Allergie à la noix de coco, deux cas pédiatriques d’anaphylaxie sévère

Abstract

Coconut is responsible for rare allergic reactions, sometimes anaphylactic. We report the case of 2 children who consulted in 2 allergology centers in Ile de France. The first child, 14 years old, presented a grade 2 reaction (Astier classification), after consuming a spoonful of a coconut cake. The native coconut prick test is positive at 16mm. The specific IgE is more than 100 kU/L. He also described a contact reaction to a coconut shower gel. The second child, 9 years old, has a proven allergy to peanuts, sesame, and tree nuts. After ingesting coconut milk in a culinary preparation, he presented a grade 2 reaction. The native Prick test is positive at 6mm for coconut. The specific IgE is at 3.12 kU/L. Several cases of severe coconut anaphylaxis have been described in the literature, as well as contact allergies. The allergenic proteins identified are storage proteins and a profilin. Coconut allergy and possible co-sensitizations should be investigated, as although rare, they can be severe. Dermal sensitization has been described, as coconut is contained in many cosmetic products. An increase in its use in food products and cosmetics raises fears of a resurgence of this allergy in the future.