Experimental treatment for peanut allergy increases anaphylaxis risk, study finds

By Michael Nedelman, CNN

Updated 2230 GMT (0630 HKT) April 25, 2019

<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/toolstemplates/entertainmented/tips/allergies.html" target="_blank">More than 50 million people</a> in the United States suffer allergies each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. <br /><br />Snacking on nuts during the first year of life may reduce the risk of a nut allergy in children, studies show. Previously, parents of high-risk children had been advised to delay their introduction of peanuts.
Photos: Six ways to reduce allergy risk in kids
More than 50 million people in the United States suffer allergies each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Snacking on nuts during the first year of life may reduce the risk of a nut allergy in children, studies show. Previously, parents of high-risk children had been advised to delay their introduction of peanuts.
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Some studies have linked certain objects or behaviors to the possible reduction of allergy risk. One new paper, for instance, suggests that children who <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/11/health/allergies-thumb-sucking-nail-biting-children/">suck their thumbs or bite their nails</a> may have reduced risk of developing allergies.
Photos: Six ways to reduce allergy risk in kids
Some studies have linked certain objects or behaviors to the possible reduction of allergy risk. One new paper, for instance, suggests that children who suck their thumbs or bite their nails may have reduced risk of developing allergies.
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Many medical authorities, such as the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, <a href="https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/at-a-glance/prevention-of-allergies-and-asthma-in-children" target="_blank">recommend breast-feeding</a>, as breast milk provides important vitamins and nutrients to an infant. Some research shows that breastfeeding for at least four to six months may strengthen a baby's immune system and, as a result, be helpful in avoiding allergies.
Photos: Six ways to reduce allergy risk in kids
Many medical authorities, such as the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, recommend breast-feeding, as breast milk provides important vitamins and nutrients to an infant. Some research shows that breastfeeding for at least four to six months may strengthen a baby's immune system and, as a result, be helpful in avoiding allergies.
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Children's risk for developing allergies and asthma may be reduced when they are exposed to a pet, such as a dog or cat, in the household <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/06/13/pets.infants.allergies/">early in infancy</a>. Researchers suspect that early exposure to certain pet allergens or bacteria might strengthen the immune system.
Photos: Six ways to reduce allergy risk in kids
Children's risk for developing allergies and asthma may be reduced when they are exposed to a pet, such as a dog or cat, in the household early in infancy. Researchers suspect that early exposure to certain pet allergens or bacteria might strengthen the immune system.
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Research suggests that exposure to air pollution during the first year of a child's life increases the risk of developing allergies to food, mold, pets and pests. Therefore, fresh air might help in avoiding sensitivity to allergens.
Photos: Six ways to reduce allergy risk in kids
Research suggests that exposure to air pollution during the first year of a child's life increases the risk of developing allergies to food, mold, pets and pests. Therefore, fresh air might help in avoiding sensitivity to allergens.
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What a woman eats during pregnancy may reduce allergy risk in her child. Some studies show that a diet rich in vitamin D, such as milk, eggs or mushrooms, is associated with a reduced risk of the baby developing allergies.
Photos: Six ways to reduce allergy risk in kids
What a woman eats during pregnancy may reduce allergy risk in her child. Some studies show that a diet rich in vitamin D, such as milk, eggs or mushrooms, is associated with a reduced risk of the baby developing allergies.
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(CNN)An experimental treatment for peanut allergy may actually multiply someone's risk for serious allergic reactions -- much like the ones it aims to prevent, according to a new analysis.

The paper, published Thursday in the Lancet, found that people taking oral immunotherapy -- microdoses of peanut allergen meant to partly desensitize patients over time -- paradoxically had three times the rate of anaphylaxis compared with those taking a placebo. That risk jumped from 7.1% to 22.2%, based on an analysis of more than 1,000 patients across 12 trials. There were no deaths in any of the trials.
Those taking the treatment also reported more epinephrine use and saw roughly double the rate of other kinds of allergic reactions, the study showed. These findings were attributable to the treatment itself, not accidental exposures to foods, according to the authors.
    There's new advice to prevent food allergies in children
    There's new advice to prevent food allergies in children
    "There have been so many studies coming out about oral immunotherapy for peanut, there's sometimes conflicting information out there about its effectiveness and reliability," said study author and internal medicine physician Dr. Derek Chu, now a final-year fellow in clinical immunology and allergy at McMaster University in Ontario.