ADULT-ONSET ALLERGY TO SHRIMP IS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED BMI

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> We have previously found that obesity in adults may be both a risk and exacerbating factor for atopic asthma. This study determined the relationship of obesity as measured by body mass index (BMI) to adult (>21 yrs)-onset, symptomatic shrimp allergy (shrimp+). <h3>Methods</h3> A retrospective chart review of adults receiving ongoing allergy care by the SUNY faculty identified shrimp+ (symptoms+, serum IgE+ to shrimp (fluoroimmunoassay))(n=23) and shrimp-, but respiratory allergy+ controls (n=38). Sensitization to dust mite (DM+) and cockroach (CR+)(both known to cross react immunologically with shrimp) by either skin prick test (Dermapik method) and/or serum IgE was reviewed for all subjects. Respiratory allergy (allergic rhinitis and/or asthma) had been diagnosed in n=38 shrimp- subjects and n=22 shrimp+ patients. Statistical analysis was done using Fischer's exact test, partial Spearman correlation matrix, and logistic regression. <h3>Results</h3> Shrimp reactivity is associated with both DM+ and CR+ (P=0.001 and P=0.025, respectively). DM+ and CR+ correlate (R=0.503, P<0.001). BMI correlates with shrimp+(R=0.386, P=0.005). However, while shrimp+ correlates with DM+ (R=0.357, p=0.015), it does not correlate with CR+ (r=0.234 p=0.109). BMI predicts adult-onset shrimp allergy even after adjusting for age, sex, and either DM+ or CR+ status -independently of each other. After controlling DM positivity increasing BMI caused increased odds of adult shrimp allergy (OR=1.15, 1.01-1.31, p=.036). After controlling CR positivity, increasing BMI caused increased odds of adult shrimp allergy (OR=1.12, 1.01-1.23, p=.027). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Higher BMI is associated with adult-onset shrimp allergy independent of pre-existing cross-reactivity with DM/CR.