BMJ 1996;313:1478 (7 December)

Letters

Peanut allergy

Study's results were predictable

EDITOR,--J O'B Hourihane and colleagues believe that they have provided evidence for an increase in the prevalence of peanut allergy among successive generations.1 All three pieces of evidence for this proposition are, however, entirely predictable and provide no evidence in either direction.

Firstly, the authors report an increase in peanut allergy among successive generations of relatives of probands with this condition. The inheritance of peanut allergy is clearly complex, but a reduction in prevalence with successive degrees of relatives is hardly surprising. The difference in prevalence between parents and siblings can be explained by inferring the need for a genetic contribution from both parents. Had the authors shown a higher prevalence among first cousins than among parents their assertion would be more plausible.

Secondly, consumption of peanuts was found to be higher among mothers of probands aged 5 and under than among mothers of probands older . . . [Full text of this article]


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Relevant Article

Peanut allergy in relation to heredity, maternal diet, and other atopic diseases: results of a questionnaire survey, skin prick testing, and food challenges
J O'B Hourihane, T P Dean, and J O Warner
BMJ 1996 313: 518-521. [Abstract] [Full Text]

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