RX Review: Advances in pediatric food allergy and anaphylaxis treatment

Pediatric food allergy and anaphylaxis management are evolving rapidly, with new treatments and strategies reshaping clinical practice. In this Contemporary Pediatrics and HCPLive RX Review discussion, moderator Brian Schroer, MD, an allergist-immunologist at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, leads a discussion on the latest updates and unmet needs in pediatric food allergy care.

Joining him are 2 leading experts: Colleen Kraft, MD, a primary care pediatrician at Children's Hospital Los Angeles and professor at the University of Southern California, and Russell Traister, MD, a pediatric specialist at Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh. Together, they explore advancements that are transforming patient care.

In this video, the first of the 5-segment series, Kraft highlights the shift toward early allergen introduction, a significant change from past recommendations, as well as the increasing role of oral immunotherapy and intranasal epinephrine in treatment plans. Traister discusses the impact of Xolair (omalizumab), now approved for food allergy,¹ and how it provides broader protection for patients with multiple allergies. Schroer adds that personalized management plans, tailored to individual allergen thresholds, are becoming a key focus in allergy care.

This discussion delves into these emerging trends, equipping clinicians with insights to improve diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes for pediatric patients.

Our Panelists:
Brian Schroer, MD, is an allergist-immunologist at the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital. Board-certified in internal medicine, pediatrics, and allergy and immunology, Schroer serves as the moderator for this panel discussion.

Colleen Kraft, MD, is a clinical professor of Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and an attending physician at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. In addition to these roles, Kraft is also the former president of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Russell Traister, MD, is a pediatric allergy and immunology specialist at Allegheny Health Network’s Pediatric Institute. Board-certified in allergy, immunology, and internal medicine, Traister serves as the third panelist for our discussion.

Reference:

1. FDA. FDA Approves First Medication to Help Reduce Allergic Reactions to Multiple Foods After Accidental Exposure. FDA. February 16, 2024. Accessed March 12, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-medication-help-reduce-allergic-reactions-multiple-foods-after-accidental