The Effectiveness of Early Food Introduction in Preventing Childhood Allergic Diseases: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Infant feeding strategies recommended avoiding allergenic foods to prevent allergy development and anaphylaxis. However, recent evidence suggests that early consumption of food allergens in infants from 4 to 6 months of age may lead to food tolerance and possibly avert allergy development later in life. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to systematically review and meta-analyses evidence on the effect of early food introduction for prevention childhood allergic diseases. METHODS We will conduct a systematic review of intervention through comprehensive search of various databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Google Scholar to identify potential studies. The search will be performed for any eligible articles from the earliest published articles up to latest available studies in 2023. We will include only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assess the effect of early food introduction to prevent childhood allergic diseases. RESULTS Primary outcomes will include measures related with the effect of childhood allergic diseases (i.e., asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema and food allergy). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines will be followed for studies selection. All data will be extracted using a standardized data extraction form and quality of the studies will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool. Descriptive and meta-analysis will be performed using a random effect model in Review Manager File. Heterogeneity among selected studies will be assessed using the I2 statistic and explored through meta-regression and subgroup analyses. Data collection is expected to start in June 2023. CONCLUSIONS The results acquired from this study will contribute to harmonizing infant feeding guidelines with regards to prevention of childhood allergic diseases. CLINICALTRIAL International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) number CRD42021256776 was registered on 25 June 2021.