Food allergy is an immune-mediated condition involving hypersensitivity reactions to specific dietary antigens. In recent years, increasing evidence suggests that chronic allergic inflammation may have systemic effects beyond the primary target organs. The cardiovascular system can be indirectly affected through inflammatory mediators, immune cell activation, and endothelial dysfunction. Pediatric patients are particularly vulnerable due to the ongoing development of their organs and systems. Despite this, cardiac involvement in food allergy remains underdiagnosed, especially at early stages when clinical symptoms are minimal or absent. Therefore, early detection of cardiac alterations is essential for timely intervention and improved prognosis.
The objective of this study was to assess early cardiac alterations in pediatric patients with food allergy and to determine their association with clinical severity and inflammatory markers. Additionally, the study aimed to identify reliable diagnostic approaches for early recognition of subclinical cardiac involvement in this patient population.
Materials and Methods
This study included 70 pediatric patients aged 3–12 years with confirmed food allergy and 25 healthy children as a control group. All participants underwent comprehensive clinical evaluation, including allergy history and severity assessment. Laboratory investigations included measurement of inflammatory markers such as eosinophil count and immunoglobulin E (IgE). Cardiac evaluation was performed using echocardiography and electrocardiography to assess structural and functional parameters, including left ventricular function, diastolic parameters, and heart rhythm abnormalities. Statistical analysis included correlation assessment between inflammatory markers and cardiac findings.
The results revealed that children with food allergy exhibited early signs of cardiac involvement compared to the control group. Subclinical changes included mild diastolic dysfunction, slight reduction in left ventricular compliance, and minor rhythm disturbances. These alterations were more pronounced in patients with higher levels of inflammatory markers, particularly elevated eosinophil counts and IgE levels. A moderate positive correlation was found between the severity of allergic manifestations and the degree of cardiac changes (r=0.65; p<0.01). Notably, many patients with cardiac alterations were asymptomatic, emphasizing the importance of instrumental diagnostics.
The findings of this study suggest that food allergy in children may be associated with early and often subclinical cardiac changes. Chronic inflammation and immune activation likely contribute to endothelial dysfunction and myocardial involvement. The use of non-invasive diagnostic tools such as echocardiography enables early identification of these alterations before clinical symptoms appear. Early recognition allows for closer monitoring and potential preventive strategies. However, further large-scale studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms and long-term implications of cardiac involvement in allergic children.
Early cardiac alterations can be detected in pediatric patients with food allergy even in the absence of overt clinical symptoms. These changes are associated with the severity of allergic inflammation and highlight the need for comprehensive evaluation, including cardiac assessment, in children with food allergy. Early diagnosis and monitoring may improve long-term outcomes and prevent progression to clinically significant cardiovascular complications.
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