Abstract:

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and management strategies of food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA) in children. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 8 pediatric patients diagnosed with FDEIA between August 2019 and August 2024. Clinical features, treatment outcomes, and atopic histories were reviewed. Results Among the 8 cases (2 males, 6 females; aged 9-14 years), 62.5% had a family history of allergies and 87.5% had personal atopic diseases (most commonly allergic rhinitis and urticaria). Trigger foods included wheat, vegetables, seafood, red meat, fruits, and sesame. The maximum interval between food intake and exercise was 3 hours, with symptom onset occurring 5-30 minutes post-exercise. All patients presented with cutaneous manifestations, while 75% developed combined respiratory-circulatory involvement (hypotension in 50%, syncope in 25%, hypoxemia in 12.5%). Management included intramuscular epinephrine in 87.5% of cases, with full recovery in all patients. Conclusion FDEIA in children is characterized by rapid progression and multi-system involvement. A history of recurrent reactions and atopic comorbidities, combined with total serum IgE elevation (median 65.6-2172 kU/L) and specific IgE positivity (62.5%), aids diagnosis. Early epinephrine administration is critical for favorable outcomes.

Key words: food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis, food allergy, child