Molecular Analysis of IgE Antibodies in Walnut Allergic Patients

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Accurate diagnosis of food allergy depends on the identification of the causative allergenic molecule(s). The proposed study intends to investigate and compare the pattern of IgE antibody sensitisation in walnut allergic subjects from three different regions of Europe (south (SEU) and central/north (C/NEU), to evaluate the diagnostic utility of a panel of novel allergen reagents.

Detailed Description
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Accurate diagnosis of food allergy depends on the identification of the causative allergenic molecule(s). Thus, full characterization of the major allergens of walnut and their clinical importance is an important undertaking. The proposed study intends to investigate and compare the pattern of IgE antibody sensitisation in walnut allergic subjects from three different regions of Europe (south (SEU) and central/north (C/NEU), to evaluate the diagnostic utility of a panel of novel allergen reagents. With a view towards improved in vitro diagnostic methods, we intend to evaluate the diagnostic potential of recombinant walnut allergens in patients with walnut allergy confirmed by a positive provocation or supported by a convincing history of anaphylactic reaction(s) to walnut in the past, patients with pollinosis but no symptoms of walnut allergy and non-atopic control subjects.

Official Title
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Molecular Analysis of IgE Antibodies in Walnut Allergic Patients

Conditions
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Food Allergy

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: walnut allergy provocation


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Signed informed consent Group A: positive case history of allergic reaction(s) to walnut Group B: positive case history of allergy to birch, grass or olive pollen and no case history of allergic reaction(s) to walnut Group C: no case history of atopic disease Exclusion Criteria: Known pregnancy Breast-feeding of infant Treatment with the following drugs (or shortest interval between last treatment and food challenge or SPT): corticosteroids (2 weeks): applied systemically, to the nose or locally on the skin test area. antihistamines (3 days) except hydroxyzine (10 days) betablocker agents (1 day) angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (2 days) Any major organic or infectious disease

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 1 Year
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Diagnostic
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: walnut allergy provocation<br>inclusion of walnut allergic patients, food provocation with walnut | Other: walnut allergy provocation<br>* double blind placebo controlled food challenge<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| numbers of patients with walnut allergy |  | December 2012 to November 2017, up to 5 years | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Food allergy, Walnut, Components, Allergens