Cashew Allergy Compared to Peanut Allergy in a US Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Background: International literature has shown an increased incidence of cashew allergy with a higher propensity toward severe reactions such as anaphylaxis. The clinical characteristics of cashew allergy compared to peanut allergy in a US center have not been reported. Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics of cashew allergic patients compared to peanut in a US tertiary care center. Methods: A retrospective chart review and a phone survey were conducted to identify the clinical characteristics of cashew allergic patients in comparison to peanut allergic patients in a US tertiary care center. Cashew and peanut allergic patients were selected based on documentation or history of clinical allergy by questionnaire and chart review and positive specific immunoglobulin E (IgE;>0.35 kU/L). Age at exposure, quantitative serum IgE, clinical presentation characteristics, and atopic history were recorded. Results: In our center, patients with cashew allergy were more likely to experience anaphylaxis (P...