Predicting the outcome of the buckwheat oral challenge test: a first evaluation assuming a single serving of boiled buckwheat noodles

SUMMARY

Background. Global increase in buckwheat consumption has led to a surge in buckwheat allergy reports. However, studies scrutinizing the predictive accuracy of buckwheat-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody levels in correlation with symptom manifestation remain limited. A critical concern is the discrepancy between the total buckwheat amount featured in prior studiesand the quantity consumed per occasion. We aimed to determine open Oral Food Challenge (OFC) positivity rates with buckwheat, using a single serving of boiled buckwheat noodles, and assess the predictability of positive responses using buckwheat-specific IgE levels. Methods. Patients aged 20 years or younger, suspected of buckwheat allergy, were subjected to an OFC involving consumption of 100 g (4,800 mg of protein) of boiled buckwheat noodles for those under six years, and 200 g (9,600 mg of protein) for those six years orolder. The predictive accuracy of the OFC, corresponding with buckwheat-specificIgE antibody levels, was evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results. Our study involved 80 patients who undertook a buckwheat OFC. Among these, 14 (17.5%) tested positive for a buckwheat allergy, with 3 (3.8%) developing anaphylaxis. The comparative analysis of buckwheat-specific IgE antibody levels did not offer a reliable predictive measuref or OFC outcomes. However, a past history of symptom manifestation following buckwheat consumption was significantly correlated with a positive OFC. Conclusions. Forecasting OFC outcomes based on buckwheat-specificIgE antibody levels poses a challenge, even when taking into account the total quantity of buckwheat that can be consumed in a single occasion.

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