OBJECTIVES : With considerable variation between epidemiological studies, prevalence of food allergies (FA) has reportedly increased over the years. This study aimed to analyze diagnostic prevalence rates, treatment patterns, and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) of FA among the United States pediatric insured population from 2008 to 2018.

METHODS : Trends in FA prevalence were calculated for the 11-year period from 01/01/2008 to 12/31/2018. Pediatric FA patients, categorized as children (0-11 years old) and adolescents (12-17 years old), were included in this retrospective analysis of medical and pharmacy claims data using the IBM MarketScan Commercial database. Prevalence was determined for each type of FA including peanut, milk, egg, seafood, other FA, and any FA [peanut, milk, egg, seafood, or other FA] based on individuals with ≥1 FA diagnostic codes (ICD-9: V15.xx or ICD-10: Z91.xxx) within the calendar year. Trends in treatment patterns and HCRU were also analyzed.

RESULTS : From 2008 to 2018, the prevalence of any FA increased from 1.38% to 2.64% in children and 2.23% to 5.32% in adolescents. Between 2008 to 2018, epinephrine prescription rates increased in both children (0.45% to 0.75%) and adolescents (0.45% to 0.97%) while allergy shots stayed consistent in children (2.74% to 2.75%) and increased slightly in adolescents (5.08% to 5.86%). FA-related ER visits increased from 11.26% to 36.36% in children and 5.36% to 26.54% in adolescents between 2008 to 2018, while outpatient visits increased from 9.13% to 33.77% in children and 3.35% to 23.03% in adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS : The prevalence of FA increased in pediatrics from 2008 to 2018, with a general increasing trend of epinephrine prescription rates, allergy shots, and HCRU. As trends may continue to rise with increased FA diagnosis, there is a need for the development of safe and effective FA treatment options.