What is the DFAI?

The Duke Food Allergy Initiative (DFAI) was established in 2003 for the study of food allergy in children and adults. Approximately 11 million Americans suffer from some type of food allergy or anaphylaxis, a medical condition that can be life threatening. DFAI aims to provide patient care, research, and education for patients with food allergy.

DFAI provides comprehensive family centered patient care for food allergy and food-related anaphylaxis. DFAI investigators study the biologic basis of food allergy in the laboratory and in clinical research studies. Education of community physicians, allied health professionals, and the public are also a vital part of the mission of the DFAI. Food Lion has graciously given support to the DFAI to educate their consumers about food allergies.

Where is the DFAI located?

The DFAI is located at Duke University Medical Center, in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Duke is approximately 2.5 hours from Charlotte and Wilmington and approximately 3 hours from Richmond, VA. Our patients are seen in the Children’s Health Center at Duke. Clinical studies are conducted in the Children’s Health Center and in the General Clinical Research Center located in Duke South Hospital.

Who is on the Medical Team?

Drs. Wesley Burks, Laurie Lee, and Larry Williams are specialists in the study of food allergy. Each has a special interest in clinical care and research for patients with food allergy. Dr. Burks is the Director of the DFAI.

The faculty is assisted by pediatric or internal medicine physicians who are in training to become allergy specialists.

Other staff members on the team providing care to the patients and families include:

• Ginny Dudek, RN, M.Ed
• Ginger LaBelle, CPNP
• Debbie Sedlak, CPNP
• Leslie Stanford, RD, LDN
• Pam Steele, CPNP

Laboratory Staff:

• Laurent Pons, PhD

What clinical research is being done?

Clinical research involves the study of new medicines and treatments in order to understand how well they work and if they are safe. Before a clinical research study begins, the physician in charge must present the study plan to a group of physicians, other health care workers, and community members who evaluate the plan for patient safety. Once the study is approved, subjects who meet the study entry criteria are invited to take part. It is always the choice of the patient and family whether to enroll in a study. Your decision not to enroll in a study will not affect your care or your child’s care at the DFAI.

Present studies include:

1. Desensitization study of egg allergic patients
2. Desensitization study of peanut allergic patients
3. Immunotherapy for patients with peanut anaphylaxis

Future studies include:

1. Milk allergy study (a formula study in infants)
2. Treatment of peanut allergic patients with Xolair
3. Food allergy in patients with atopic dermatitis

What is being done in basic science research to study the problem?

Laboratory studies involving allergies and desensitization are being conducted on both mice and human patients. Blood samples are collected and analyzed for the presence of specific chemicals involved in allergic response. We are looking for better ways to treat allergies through desensitization.

How can I contact the Center?

You may contact the Duke Food Allergy Initiative at foodallergy@mc.duke.edu or call 919-684-9914 to schedule an evaluation for your child. Either you or your healthcare provider can contact us to schedule a food allergy evaluation.

If you would like to discuss if you or your child qualifies for a current or future study, please call Pam Steele at 919-668-1333. We will keep your local, primary physician informed of your study participation. If you are currently under the care of another allergist, you may enroll in a DFAI study. Your current allergist will be informed of your participation.

Other important related websites for food allergy:

• American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (aaaai.org)
• The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (foodallergy.org)