Desensitization | Defined as an increase in the reaction threshold to a food allergen in a supervised challenge while on active therapy. It is uncertain whether desensitization equates to protection from reactions due to accidental ingestion. Desensitization is often achieved after months of therapy and importantly only continues during therapy. |
Sustained unresponsiveness (SU) | Defined as a lack of clinical reaction to a food allergen after active therapy has been discontinued for a period of time. It is thought that SU requires some level of continued allergen exposure to sustain the unresponsive state. |
Oral tolerance | Defined as a complete lack of clinical reactivity to an ingested food allergen, typically as a natural occurrence. This state of clinical tolerance is not thought to depend on continued food allergen exposure. |
Response | Specific studies may define the "rate of response" or "responders" in a variety of ways. Refer to terminology discussion within the UpToDate topic on the overview of management of IgE-mediated food allergy. |
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