EHBE may promote faster resolution, however, no consensus exists as to the required amounts and treatment protocols.
Objective: Evaluate the efficacy and safety of a structured gradual exposure protocol (SGEP) with EHBE in promoting tolerance to eggs in EA children.
Methods: In a case control study, EA children aged up to 2 years, who were treated with SGEP including EHBE, were compared to children treated with strict avoidance. Data was collected from records and telephone questionnaires. Analysis was performed using non-parametric Kaplan-Meier and proportional hazard Cox regression model.
Results: 22 egg allergic children, 13(62%) males, median age at intervention 17 months (10-24 inter quartile range), were treated with SGEP and followed to a median age of 46 months (21-93). The median age at resolution of EA was compared to a matched group of 58 children treated with strict avoidance, at least until 2 years of age or earlier natural resolution. The median estimated age at EA resolution in the SGEP group was 21 months (95%CI 17.6-24.4), compared to 54 months (95%CI 39.4-68.6) in controls, p
Conclusion: A structured protocol with EHBE appears to promote faster resolution of EA.
