Publications by authors named "Andrea Verstege"
Background: There is an increasing need to develop test instruments that make oral food challenges superfluous.
Objective: We sought to study the utility of atopy patch tests (APTs) in the diagnostic workup of food allergy.
Methods: We investigated 437 children (median age, 13 months; 90% with atopic dermatitis) referred for evaluation of suspected food allergy.
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to validate the interpretation of the atopy patch test (APT) for diagnosing food allergies in children with atopic dermatitis, focusing on the accuracy of various skin signs observed.
- Out of 87 children tested, 45% demonstrated positive food allergies through double blind, placebo-controlled food challenges, with the combination of skin induration and papules showing high positive predictive value and specificity.
- Despite some promising results, the overall sensitivity of the skin signs was low, indicating that while certain skin reactions were indicative, they were not consistently reliable for diagnosing food allergies.