Kota Hirai

Publications
  • Research Article
    Epicutaneous Immunotherapy for Food Allergy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Cross-Over Study
    Author(s): Koichi Yamaguchi, Shin Kawagoe, Kota Hirai, Maiko Miyahara, Seigo Shirakawa, Makoto Nonoda, Kei Masuda and Hiroyuki Mochizuki Koichi Yamaguchi, Shin Kawagoe, Kota Hirai, Maiko Miyahara, Seigo Shirakawa, Makoto Nonoda, Kei Masuda and Hiroyuki Mochizuki

    Objective: Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) is widely practiced as a treatment option for food allergies. However, the evidence to support its clinical efficacy is insufficient, and the process is associated with serious side effects such as anaphylaxis; thus, it is not recommended as a general treatment modality. Epicutaneous Immunotherapy (EPIT) has lower risks of adverse effects upon comparison with OIT; nonetheless, clinical experience in the application of EPIT for treating food allergy is limited. Therefore, we performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study to evaluate the efficacy of EPIT in the treatment of pediatric food allergy. Methods: The study population included 13 children with food allergies (egg: n=8; milk: n=5; age: 5-18 years). An allergen or a placebo was applied to the skin for 48 h, 3 times a week, .. View More»

    Abstract PDF