Mustard allergy in children

Background: Mustard allergy is not well known. This study aimed to assess i ts clinical features and other associated allergies, and to define skin pri ck tests (SPT), specific IgE, and dose response by oral food challenge. Methods: Our study investigated 36 children with positive mustard SPT. The diagnosis of mustard allergy was based on open or single-blind, placebo-con trolled food challenge (SBPCFC). We compared the subjects to 22 controls. Results: The initial clinical features were atopic dermatitis (51.8%), and urticaria and/or angioedema (37%). Fifteen children were allergic (positive SBPCFC) and 21 children were nonallergic (negative SBPCFC). Symptoms after mustard ingestion started under 3 years of age in 53.3% of the subjects. T here was no significant difference in the food allergies and associated inh alant allergen sensitizations between the two groups. In the allergic group , the mean wheal diameter for mustard SPT was 8.8 mm and the median concent ration of mustard serum (s) IgE 14.8 kU/l. The mean cumulative reactive dos e were 153 mg. Conclusions: Allergic reactions to mustard started early in life. Clinical symptoms were not severe in children. Mustard should be included in screeni ng tests of food allergy in children.