A NATIONWIDE SURVEY ON THE CURRENT IMPLEMENTATION STATUS OF MEDICAL PRACTICES FOR ADULT PATIENTS WITH FOOD ALLERGIES IN JAPAN

Background: This study aimed to elucidate the current implementation status of medical practices for adult patients with food allergies (FA) in Japan. Methods: A survey was conducted from October to December 2021 at the allergy specialist training facilities of the Japanese Society of Allergology, examining the status of medical practices for patients with food allergies in 2019. Results: Of the 819 facilities, 273 (33%) treated childhood or adult patients with FA, 8% did not treat patients with FA, and 59% did not respond to the survey. Among the facilities, 24% treated adult patients with FA across various specialties: dermatology (45%), pediatrics (37%), otolaryngology (16%), internal medicine (14%), and ophthalmology (0%). The total number of adult patients with FA at the 273 facilities was 9260, with 37% having childhood-onset and 63% having adult-onset. Among childhood-onset cases, 99% were treated in pediatric departments. The oral food challenge (OFC) was available at 198 facilities (73%), including pediatrics (94%), dermatology (66%), internal medicine (30%), and otolaryngology facilities (0%). A total of 934 OFCs were conducted in adults, of which 63% were performed in pediatric departments. Conclusion: Medical practices for adult patients with FA in Japan remain insufficient, with inadequate transitional care for childhood-onset cases. Strengthening medical support, including OFC for adult patients with FA, and establishing seamless transitional care is necessary.