Clinical Research Directory

Breast Milk: Influence of the Micro-transcriptome Profile on Atopy in Children Over Time

This is an observational cohort study of 221 breast-feeding mother-infant dyads delivered at term. The goal of the study is to investigate whether levels of immune-related microRNAs (miRNAs) in maternal breast milk (MBM) influence child atopy risk in the first 12 months, defined as atopic dermatitis, wheezing, or food allergy. Infant exposure to individual miRNA components will be quantified at 0, 4, and 16-weeks after delivery using high throughput RNA sequencing of MBM samples and detailed dietary logs employing the Infant Feeding Practices (IFP) survey. The relationship of individual miRNA exposures (parts per million) and presence/absence of atopy in the 48 weeks after delivery will be assessed, while controlling for environmental exposures (National Survey of Lead hazards and Allergens in Housing), maternal diet, and genetic predisposition. Potential transfer of MBM miRNAs to the infant oropharynx and subsequent impact on immune reactivity will also be explored through RNA sequencing of infant saliva and quantification of cytokine profiles.

The Egg Up Trial - Testing a New Treatment Pathway for Infants With Newly Diagnosed Egg Allergy

The goal of this study is to test the safety and feasibility of a change in management approach for infants with newly diagnosed egg allergy. Infants with newly diagnosed egg allergy will have egg introduced via a gradual and graded home based approach known as an "egg ladder" supervised by a dietitian. The main questions this study aims to answer are how safe and feasible are home-based dietitian-led "egg ladders" as a treatment pathway to achieve tolerance of egg for newly diagnosed infants with egg allergy.

Expecting Mother's Study of Consumption or Avoidance of Peanut and Egg

Peanut allergy is the most common cause of fatal and near-fatal food-allergic reactions and egg allergy is among the two most common causes of food-induced anaphylaxis. The proposed research will explore the development of sensitization to these food(s) in infants based on maternal consumption or avoidance during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Early Allergen System Experience

Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated that early allergen introduction, feeding babies common food allergens before six months, decreases children's risk of developing a food allergy. Despite successful food allergy introduction trials showing that food allergies can be prevented, early introduction in the required amount can be challenging for parents. In some studies, less than 20% of parents introduce peanuts before their child is six months old, and few feed them regularly after introduction. Ready. Set. Food! is a direct-to-consumer product that offers a convenient supplement with a daily dose regimen that can be added to breastmilk, formula, or food to make early allergen introduction easy. The formulation includes cow's milk, egg, and peanut, representing the majority of childhood food allergies, and the protein levels are based on doses found to be effective in clinical trials. Over 200,000 infants have used Ready. Set. Food!. This study investigates the effectiveness of introducing common allergens to infants with the goal of preventing food allergies. The study will enroll 1,100 infants stratified by their risk of developing a food allergy who are assigned to either receive Ready. Set. Food! supplements or follow standard allergen introduction practices recommended by their pediatrician. The goal of this study is to assess how Ready. Set. Food! allergen introduction supplements improve the experience of parents introducing allergens, decrease healthcare costs related to food allergies, and decrease food allergy prevalence.

A Registry for the Food Allergy Community

The FARE Patient Registry will serve as a prospective, observational food allergy reporting system that stores detailed health and other basic information about patients' real-world experiences with food allergies, to encourage open sharing of de-identified data and participation in clinical trials. The FARE Patient Registry intends to make and support scientific discoveries by enabling the food allergy community to participate directly in research.

The Significance of a Timely Food Allergy Diagnosis and Optimal Surveillance of Nutritional Status in Children

The aim of this study is to gain more knowledge on the nutritional and immunological aspects of allergy to milk and eggs in children.