Promising peanut allergy treatment for young children

Researchers at the Karolinska Institute have reported encouraging results in treating peanut allergy among young children. A clinical program that slowly exposed participants to tiny, controlled amounts of peanuts allowed most to consume the legume without dangerous allergic responses.

The study enrolled 75 children aged one to three years in Stockholm, all with confirmed peanut allergies of varying severity. Fifty children received oral immunotherapy, while 25 in a control group strictly avoided peanuts throughout the trial.

Gradual desensitization protocol

The treatment used oral immunotherapy: children began by ingesting very small doses of peanut flakes in a hospital setting, then continued daily doses at home. Every four to six weeks, the amount increased until reaching a low maintenance dose roughly equivalent to one and a half peanuts per day.

After three years of follow-up, 82% of treated children could eat at least three and a half peanuts without any allergic reaction, even after stopping treatment for four weeks. In the control group, only 12% could tolerate that amount.

“All the children who followed the treatment protocol achieved the primary goal of the therapy, while most could eat larger amounts — up to 25 peanuts — without allergic symptoms,” said Caroline Nilsson, associate professor in the Department of Clinical Science and Education.

Nilsson added that the treatment is safe when administered in a controlled medical setting, noting that peanut flakes made the process easier for both children and their families.

Mild side effects and safety warnings

Some mild side effects were recorded, including mouth itching or skin rashes. More severe allergic reactions occurred during dose increases, and a limited number of children required adrenaline injections.

The researchers stressed that this type of therapy must not be attempted at home without medical supervision due to the risk of serious allergic reactions.

Anna Asarnoj, who co-led the study with Nilsson, said a cautious, gradual approach was key to achieving safe and effective results.

Next research steps

The research team indicated that the next phase will examine immune system changes during treatment and follow children longer to determine whether tolerance persists over the long term.

The findings were published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe.