This study will evaluate whether blood tests that measure IgE antibodies to two shrimp proteins, tropomyosin and hemocyanin, can help diagnose shrimp allergy in children. Children with suspected IgE-mediated shrimp allergy will undergo oral food challenge, skin prick testing, and blood sampling. Oral food challenge results will be used as the reference standard to determine whether these tests can accurately identify true shrimp allergy and help improve diagnosis in clinical practice.
Children aged 1 to 16 years.
Evaluated at the Allergy Unit of Children's Hospital 1.
Clinical history suggestive of IgE-mediated shrimp allergy based on EAACI 2023 criteria, including at least 1 typical allergic symptom (urticaria, angioedema, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cough, wheezing, dyspnea, or hypotension), symptom onset within 2 hours after shrimp ingestion, and recurrence on at least 2 separate exposures.
Parent or legal guardian able to provide written informed consent; child assent obtained when appropriate.
Acute illness at the time of enrollment or challenge, including acute respiratory infection, acute gastrointestinal infection, or acute asthma exacerbation.
Severe chronic disease, including malignancy, severe liver or kidney disease, primary immunodeficiency, or significant heart disease affecting hemodynamic status.
Mental or behavioral disorder that prevents completion of study procedures.
Use of immunosuppressive medication (oral corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs, or biologic agents) within 4 weeks before enrollment, or intravenous immunoglobulin within the previous 3 months.
University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
Lead sponsor
Children's Hospital Number 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Collaborator