Severe Protein Loss in a 6-month-old Exclusively Breastfed Infant with Atopic Dermatitis.

Protein loss is often the result of kidney or intestinal disease (protein-losing enteropathy) and can cause a number of serious, potentially life-threatening complications such as hypotension, thrombocytosis, electrolyte imbalance, and cerebellar ischemia. Recent research suggests an association between extremely severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergic enteropathy. An exclusively breastfed 6-month-old infant was admitted to our institution due to failure to thrive, electrolyte imbalance, and severe AD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis; SCORAD 40). On admission, the infant was in poor general condition, dehydrated, malnourished (bodyweight 4870 g, -3.98 z-score), with exudative erythematous morphs scattered throughout the body. Initial laboratory results showed microcytic hypochromic anemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobinemia, thrombocytosis, hyponatremia, high values of total immunoglobulin E (IgE), and eosinophilia. Polysensitization to a number of nutritional and inhalation allergens was demonstrated, and an exclusive amino acid-based formula has been introduced into the diet. During the hospital course, the patient developed superficial thrombophlebitis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia. Eosinophilia was found in a small intestine biopsy sample. Due to severe hypogammaglobulinemia, skin infections, and bacteremia, the differential diagnosis included primary immune deficiency (STAT3 deficiency, DOCK8 deficiency, PGM3 deficiency, IPEX), but all available immunological tests were unremarkable. Exclusive amino acid-based formula diet was continued in the infant, with topical corticosteroids under wet-dressing therapy and intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy. With the gradual improvement of the general condition, the introduction of solid foods was started according to the findings of allergy testing. At 17 months of age, the patient gained weight and his skin status has been improving, although frequent use of topical corticosteroids was necessary. There were no infections, no anemia or thrombocytosis, and albumin and immunoglobulin supplementation were no longer required. The main mechanism of protein loss in infants with extremely severe atopic dermatitis is probably due to damaged skin, and partially due to the eosinophilic inflammation of the small intestine. Immunoglobulin loss, potentiated by physiological or transient hypogammaglobulinemia in infants, poses a very high risk for severe, potentially life-threatening infections.

Oral allergy syndrome in children.

Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is an allergic reaction that occurs after consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in patients with allergy to pollen. It is mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and symptoms arise as a result of cross-reactivity between pollen and plant-derived food. OAS is rarely seen in young children, but the prevalence increases with age. The objectives of the study were to identify the prevalence of OAS and probable risk factors in children and adolescents with seasonal allergic rhinitis (AR). One-hundred and twenty patients with seasonal AR were included. Patients were diagnosed based on their clinical history, skin prick test outcome and specific IgE. In patients describing OAS, prick-by-prick tests with fresh fruit or vegetables were carried out. Thirty-two patients had OAS and it was more frequent in female patients than in male patients. OAS was more frequent in adolescents than in small children and in patients with higher total IgE. OAS was significantly more prevalent in patients with AR and asthma (P=0.0016), as was the case in patients with AR and atopic dermatitis (P=0.0004). OAS is rarely diagnosed in small children, partly because of an inadequate clinical history. Patients with OAS may have some risk factors in addition to pollen allergy, and those with more severe atopy are more likely to develop OAS.