Vitamin D and iron status in children with food allergy.

BACKGROUND: Children with food allergy are at specific risk for nutritional deficiencies. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively determine prevalence of vitamin D and iron deficiencies in children with or without food allergy (FA). METHODS: We compared the markers of vitamin D and iron status of 0 to 17-year-olds with cow's milk allergy (CMA) (n = 77), those with other FAs (n = 70), and those with atopy without FA (n = 87) at an academic pediatric allergy practice. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the impact of CMA and other FAs on vitamin D levels and iron markers. RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency was detected in one-fourth and insufficiency in one-third of children with CMA and other FAs and in those with atopic diseases but no FA, respectively. Vitamin D levels were associated with vitamin D supplementation and consumption of breast milk, cow's milk, infant formula, or plant-based milk beverage, but not with CMA or other FAs. Older children with FA who did not consume any cow's milk or alternative milk beverage were at highest risk for vitamin D insufficiency. Children with CMA have a higher rate of iron deficiency anemia (8%) than children with other FAs (1%) or those with no FA (5%, P < .001); however, suboptimal levels of transferrin saturation and iron were detected in up to one-third of children with CMA or other FAs. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is common in children with atopy overall, but children with CMA are at higher risk for iron deficiency anemia. Intensive nutritional counseling and nutrient intake monitoring, specifically for vitamin D and iron in those avoiding cow's milk, are necessary to optimize nutritional status.

Actualización en manejo de alergia a la proteína de leche de vaca: fórmulas lácteas disponibles y otros brebajes / Update on management of cow's milk protein allergy: available milk formulas and other juices

La alergia a la proteína de leche de vaca (APLV) es una enfermedad frecuente, con una prevalencia entre 2-7%, cifras que van en aumento. Se caracteriza por una reacción alérgica a una o más pro teínas de la leche de vaca. No existen manifestaciones clínicas patognomónicas, y éstas dependerán del tipo de reacción inmunológica involucrada. Una buena aproximación diagnóstica evita el sub y sobre diagnóstico y por lo tanto, sub y sobre tratamiento. El tratamiento de la APLV es la eliminación de la proteína de leche de vaca de la dieta. Una dieta de restricción en un niño que no la requiere o que ha desarrollado tolerancia, puede alterar el crecimiento, la calidad de vida y producir costos innecesarios. El objetivo de esta actualización es presentar las diferentes fórmulas y brebajes usados en Chile para tratar la APLV en aquellos casos en que no sea posible la lactancia materna con dieta de exclusión. Para ello se revisó la composición nutricional, ingredientes y otras características relevan tes de todas aquellas fórmulas o brebajes que se comercializan en Chile como tratamiento de APLV. La información se obtuvo desde los distribuidores o vendedores oficiales, o en su defecto, desde las páginas web oficiales. Se puede concluir que existen y se usan múltiples fórmulas y brebajes para el tratamiento de APLV, no todas ellas del todo adecuadas desde el punto de vista nutricional y de seguridad. Conocerlas en detalle ayudará al pediatra a indicarlas de manera más informada de acuerdo a sus beneficios y sus carencias para el manejo adecuado de esta patología.

Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a common disease with a prevalence of 2-7%, increasingly so. It is characterized by an allergic reaction to one or more cow's milk proteins. There are not pathog nomonic clinical symptoms, and these will depend on the type of immune reaction involved. A good diagnostic approach avoids under and over diagnosis and, therefore, under and over treatment. The CMPA treatment is the elimination of cow's milk protein from the diet. A restricted diet in a child does not require it or who has developed tolerance can alter growth, quality of life, including unne cessary costs. The objective of this review is to present the different milk formulas available in Chile to treat CMPA in those cases where breastfeeding with exclusion diet is not possible. For this purpose, nutritional composition, ingredients and other relevant characteristics of all the milk formulas and juices marketed in Chile as CMPA treatment were reviewed. The information was obtained from the official distributors or sellers or failing that, from the official websites. There are multiple milk formulas and beverages used for the treatment of CMPA, and not all of them are nutritionally or immunologically secure. Knowing them in detail will help the pediatrician to indicate them in a more informed way according to their benefits and their deficiencies for the proper management of this pathology.

Hematochezia caused by eosinophilic proctocolitis in a newborn before oral feeding: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hematochezia is a frequent symptom in early infancy. However, it occurs very rarely within the immediate neonatal period, and its occurrence before any oral intake is particularly rare. Because of the "congenital" presentation of hematochezia in our patient, we initially considered our case to be a non-classical, potentially severe type of food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis. This diagnosis needs to be confirmed by an abnormal oral challenge test once the hematochezia has disappeared. If such a challenge cannot demonstrate an allergic origin, then the etiology of the hematochezia could be a neonatal transient eosinophilic colitis. Only two similar cases have been described so far. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a black baby boy of African origin born at 36 weeks 5 days of gestational age who presented with massive hematochezia immediately after birth. A rectosigmoidoscopy revealed a severe inflammation associated with diffuse eosinophilic infiltration on biopsy. His clinical outcome was favorable after introduction of an amino acid formula diet. We initially considered our case to be a non-classical, potentially severe type of food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis but reintroduction of standard formula milk at the age of 3 months was successful. So, our patient is the first newborn in Europe who fits the diagnosis of "neonatal transient eosinophilic colitis." CONCLUSIONS: We discuss the possible etiology of "congenital" eosinophilic inflammation of the distal colon and conclude that hematochezia in well-looking neonates, in the absence of negative challenge tests later on, is more likely to be a neonatal transient eosinophilic colitis than an allergic proctocolitis. This new entity could be more frequent than previously thought, changing our medical care strategies for this kind of neonatal symptom.

Nutricionistas das Unidades Básicas de Saúde, dos Núcleos Regionais de Atendimento Domiciliar e da Área Clínica de uma instituição pública: conhecimentos de nutrição observados entre estes profissionais sobre o tratamento de alergia ao leite de vaca no lactente / Nutritionists of Basic Health Units, Regional Centers of Home Care and Clinic Area Public Health: knowledge of nutrition observed between the professionals about the treatment of cow's milk allergy in infants

Objetivo: Analisar o conhecimento científico dos nutricionistas das Unidades Básicas de Saúde, dos Núcleos Regionais de Atendimento Domiciliar e de Área Clínica da rede pública de saúde do Distrito Federal sobre o tratamento nutricional da alergia ao leite de vaca em lactentes. Método: Estudo transversal analítico realizado com 48 nutricionistas. Resultados: Todas as nutricionistas são do sexo feminino e 72,91% têm especialização em nutrição infantil e em outras áreas e 70,80% trabalham 40 horas/semana. Não há associação estatisticamente significativa entre o grau de especialização das nutricionistas e a frequência de atendimento aos lactentes (p=0,6603) e nem entre a jornada de trabalho com a frequência de atendimento (p=0,4647). As nutricionistas que atuam em Clínica apresentaram maior nível de acertos nas práticas de tratamento e conhecimento, seguidas das de Unidades Básicas de Saúde. Conclusão: As nutricionistas das três áreas demonstraram amplo conhecimento sobre os protocolos e práticas relacionadas ao tratamento da alergia. Participação em capacitações, acesso a informações e pesquisas científicas podem contribuir para um tratamento mais efetivo e de qualidade.(AU)

Objective: To analyze the scientific knowledge of the nutritionists of the Basic Health Units, the Regional Centers for Home Care and the Clinical Area of the public health system of the Federal District about the nutritional treatment of cow's milk allergy in infants. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study with 48 nutritionists. Results: All nutritionists are female and 72.91% specialize in child nutrition and other areas and 70.80% work 40 hours a week. There was no statistically significant association between the degree of specialization of nutritionists and the frequency of care for infants (p=0.6603) or between the working day and attendance frequency (p=0.4647). Nutritionists who work in Clinic presented a higher level of correctness in treatment and knowledge practices, followed by Basic Health Units. Conclusion: Nutritionists in the three areas showed a broad knowledge of the protocols and practices related to the treatment of allergy. Participation in training, access to information and scientific research can contribute to a more effective and quality treatment.(AU)

Cow's milk protein intolerance in adolescents and young adults with chronic fatigue syndrome.

AIM: To examine the prevalence, clinical features and influence on illness severity of cow's milk protein intolerance in young people with chronic fatigue syndrome. METHODS: In a two-year prospective study of 55 adolescents and young adults with chronic fatigue syndrome, we defined intolerance to milk protein if subjects reported (i) no evidence of immediate or anaphylactic reactions to milk, (ii) at least 2 of the following 3 chronic symptoms: gastroesophageal reflux, early satiety and epigastric/abdominal pain, (iii) improvement in upper gastrointestinal symptoms on a milk protein elimination diet and (iv) at least 2 recurrences of upper gastrointestinal symptoms >two hours following open re-exposure to milk protein. Subjects completed three quality of life surveys at baseline and at six months. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of the 55 participants was 16.5 (2.1) years. Seventeen (31%; 95% CI, 19-43%) met study criteria for cow's milk protein intolerance. Compared to milk-tolerant subjects, milk-sensitive participants had significantly worse health-related quality of life at baseline but not at six months (after institution of the milk-free diet). CONCLUSION: Cow's milk protein intolerance is a common problem in young people with chronic fatigue syndrome and is a treatable contributor to their symptoms.

Immunomodulating properties of protein hydrolysates for application in cow's milk allergy.

Cow's milk proteins cause allergic symptoms in 2-3% of all infants. In these individuals, the tolerogenic state of the intestinal immune system is broken, which can lead to sensitization against antigens and eventually to allergic responses. Although a true treatment for food allergy is not available, symptoms can be avoided by providing the infants with hydrolyzed proteins. Hydrolyzed proteins are proteins that are enzymatically degraded. They lack typical allergenic IgE-binding epitopes but are also thought to play a pertinent role in other mechanisms inducing hypoallergenic effects. This review discusses the mechanisms and evidence for immunomodulating properties of cow's milk hydrolysates. Hydrolysates are found to strengthen the epithelial barrier, modulate T-cell differentiation, and decrease inflammation. Some studies suggest a role for hydrolysates in manipulating pathogen recognition receptors signaling as underlying mechanism. Peptides from hydrolysates have been shown to bind to TLR2 and TLR4 and influence cytokine production in epithelial cells and macrophages. Current insight suggests that hydrolysates may actively participate in modulating the immune responses in subjects with cow's milk allergy and those at risk to develop cow's milk allergy. However, more research is required to design effective and reproducible means to develop targeting strategies to modulate the immune response.

Alergia ao leite de vaca: achados do ultrassom com Doppler colorido em neonatos com hematoquezia / Cow's milk allergy: color Doppler ultrasound findings in infants with hematochezia

OBJETIVO: o ultrassom (US) tem sido uma importante ferramenta de diagnóstico para identificar várias causas de hemorragia gastrointestinal. Neonatos com alergia ao leite de vaca (ALV) podem apresentar hematoquezia, e a confirmação do diagnóstico pode ser difícil. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever achados com ultrassom em escala de cinza e com Doppler colorido em pacientes com ALV. MÉTODOS: estudamos, retrospectivamente, 13 neonatos com ALV. Todos eles apresentaram hematoquezia severa e dor abdominal e foram submetidos a um estudo com US, com o diagnóstico de colite alérgica. O diagnóstico teve como base os achados clínicos, a recuperação após a dieta de exclusão do neonato ou da mãe, no caso de amamentação exclusiva, e o teste de provocação oral positivo. RESULTADOS: a idade média variou de um a seis meses (média = 3,53). Sete dos 13 neonatos (53,8%) passaram novamente por ultrassonografia em escala de cinza e com Doppler colorido após a dieta de exclusão. Dentre eles, 12 dos 13 (92,3%) mostraram anormalidades no US e no ultrassom com Doppler colorido (USDC) no início. Os achados positivos que sugeriram colite foram paredes intestinais espessas e aumento na vascularização, principalmente no cólon descendente e sigmoide. Os resultados da colonoscopia e histopatológicos foram compatíveis com colite alérgica. Após uma mudança na dieta, os 13 neonatos se recuperaram e seus testes de provocação oral foram positivos. CONCLUSÃO: o US com Doppler pode ser muito útil para diagnosticar a colite secundária, como a ALV, e para excluir várias outras doenças abdominais que podem imitar essa doença.

OBJECTIVE: ultrasound (US) has been an important diagnostic tool to identify several causes of gastrointestinal bleeding. Infants with cow's milk allergy (CMA) may present hematochezia and the confirmation of the diagnosis can be difficult. The aim of this study is to describe grayscale and color Doppler ultrasound findings in patients with CMA. METHODS: we retrospectively studied 13 infants with CMA. All infants presented severe hematochezia and abdominal pain. All underwent an US study with the diagnosis of allergic colitis. This diagnosis was based on clinical findings, recovery after infant or mother exclusion diets in the case of exclusive breastfeeding and positive oral challenge test. RESULTS: the mean age ranged from 1 to 6 months (mean = 3.53). Seven out of 13 infants (53.8%) had grayscale and color Doppler sonographic repeated after exclusion diet. Twelve out of 13 (92,3%) showed abnormalities at US and CDUS at beginning. The positive findings suggesting colitis were thickened bowel walls and increased vascularity, especially in the descending and sigmoid colon. Colonoscopy and histopathological findings were compatible with allergic colitis. After a diet change the 13 infants recovered and their oral challenge tests were positive. CONCLUSION: Doppler US may be very useful in diagnosing secondary colitis, such as CMA, and to exclude several other abdominal diseases that can emulate this disease.

Cow's milk allergy: color Doppler ultrasound findings in infants with hematochezia.

OBJECTIVE: ultrasound (US) has been an important diagnostic tool to identify several causes of gastrointestinal bleeding. Infants with cow's milk allergy (CMA) may present hematochezia and the confirmation of the diagnosis can be difficult. The aim of this study is to describe grayscale and color Doppler ultrasound findings in patients with CMA. METHODS: we retrospectively studied 13 infants with CMA. All infants presented severe hematochezia and abdominal pain. All underwent an US study with the diagnosis of allergic colitis. This diagnosis was based on clinical findings, recovery after infant or mother exclusion diets in the case of exclusive breastfeeding and positive oral challenge test. RESULTS: the mean age ranged from 1 to 6 months (mean=3.53). Seven out of 13 infants (53.8%) had grayscale and color Doppler sonographic repeated after exclusion diet. Twelve out of 13 (92,3%) showed abnormalities at US and CDUS at beginning. The positive findings suggesting colitis were thickened bowel walls and increased vascularity, especially in the descending and sigmoid colon. Colonoscopy and histopathological findings were compatible with allergic colitis. After a diet change the 13 infants recovered and their oral challenge tests were positive. CONCLUSION: Doppler US may be very useful in diagnosing secondary colitis, such as CMA, and to exclude several other abdominal diseases that can emulate this disease.

Avaliação clínica e evolutiva de crianças em programa de atendimento ao uso de fórmulas para alergia à proteína do leite de vaca / Clinical and follow up assessment of children in a program directed at the use of formulas for cow's milk protein allergy / Evaluación clínica y evolutiva de niños en programas de atención al uso de fórmulas para alergia a la proteína de leche de vaca

OBJETIVO: Determinar características clínicas e evolutivas de crianças acompanhadas em programa de referência para fornecimento de fórmulas especiais para alergia ao leite de vaca. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo, realizado em amostra de conveniência, com 214 crianças até três anos, com diagnóstico clínico e/ou teste padronizado de provocação oral aberto, referenciadas ao Programa de Fórmulas para Alergia ao Leite de Vaca, em Hospital Universitário Pediátrico de Natal, Rio Grande do Norte (2007/2009). Avaliaram-se dados clínico-epidemiológicos e indicação de fórmulas (soja, hidrolisado ou aminoácido) à consulta inicial, além de resposta clínica e evolução nutricional (Anthro-OMS 2006) após três meses. Aplicaram-se os testes do qui-quadrado e t pareado nas análises, considerando-se significante p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Ao primeiro atendimento, a média de idade foi de 9,0±6,9 meses. Manifestações digestórias foram observadas em 81,8%; cutâneas, em 36,9%; e respiratórias, em 23,8%. Escore Z do IMC <-2,0 desvios padrão (DP) foi encontrado em 17,9% das crianças com sintomas digestórios isolados, em 41,7% em uso de leite de vaca e em 8,7% com outras fórmulas (p<0,01). Fórmula de proteína isolada de soja foi usada em 61,2%; hidrolisados, em 35,4%; e aminoácidos, em 3,3%. As médias de escore Z do IMC ao atendimento inicial e após três meses foram, respectivamente, -0,24±1,47DP e 0,00±1,26DP (p=0,251), quando em uso de soja, e -0,70±1,51DP e -0,14±1,36DP (p=0,322), em uso de hidrolisado. CONCLUSÕES: Manifestações digestórias da alergia ao leite de vaca foram preponderantes e determinaram maior comprometimento nutricional. As fórmulas de substituição ao leite de vaca mais utilizadas foram de proteína isolada de soja e hidrolisados proteicos. O uso de ambas foi importante para a manutenção do estado nutricional.

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical and follow up characteristics of children enrolled in a program to supply formulas for cow's milk allergy. METHODS: descriptive study of a convenience sample composed of 214 children up to three years old, with clinical diagnosis of cow's milk allergy and/or standardized oral challenge, referred to the Program of Formulas for Cow's Milk Allergy at a Pediatric University Hospital, in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil (2007/2009). Clinical-epidemiological data and formula indication (soy, protein hydrolysates or aminoacid formula) were assessed at the first consultation. Clinical response and nutritional evolution (Anthro-OMS2006) were observed after three months. Chi-square and paired t-test were used, being p<0.05 significant. RESULTS: At the first consultation, mean age was 9.0±6.9 months. Digestive manifestations occurred in 81.8%; cutaneous ones, in 36.9% and respiratory ones in 23.8%. BMI Z-score <-2.0 standard deviations (SD) was found in 17.9% of children with isolated digestive symptoms, in 41.7% of those using cow's milk and in 8.7% of those using other formulas (p<0.01). The following formulas were used: soy in 61.2%, protein hydrolysates in 35.4% and aminoacids in 3.3%. Mean BMI Z-scores at initial consultation and after three months were, respectively: -0.24±1.47SD and 0.00±1.26SD (p=0.251), with soy formula, and -0.70±1.51SD and -0.14±1.36SD (p=0.322) with protein hydrolysates formula. CONCLUSIONS: Digestive manifestations of cow's milk allergy were preponderant, and lead to greater nutritional impairment. The use of replacement formulas (isolated soy protein and protein hydrolysates) was important to maintain the nutritional status.

OBJETIVO: Determinar características clínicas y evolutivas de niños acompañados en programa de referencia para suministro de fórmulas especiales para alergia a la leche de vaca. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo, realizado en muestra de conveniencia, con 214 niños hasta tres años de edad, con diagnóstico clínico y/o prueba estandarizada de provocación oral abierta, referenciadas al Programa de Fórmulas para Alergia a la Leche de Vaca del Hospital Universitario Pediátrico en Natal, RN, Brasil (2007/2009). Se evaluaron datos clínico-epidemiológicos e indicación de fórmulas (soja, hidrolizado o aminoácido) a la consulta inicial, respuesta clínica y evolución nutricional (Anthro-OMS 2006) después de tres meses. Se aplicaron pruebas de Chi-Cuadrado y T Pareada en los análisis, siendo significante p<0,05. RESULTADOS: A la primera atención, el promedio de edad fue de 9,0±6,9 meses. Manifestaciones digestorias fueron observadas en 81,8%, cutáneas en el 36,9% y respiratorias en el 23,8%. Escore Z IMC<-2,0DE fue encontrado en 17,9% de los niños con síntomas digestorios aislados, en el 41,7% en uso de leche de vaca y en 8,7% en otras fórmulas (p<0,01). Se utilizó fórmula de proteína aislada de soja en 61,2%, hidrolizados en 35,4% y aminoácidos en 3,3%. Promedios de Escore Z IMC a la atención inicial y después de tres meses fueron -0,24±1,47DE y 0,00±1,26DE (p=0,251), cuando en uso de soja, y 0,70±1,51DE y -0,14±1,36DE (p=0,322), en uso de hidrolizado. CONCLUSIONES: Manifestaciones digestorias de la alergia a la leche de vaca fueron preponderantes y determinaron mayor comprometimiento nutricional. Las fórmulas de sustitución a la leche de vaca más utilizadas fueron de proteína aislada de soja e hidrolizados proteicos y el uso de ambas fue importante para el mantenimiento del estado nutricional.

Comparison between two maintenance feeding regimens after successful cow's milk oral desensitization.

BACKGROUND: Cow's milk allergy is common in infancy, and total avoidance of this food is the only effective approach. In alternative, oral immunotherapy has been proposed to achieve tolerance. Once desensitization is achieved, daily intake of milk is recommended to maintain it, but this may be impractical for children/parents. We assessed whether a twice weekly maintenance regimen is effective. METHODS: Children who were successfully desensitized with oral immunotherapy were randomized to two maintenance regimens for 1 year: group A had to eat 150-200 ml milk daily, group B had to eat 150-200 ml milk twice weekly. Both regimens were associated to a totally free diet. Maintenance of tolerance and adverse events were recorded during 1 year. Specific IgE, IgG4 and prick-by-prick test to milk were carried out before immunotherapy (T0), before maintenance (T1), and after 1 year (T2). RESULTS: Recorded episodes included asthma, oral itching, urticaria, rhinitis, abdominal pain variously combined, usually associated with concomitant illness or exercise. The episodes were 8 in group A and 9 in group B, with no difference. None of the children discontinued the feeding maintenance. Specific IgG4 increased at T1 and remained high at T2. Specific IgE and skin reactivity significantly decreased at T2. There was no difference in those parameters between the groups. CONCLUSION: After achieving desensitization to cow milk with oral immunotherapy, a maintenance regimen with milk given twice weekly is as effective as the daily maintenance.

Cow's milk elimination: a novel dietary approach to treat eosinophilic esophagitis.

OBJECTIVES: Cow's-milk protein is one of the food antigens responsible for causing eosinophilic esophageal inflammation in a majority of children. We describe our experience with treating eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in children by eliminating only cow's milk from their diets. METHODS: This retrospective study assessed the short-term clinical and histological response to eliminating cow's-milk protein from the diet of children with EoE. Only patients undergoing a subsequent upper endoscopy to assess their histological response were included in this analysis. RESULTS: We identified 17 (12 boys and 5 girls) children with EoE who excluded only cow's milk from their diet. Remission was induced in 11 of 17 (65%) patients; within the remission group, 7 (41%) achieved complete histological remission and 4 patients (24%) were in significant histological remission. The mean peak pre- and posttreatment counts for those in remission were 76 ±â€Š40 and 2 ±â€Š4 (P < 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Elimination of cow's milk-induced clinical and histological remission in 65% (95% confidence interval 42%-88%) of children with EoE in whom it was attempted. This approach offers distinct advantages over other dietary treatment approaches for the initial management of children with EoE. The role of eliminating cow's milk alone for the treatment of EoE warrants further prospective study.

Importance of evaluating for cow's milk allergy in pediatric surgical patients with functional bowel symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Cow's milk allergy (CMA) can cause functional bowel symptoms. This can lead to confusion and difficulty in managing pediatric surgical patients who also have CMA. We examined CMA's effect on the management of pediatric surgical patients in our institute. METHODS: With institutional review board approval, 14 pediatric surgical patients with CMA were reviewed. Cow's milk allergy was diagnosed according to clinical findings and stimulation index (normal range <300%) of the lymphocyte stimulation test. RESULTS: The main symptoms were abdominal distension (n = 10), vomiting (n = 6), constipation (n = 2), and apnea (n = 1). Stimulation index median value was 731% (range, 341%-2132%). Patients were divided into 3 groups. In group 1 (n = 8), persistent postoperative bowel symptoms were initially considered related to surgical diseases. Following CMA diagnosis, CM elimination therapy improved symptoms. In group 2 (n = 4), CMA was diagnosed concurrently with surgical disease, and elimination therapy was continued postoperatively. In group 3 (n = 2), the pathogenesis of bowel symptoms was initially attributed to CMA and later diagnosed as Hirschsprung's disease. CONCLUSIONS: A high index of suspicion regarding the possibility of concurrent CMA may be necessary to manage bowel symptoms in pediatric surgical patients.

Nuclear transit studies of patients with intractable chronic constipation reveal a subgroup with rapid proximal colonic transit.

AIMS/BACKGROUND: Nuclear transit studies (NTS) allow us to follow transit through the stomach and the small and large intestines. We identified children with chronic constipation with rapid proximal colonic transit and characterized their clinical features. METHODS: We reviewed NTS from 1998 to 2009 to identify patients with chronic constipation and rapid proximal colonic transit, defined as greater than 25% of tracer beyond hepatic flexure at 6 hour and/or greater than 25% of tracer beyond end of descending colon at 24 hour. This was correlated with clinical symptoms and outcome from patient records. RESULTS: Five hundred twenty children with chronic constipation underwent investigation by NTS, and 64 (12%) were identified with rapid proximal colonic transit. The clinical history, symptoms, and outcome in 55 of 64 available for analysis frequently showed family history of allergy (10.9%) and symptoms associated with food allergy/intolerance: abdominal pain (80%), anal fissure (27.3%), and other allergic symptoms (43.6%). Eighteen children were treated with dietary exclusion, with resolution of symptoms in 9 (50%). CONCLUSIONS: Some children with intractable chronic constipation have rapid proximal colonic transit, have symptoms consistent with possible food allergy/intolerance, and may respond to dietary exclusion. The NTS can identify these patients with rapid proximal transit that may be secondary to food intolerance.

Teste de desencadeamento aberto no diagnóstico de alergia à proteína do leite de vaca / Open challenge for the diagnosis of cow's milk protein allergy

OBJETIVO: Relatar os resultados de testes de desencadeamento aplicados em crianças alimentadas com dieta de exclusão das proteínas do leite de vaca. DESCRIÇÃO: Estudo transversal que avaliou testes de desencadeamento oral aberto, com leite de vaca, realizados sob supervisão em ambiente hospitalar por 2,5 horas e ambulatoriamente por 30 dias quando não ocorreu reação imediata. Foram incluídos 121 pacientes, com idades entre 4 e 95 meses. O teste de desencadeamento com leite de vaca foi positivo em 28 (23,1 por cento) pacientes. Manifestação clínica de alergia ao leite de vaca diferente da apresentada por ocasião da suspeita diagnóstica ocorreu em 12 (42,9 por cento) pacientes com desencadeamento positivo. O desencadeamento positivo foi mais frequente (p = 0,042) nos pacientes alimentados com fórmulas extensamente hidrolisadas ou de aminoácidos (30,3 por cento) quando comparados com os alimentados com outras dietas de exclusão (14,5 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: O teste de desencadeamento permitiu que fosse suspensa a dieta de exclusão de grande parte dos pacientes.

OBJECTIVES: To report the results of open challenge tests performed in children fed with cow's milk-free diet. DESCRIPTIONS: Cross-sectional study evaluating cow's milk open challenge performed under supervision in a hospital setting during 2.5 hours and ambulatory follow-up for 30 days when no immediate reaction occurred. One hundred and twenty-one patients were included, with ages between 4 and 95 months. Cow's milk open challenge tests were positive in 28 patients (23.1 percent). A clinical manifestation of cow's milk allergy different from the one presented at diagnosis occurred in 12 (24.9 percent) patients with positive challenge. Positive challenge was more frequent (p = 0.042) in patients fed with extensively hydrolyzed formulae or amino acid-based formulae (30.3 percent) when compared to those fed with other exclusion diets (14.5 percent). CONCLUSION: Open challenge allowed the interruption of exclusion diet in a significant proportion of the patients.

Alergia a proteína do leite de vaca em crianças: repercussão da dieta de exclusão e dieta substitutiva sobre o estado nutricional / Cow's milk protein allergy in children: repercussion of the exclusion diet and replacement diet on the nutritional status

Identificar as repercussões nutricionais mais frequentes em crinças com alergia à proteína do leite de vaca. Fontes pesquisadas: artigos, livros, teses, 'sites' governamentais e científicos. Síntese dos dados: Crianças com alergia à proteína do leite de vaca, em dieta de exclusão...

To acknowledge he most frequent conseguences to nutritional status of children with cow milk protein allergy (CMPA). Sorces of research: reported papers, books, theses, and both governamental and scientific web pages...

Desempenho de pais de crianças em dieta de exclusão do leite de vaca na identificação de alimentos industrializados com e sem leite vaca / The performance of parents of children receiving cow's milk free diets at indentification of commercial food products with and without cows's milk

OBJETIVO: Investigar o desempenho de pais de crianças em dieta isenta da proteína do leite de vaca no reconhecimento de expressões e alimentos que contenham ou não proteínas do leite de vaca. MÉTODOS: Foram entrevistados 24 pais de crianças em dieta de exclusão do leite de vaca e derivados e 23 sem necessidade de nenhum tipo de dieta de exclusão. Foi questionado se reconheciam 12 expressões relacionadas ao leite de vaca. A seguir, foi solicitado que classificassem 10 produtos industrializados quanto ao conteúdo ou não de proteínas do leite de vaca. RESULTADOS:Termos iniciados com a palavra leite foram os mais reconhecidos pelos dois grupos. Os responsáveis por crianças em dieta de exclusão reconheceram mais freqüentemente as palavras proteína do leite de vaca, traços do leite e formulação ou preparação láctea (p < 0,05). Caseína, caseinato, lactoalbumina e lactoglobulina foram reconhecidas por menos de 25,0 por cento dos entrevistados. O número de identificação correta dos 10 produtos industrializados foi maior para os produtos com leite de vaca nos dois grupos. A mediana de acertos dos produtos com leite de vaca (n = 5) pelos pais em dieta de exclusão (4,0) foi maior que a do grupo controle (3,0; p = 0,005). Leitura de pelo menos um rótulo associou-se com maior chance de identificação correta de mais de cinco dos 10 produtos (razão de chance = 8,0). CONCLUSÃO:Apesar de orientados, os pais de crianças em dieta de exclusão não estão plenamente preparados para sua correta realização, indicando a necessidade de aprimoramento das orientações para essa dieta de exclusão.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how well the parents of children on cow's milk free diets perform at recognizing whether or not expressions describe and foods contain cow's milk proteins. METHODS: Interviews were conducted with 24 parents of children on cow's milk and by-products exclusion diets and 23 parents of children with no need for any type of exclusion diet. They were asked if they recognized 12 expressions relating to cow's milk. They were then asked to classify 10 commercial food products in terms of whether or not they contained cow's milk proteins. RESULTS: Terms that included the word milk were more often recognized by both groups of parents. The parents of children on exclusion diets recognized the terms cow's milk protein, traces of milk and milk formulation or preparation most frequently (p < 0.05). Less than 25.0 percent of those interviewed recognized casein, caseinate, lactalbumin and lactoglobulin. Both groups correctly identified more of the commercial products containing cow's milk than those free from milk. The median number of products containing cow's milk (total = 5) correctly identified by the parents of children on exclusion diets (4.0) was greater than for the control group (3.0; p = 0.005). Reading at least one label was associated with a greater chance of correctly identifying more than five of the 10 products (odds ratio = 8.0). CONCLUSIONS: Despite having received guidance, the parents of children on exclusion diets were not fully prepared to manage these diets, indicating a need for improvements to the instruction provided when indicating exclusion diets.

Conhecimento de pediatras e nutricionistas sobre o tratamento da alergia ao leite de vaca no lactente / Pediatricians and nutritionists knowledge about treatment of cow milk allergy in infants

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o conhecimento de pediatras e nutricionistas sobre a dieta de exclusão do leite de vaca e seus derivados, com ênfase em questões relacionadas à nutrição da criança. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal descritivo, do qual participaram pediatras (n=53) e nutricionistas (n=29), vinculados a hospitais públicos do Município de São Paulo, no ano de 2005. Os dados foram coletados por questionário auto-administrado. RESULTADOS: A idade dos profissionais variou de 21 a 50 anos. Quanto ao tempo de graduação, 41,2 por cento eram formados a menos de cinco anos e 91,6 por cento possuíam especialização, mestrado e/ou doutorado. A maioria (97,5 por cento) afirmou avaliar a dieta de crianças submetidas à exclusão do leite de vaca, entretanto, somente 48 por cento o faziam de forma mais detalhadas, incluindo o cálculo da ingestão alimentar. Apenas 38,7 por cento comparam a ingestão alimentar da criança com algum padrão de recomendação. A recomendação diária da ingestão de cálcio para crianças com até 36 meses foi corretamente assinalada por 22 por cento dos pediatras e 60,7 por cento dos nutricionistas (p=0,001). Produtos não adequados como substitutos do leite de vaca seriam recomendados por 66 por cento dos pediatras e 48,3 por cento dos nutricionistas. Com relação à leitura de rótulos de produtos industrializados, 81,6 por cento dos pediatras e 96,4 por cento dos nutricionistas orientam os pais a ler todos os termos que indicam a presença das proteínas do leite de vaca. CONCLUSÕES: Os pediatras e nutricionista demonstraram erro conceitual no que se refere às principais recomendações terapêuticas na alergia às proteínas do leite de vaca.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the knowledge of pediatricians and nutritionists regarding the exclusion diet of cow milk and derivates, with emphasis on questions related to the nutrition of children submitted to such diet. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that enrolled pediatricians (n=53) and nutritionists (n=29) from public hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil, during 2005. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires. RESULTS: The age of the professionals varied from 21 to 50 years old. Regarding professional experience, 41.2 percent were graduated for less than five years and 91.6 percent had a specialization course, masters and/or PhD degree. The vast majority of professionals (97.5 percent) confirmed that they regularly evaluated the diet of children that needed exclusion of cow milk. However, only 48 percent of the professionals conducted a more detailed evaluation of the diet, including calculations of food ingestion. Only 38.7 percent of the professionals compared child's food ingestion with some recommended pattern. Recommendations for daily ingestion of calcium by children up to the age of 36 months were properly mentioned by 22 percent of the pediatricians and 60.7 percent of the nutritionists (p=0.001). Inadequate cow milk substitute products were recommended by 66 percent of the pediatricians and by 48.3 percent of the nutritionists. Regarding labels of industrialized products, 81.6 percent of the pediatricians and 96.4 percent of the nutritionists advised the parents to look for all terms that could indicate the presence of cow milk protein. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatricians and nutritionists made conceptual errors in their main recommendations regarding the treatment of cow milk protein allergy.

Hypogammaglobulinaemia secondary to cow-milk allergy in children under 2 years of age.

Symptomatic hypogammaglobulinaemia in children younger than 2 years of age was studied to rule out a primary immunodeficiency. Thirty-four patients were referred to the Immunology Service to study the hypogammaglobulinaemia-associated clinical picture. Food allergy was documented in 10 patients by personal and familial history, presence of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and elevated total serum IgE levels. Coeliac disease and human immunodeficiency virus infection were also ruled out. Protein loss through stools was assessed by clearance of alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT). Serum immunoglobulin levels were determined by nephelometry and functional antibodies were studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The cellular immune response was assessed by in vitro lymphocyte proliferation in response to mitogens and cell subsets were analysed by flow cytometry. In five patients of the 10 patients we suspected a protein loss through the mucosa. Four of these five patients showed an increased AAT and the other showed an extensive cutaneous lesion. Immunological studies revealed normal antibody function, in vitro lymphoproliferative responses and cell numbers in four of the 5 patients. One patient showed abnormally low numbers of CD4(+) T cells as well as a defective proliferative response to mitogens. After diagnosis of cow milk allergy, milk was replaced with infant milk formula containing hydrolysed proteins. Recovery of immunoglobulin values and clinical resolution were achieved. Hypogammaglobulinaemia during early childhood in some children may be secondary to cow milk allergy, and immunoglobulins and cells may leak through the inflamed mucosa. Resolution of symptoms as well as normalization of immunoglobulin values may be easily achieved by avoidance of the offending allergen.

Cows milk protein enteropathy and granulomatous duodenitis in a newborn.

Cow's milk protein enteropathy is a symptom complex that composed of severe diarrhoea and malnutrition. This disorder is caused by non-immunoglobulin E-mediated food allergy. Its clinical features and natural course have been explained in many reports, of different types of cow's milk and soy reactions. In the present article, we describe a newborn patient who presented with chronic diarrhoea and failure to thrive diagnosed as cow's milk protein enteropathy. The duodenal biopsy revealed granulomatous duodenitis which has not been described before. Her clinical and pathological findings responded well to cow's milk elimination. We suggest that food allergies should be considered in differential diagnosis of patients with chronic diarrhoea and failure to thrive.