Background: Food allergy (FA) is a potentially life-threatening condition that affects an estimated 8% of children in the United States. Although differences between Black and White children in the prevalence and severity of other atopic conditions such as asthma and eczema have been well described, little is known about such differences in FA. The limited existing literature indicates that Black children may have worse clinical outcomes, including rates of FA-related fatal anaphylaxis and FA-related emergency department (ED) visits, than their White peers. Phenotypic and endotypic differences, including rates of sensitization and co- morbidities, between Black and White children are beginning to be examined. Data on racial differences in FA management practices are incomplete; preliminary data suggest that Black families spend significantly less on allergen-free foods and FA medications than do White families. Families caring for children with FA experience significant impairments in psychosocial outcomes, including FA-related quality of life (FAQoL); however, these data come primarily from White, privately insured families, and little is known about psychosocial outcomes in Black families. Two recent reviews concluded that existing studies examining racial disparities in FA are far too methodologically limited to draw definitive conclusions, primarily due to reliance on self-report of FA diagnosis and cross-sectional designs.
Specific Aims and Methods: Our goal is to prospectively study a cohort of 800 Black and White children (0- 12 years) with FA in order to: 1) Determine variability in clinical FA outcomes between Black and White patients via quarterly online assessments, annual clinic visits, and medical chart review over a two-year period; 2) Examine phenotypic and endotypic differences between Black and White children with FA using specific laboratory specimen collection techniques and assays; 3) Identify differences between Black and White children in FA management practices by parent report (e.g. allergen avoidance and epinephrine carriage); and 4) Determine differences between Black and White children in psychosocial FA-related outcomes (e.g., FA-related quality of life, bullying, anxiety, and worry) via the above survey methods. Hypotheses and Expected Results: We hypothesize that compared to White children, Black children will: have higher rates of food-allergic reactions and FA-related healthcare utilization; demonstrate unique FA phenotypes and endotypes; have less knowledge of FA management and less adherence to preventative behaviors; have limited access to medications and allergen-free foods; and report better quality of life. Significance and Effects on Other Research: Confirming and further characterizing differences between Black and White children with FA will provide the data required to develop clinical guidelines, optimize treatment, and build health policies that meet the needs of both Black and White children.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected at least 1.5 million individuals in the United States and has prompted significant changes in the daily lives of Americans, particularly, those with food allergy. The goal of this supplemental study proposal is to characterize the impact of COVID-19 (including food allergy management and psychosocial outcomes) among our racially diverse, multi-site cohort of children from the FORWARD R01 study.
| Assa'ad, Amal (2018) Eosinophilic Esophagitis Through the Flexible Endoscope and the Lens of a Photographer in the Amazon. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 55:1-6 |
