Introduction
Referrals for cutaneous symptoms following egg exposure are commonly received by pediatric allergists. At our community allergy clinic, 47% of food allergy referrals for 0–2-year-olds involve egg. Rather than traditional egg avoidance, the Canadian Egg Ladder facilitates reintroduction. We describe home egg ladder initiation in patients with cutaneous symptoms, to assess safety and potential to decrease allergist assessments.
Methods
From 2018–2025, 0–2-year-olds with isolated cutaneous symptoms began the egg ladder at home, without in-person allergist assessment. Caregivers were educated on initiation, and epinephrine autoinjectors were prescribed. Patients were reviewed every 3–6 months. Demographics, adverse reactions, and ladder progress were recorded. Descriptive statistics were analyzed in Excel. As quality improvement, this study was exempted from IRB approval.
Results
Of 116 patients who began the egg ladder, 84% (n=97) completed it. Median initiation age was 12 months (IQR 9–16); average completion time was 6 months (IQR 2–9). Twenty-five patients (22%) experienced adverse reactions, predominantly contact rashes (18/25; 72%). Six experienced grade 1 CoFAR reactions, two experienced grade 2 CoFAR reactions. No patients required epinephrine. Attrition rate was 8%; 7% transitioned to oral immunotherapy (5 ladder failure, 2 parental anxiety, 1 logistical burden). Based on egg tolerance by time of allergy assessment, ladder initiation by referring providers could have prevented 63% of allergy referrals.
Conclusion
This study supports safe, effective home initiation of the egg ladder for pediatric patients with isolated cutaneous symptoms after egg exposure. Implementing ladders in primary care may reduce unnecessary allergist referrals, shortening wait times and improving access for those requiring specialist care.
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