Diagnosis and management of food allergy-induced constipation in young children-An EAACI position paper.

The recognition of constipation as a possible non-Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic condition is challenging because functional constipation (unrelated to food allergies) is a common health problem with a reported worldwide prevalence rate of up to 32.2% in children. However, many studies in children report challenge proven cow's milk allergy and constipation as a primary symptom and have found that between 28% and 78% of children improve on a cow's milk elimination diet. Due to the paucity of data and a focus on IgE-mediated allergy, not all food allergy guidelines list constipation as a symptom of food allergy. Yet, it is included in all cow's milk allergy guidelines available in English language. The Exploring Non-IgE-Mediated Allergy (ENIGMA) Task Force (TF) of the European Academy for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) considers in this paper constipation in the context of failure of standard treatment and discuss the role of food allergens as culprit in constipation in children. This position paper used the Delphi approach in reaching consensus on both diagnosis and management, as currently published data are insufficient to support a systematic review.

Feeding difficulties in children with food allergies: An EAACI Task Force Report.

The term "feeding difficulties" refers to a spectrum of phenotypes characterized by suboptimal intake of food and/or lack of age-appropriate eating habits. While it is evident that feeding difficulties are prevalent within healthy children, no consensus has been reached for those with food allergies. The aim of this study was to systematically review all the available literature reporting the prevalence of feeding difficulties within food allergic children. We searched eight international electronic databases for all published studies until June 2022. International experts in the field were also contacted for unpublished and ongoing studies. All publications were screened against pre-defined eligibility criteria and critically appraised by established instruments. The substantial heterogeneity of included studies precluded meta-analyses, so narrative synthesis of quantitative data was performed. A total of 2059 abstracts were assessed, out of which 21 underwent full-text screening and 10 studies met the study criteria. In these, 12 different terms to define feeding difficulties and 11 diagnostic tools were used. Five papers included data of feeding difficulty prevalence in children with food allergies, ranging from 13.6% to 40%. Higher prevalence was associated with multiple food allergies. The current literature suggests that feeding difficulties are prevalent within food allergic children, particularly those with multiple food allergies. However, the heterogeneity of terminologies and diagnostic tools makes drawing conclusions challenging. Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of feeding difficulties within food allergic children and further research on the development and perpetuation of feeding difficulties are needed to appropriately manage such patients.

Joint ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN Guidelines on Childhood Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders Beyond Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

INTRODUCTION: Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders beyond eosinophilic esophagitis (non-EoE EGIDs) are rare chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and histologic findings of eosinophilic inflammation after exclusion of a secondary cause or systemic disease. Currently, no guidelines exist for the evaluation of non-EoE EGIDs. Therefore, the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) formed a task force group to provide consensus guidelines for childhood non-EoE EGIDs. METHODS: The working group was composed of pediatric gastroenterologists, adult gastroenterologists, allergists/immunologists, and pathologists. An extensive electronic literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was conducted up to February 2022. General methodology was used in the formulation of recommendations according to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to meet current standards of evidence assessment. RESULTS: The guidelines provide information on the current concept of non-EoE EGIDs, disease pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic and disease surveillance procedures, and current treatment options. Thirty-four statements based on available evidence and 41 recommendations based on expert opinion and best clinical practices were developed. CONCLUSION: Non-EoE EGIDs literature is limited in scope and depth, making clear recommendations difficult. These consensus-based clinical practice guidelines are intended to assist clinicians caring for children affected by non-EoE EGIDs and to facilitate high-quality randomized controlled trials of various treatment modalities using standardized, uniform disease definitions.

The role of online symptom questionnaires to support the diagnosis of cow's milk allergy in children for healthcare professionals - A Delphi consensus study.

BACKGROUND: Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common food allergies world-wide. The emergence of online CMA symptom questionnaires, aimed at parents and/or healthcare professionals (HCP), may raise awareness about the possible diagnosis of CMA, but also increases the risk for overdiagnosis leading to unnecessary dietary restriction impacting on growth and nutrition. This publication sets out to establish the availability of these CMA symptom questionnaires and critically assesses the development and validity. METHODS: Thirteen HCP working in the field of CMA, from different countries, were recruited to participate. A combination of a Pubmed and CINAHL literature and online review using the Google search engine in English language was used. Symptoms in the questionnaires were assessed, using the European Academy for Allergy and Clinical Immunology guidelines for food allergy. Following the assessment of both the questionnaires and literature, the authors followed the modified Delphi approach to generate consensus statements. RESULTS: Six hundred and fifty-one publications were identified, of which 29 were suitable for inclusion, with 26 being associated with the Cow's Milk-Related Symptoms Score. The online search yielded 10 available questionnaires: 7/10 were sponsored by formula milk companies and 7/10 were aimed at parents and three at HCP. Following the assessment of data, 19 statements were generated in two rounds of anonymous voting reaching 100% agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Online CMA questionnaires, available to parents and HCP's, are varied in symptoms, and most were not validated. The overarching consensus generated from authors is that these questionnaires should not be used without the involvement of HCP.

Joint ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN Guidelines on Childhood Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders beyond Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

INTRODUCTION: Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders beyond Eosinophilic Esophagitis (non-EoE EGIDs) are rare chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and histologic findings of eosinophilic inflammation after exclusion of a secondary cause or systemic disease. Currently, no guidelines exist for the evaluation of non-EoE EGIDs. Therefore, the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) formed a task force group to provide consensus guidelines for childhood non-EoE EGIDs. METHODS: The working group was composed of pediatric gastroenterologists, adult gastroenterologists, allergists/immunologists, and pathologists. An extensive electronic literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was conducted up to February 2022. General methodology was used in the formulation of recommendations according to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to meet current standards of evidence assessment. RESULTS: The guidelines provide information on the current concept of non-EoE EGIDs, disease pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic and disease surveillance procedures, and current treatment options. Thirty-four statements based on available evidence and 41 recommendations based on expert opinion and best clinical practices were developed. CONCLUSION: Non-EoE EGIDs literature is limited in scope and depth, making clear recommendations difficult. These consensus-based clinical practice guidelines are intended to assist clinicians caring for children affected by non-EoE EGIDs and to facilitate high-quality randomized controlled trials of various treatment modalities using standardized, uniform disease definitions.

Diagnosis and management of food allergy-associated gastroesophageal reflux disease in young children-EAACI position paper.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) and food allergy (FA) are common conditions, especially during the first 12 months of life. When GOR leads to troublesome symptoms, that affect the daily functioning of the infant and family, it is referred to as GOR disease (GORD). The role of food allergens as a cause of GORD remains controversial. This European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) position paper aims to review the evidence for FA-associated GORD in young children and translate this into clinical practice that guides healthcare professionals through the diagnosis of suspected FA-associated GORD and medical and dietary management. The task force (TF) on non-IgE mediated allergy consists of EAACI experts in paediatric gastroenterology, allergy, dietetics and psychology from Europe, United Kingdom, United States, Turkey and Brazil. Six clinical questions were formulated, amended and approved by the TF to guide this publication. A systematic literature search using PubMed, Cochrane and EMBASE databases (until June 2021) using predefined inclusion criteria based on the 6 questions was used. The TF also gained access to the database from the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology working group, who published guidelines on GORD and ensured that all publications used within that position paper were included. For each of the 6 questions, practice points were formulated, followed by a modified Delphi method consisting of anonymous web-based voting that was repeated with modified practice points where required, until at least 80% consensus for each practice point was achieved. This TF position paper shares the process, the discussion and consensus on all practice points on FA-associated GORD.

Diagnosis and management of Non-IgE gastrointestinal allergies in breastfed infants-An EAACI Position Paper.

It is well-established that food proteins, such as egg, soya, cow's milk and wheat, are detectable in breastmilk for many hours or days after ingestion. Exposure to these proteins is important to the process of developing tolerance but can also sometimes elicit IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated allergic symptoms in breastfed infants. Non-IgE-mediated allergy, outside of food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis and eosinophilic oesophagitis, is not well understood, leading to variations in the diagnosis and management thereof. A primary objective of the European Academy for Allergy and Clinical Immunology is to support breastfeeding in all infants, including those with food allergies. A Task Force was established, to explore the clinical spectrum of non-IgE-mediated allergies, and part of its objectives was to establish diagnosis and management of non-IgE-mediated allergies in breastfed infants. Eight questions were formulated using the Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) system and Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) criteria for data inclusion, and consensus was achieved on practice points through the Delphi method. This publication aims to provide a comprehensive overview on this topic with practice points for healthcare professionals.

ACCURACY OF THE EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS ENDOSCOPIC REFERENCE SCORE IN CHILDREN.

BACKGROUND: To assess the efficacy of applying the endoscopic reference score for EoE (EREFS) in children with symptoms of esophageal dysfunction naïve to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing reports and photographs of upper gastrointestinal endoscopies (UGE) and esophageal biopsies of patients with symptoms of esophageal dysfunction. Patients who were treated with PPI or had other conditions that may cause esophageal eosinophilia were excluded. RESULTS: Of the 2,036 patients evaluated, endoscopic findings of EoE were identified in 248 (12.2%) and more than one abnormality was observed in 167 (8.2%). Among all patients, 154 (7.6%) presented esophageal eosinophilia (≥15 eosinophils per high power field) (P<0.01). In this group, 30 patients (19.5%) had normal endoscopy. In patients with EoE, edema (74% vs 6.5%, P<0.01) and furrows (66.2% vs 2.4%, P<0.01) were more prevalent than in the control group. Association of edema and furrows was more frequent in patients with EoE than in the control group (29.2% vs 1.6%, P<0.01, OR=24.7, CI=15.0-40.5). The presence of more than one endoscopic finding had sensitivity of 80.5%, specificity of 93.4%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 50%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.3%, and accuracy of 92.4%. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study showed that endoscopic features suggestive of EoE had high specificity and NPV for diagnosing EoE in children naïve to PPI therapy. These findings highlight the importance of the EREFS in contributing to early identification of inflammatory and fibrostenosing characteristics of EoE, making it possible to identify and to avoid progression of the disease. BACKGROUND: • The EoE endoscopic reference score (EREFS) was developed and validated in adults and has been demonstrated to be an adequate tool for diagnosing and assessing treatment response in children. BACKGROUND: • The presence of more than one endoscopic finding stronglysuggests EoE. BACKGROUND: • The EoE endoscopic reference score presents high specificity and negative predictive value for diagnosing EoE in children naïve to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. BACKGROUND: • Endoscopic findings suggestive of EoE in patients naïve to treatment may be useful to characterize disease phenotype and individualize treatment according to the initial clinical presentation.

The Remaining Challenge to Diagnose and Manage Cow's Milk Allergy: An Opinion Paper to Daily Clinical Practice.

Guidelines and recommendations for the diagnosis and management of cow's milk allergy (CMA) in childhood are based on scientific review of the available evidence. While this approach is the most rigorous, guidelines may not fully address all scenarios encountered by clinicians. Many symptoms of CMA overlap with other common childhood illnesses and are subjectively reported by the caregivers of the infant, as is the interpretation of the dietary interventions. Additionally, many healthcare professionals and caregivers do not follow the recommendations to perform an oral food challenge or reintroduction of cow's milk after a diagnostic elimination diet because (1) the infant is doing well and (2) the carer's fear of symptoms relapsing with this procedure. As a result, CMA in infants may be either under-diagnosed leading to reduced quality of life for families or over-diagnosed, resulting in unnecessary long-term elimination diets and increasing the risk for nutritional deficiencies. This paper discusses some of these controversial topics, focusing on misdiagnosis and mismanagement in clinical practice. The lack of objective diagnostic criteria can hamper the diagnosis and management of CMA in daily practice.

Current Guidelines and Future Strategies for the Management of Cow's Milk Allergy.

ABSTRACT: Exclusive breast feeding is recommended in all guidelines as the first choice feeding. Cow milk allergy (CMA) can be diagnosed by a diagnostic elimination diet for 2 to 4 weeks with a hypo-allergenic formula, followed by a challenge test with intact cow milk protein. The most often used hypo-allergenic formula for the diagnostic elimination diet and the therapeutic diet is a CM based extensive hydrolysate. CM-based partial hydrolysates cannot be recommended in the management of CMA because of insufficient efficacy and possible reactions, but about half of the infants with CMA may tolerate a partial hydrolysate. The pros and cons of other dietary options are discussed in this paper. The use of an amino acid-based formula and/or rice based hydrolysate formula during the diagnostic elimination and therapeutic diet is debated. When available, there is sufficient evidence to consider rice hydrolysates as an adequate alternative to CM-based hydrolysates, since some infants will still react to the CM hydrolysate. The pros and cons of dietary options such as soy formula, buckwheat, almond, pea or other plant based dietary products are discussed. Although the majority of the plant-based beverages are nutritionally inadequate, some are nutritionally adapted for toddlers. However, accessibility and content vary by country and, thus far there is insufficient evidence on the efficacy and tolerance of these plant-based drinks (except for soy formula and rice hydrolysates) to provide an opinion on them. CONCLUSION: A diagnostic elimination diet, followed by a challenge remains the diagnostic standard. The use of an awareness tool may result in a decrease of delayed diagnosis. Breastmilk remains the ideal source of nutrition and when not available a CM extensively hydrolyzed formula, rice hydrolysate or amino acid formula should be recommended. More evidence is needed regarding plant-based drinks.

A survey on clinical presentation and nutritional status of infants with suspected cow' milk allergy.

BACKGROUND: Cow's milk is the most common food allergen in infants and the diagnosis of cow's milk allergy is difficult, even with the use of several diagnostic tests. Therefore, elimination diets and challenge tests are essential for the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder. The aim of this study is to report the clinical presentation and nutritional status of children evaluated by pediatric gastroenterologists for the assessment of symptoms suggestive of cow's milk allergy. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was performed among 9,478 patients evaluated by 30 pediatric gastroenterologists for 40 days in 5 different geographical regions in Brazil. Clinical data were collected from patients with symptoms suggestive of cow's milk allergy. The nutritional status of infants (age < or = 24 months) seen for the first time was evaluated according to z-scores for weight-for-age, weight-for-height, and height-for-age. Epi-Info (CDC-NCHS, 2000) software was used to calculate z-scores. RESULTS: The prevalence of suspected cow's milk allergy in the study population was 5.4% (513/9,478), and the incidence was 2.2% (211/9,478). Among 159 infants seen at first evaluation, 15.1% presented with a low weight-for-age z score (< -2.0 standard deviation - SD), 8.7% with a low weight-for-height z score (< -2.0 SD), and 23.9% with a low height-for-age z score (< -2.0 SD). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of nutritional deficits among infants with symptoms suggestive of cow's milk allergy indicates that effective elimination diets should be prescribed to control allergy symptoms and to prevent or treat malnutrition.

Acurácia do escore de referência endoscópico para esofagite eosinofílica em crianças / Accuracy of the eosinophilic esophagitis endoscopic reference score in children

ABSTRACT Background: To assess the efficacy of applying the endoscopic reference score for EoE (EREFS) in children with symptoms of esophageal dysfunction naïve to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing reports and photographs of upper gastrointestinal endoscopies (UGE) and esophageal biopsies of patients with symptoms of esophageal dysfunction. Patients who were treated with PPI or had other conditions that may cause esophageal eosinophilia were excluded. Results: Of the 2,036 patients evaluated, endoscopic findings of EoE were identified in 248 (12.2%) and more than one abnormality was observed in 167 (8.2%). Among all patients, 154 (7.6%) presented esophageal eosinophilia (≥15 eosinophils per high power field) (P<0.01). In this group, 30 patients (19.5%) had normal endoscopy. In patients with EoE, edema (74% vs 6.5%, P<0.01) and furrows (66.2% vs 2.4%, P<0.01) were more prevalent than in the control group. Association of edema and furrows was more frequent in patients with EoE than in the control group (29.2% vs 1.6%, P<0.01, OR=24.7, CI=15.0-40.5). The presence of more than one endoscopic finding had sensitivity of 80.5%, specificity of 93.4%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 50%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.3%, and accuracy of 92.4%. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study showed that endoscopic features suggestive of EoE had high specificity and NPV for diagnosing EoE in children naïve to PPI therapy. These findings highlight the importance of the EREFS in contributing to early identification of inflammatory and fibrostenosing characteristics of EoE, making it possible to identify and to avoid progression of the disease.

RESUMO Contexto: Avaliar a eficácia da aplicação do escore de referência endoscópico para EoE (EREFS) em crianças com sintomas de disfunção esofágica sem tratamento prévio com inibidores da bomba de prótons (IBP). Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal observacional por meio de revisão de laudos e fotos de endoscopia digestiva alta (EDA) e biópsias de esôfago de pacientes com sintomas de disfunção esofágica. Pacientes tratados com IBP ou com outras condições que podem causar eosinofilia esofágica foram excluídos. Resultados: Dos 2.036 pacientes avaliados, os achados endoscópicos de EoE foram identificados em 248 (12,2%) e mais de uma anormalidade foi observada em 167 (8,2%). Entre todos os pacientes, 154 (7,6%) apresentaram eosinofilia esofágica (≥15 eosinófilos por campo de grande aumento) (P<0,01). Nesse grupo, 30 pacientes (19,5%) apresentaram endoscopia normal. Em pacientes com EoE, edema (74% vs 6,5%, P<0,01) e linhas verticais (66,2% vs 2,4%, P<0,01) foram mais prevalentes quando comparados ao grupo controle. A associação de edema e linhas verticais foi mais frequente em pacientes com EoE do que no grupo controle (29,2% vs 1,6%, P<0,01, OR=24,7, IC=15,0-40,5). A presença de mais de um achado endoscópico teve sensibilidade de 80,5%, especificidade de 93,4%, valor preditivo positivo de 50%, valor preditivo negativo de 98,3% e acurácia de 92,4%. Conclusão: Em conclusão, esse estudo mostrou que as características endoscópicas sugestivas de EoE apresentam especificidade e VPN elevados para o diagnóstico da enfermidade em crianças sem tratamento prévio com IBP. Estes achados reforçam a importância do EREFS em contribuir para a identificação precoce de características inflamatórias e fibroestenosantes, possibilitando identificar e evitar a progressão da doença.

An update to the Milk Allergy in Primary Care guideline.

The Milk Allergy in Primary (MAP) Care guideline was first published in 2013 in this journal. MAP aimed to provide simple and accessible algorithms for UK clinicians in primary care, detailing all the steps between initial presentation, through diagnosis, management and tolerance development. Despite its UK focus, it soon became clear that MAP was being accessed internationally and thus an updated International Milk Allergy in Primary Care (iMAP) guideline was published in 2017. Both guidelines used existing international consensus guidelines to develop accessible algorithms accompanied by patient information leaflets. In 2018, the guidelines were criticised for 3 distinct reasons: promoting the overdiagnosis of cow's milk allergy (CMA), negatively impacting breastfeeding and the possibility of industry influence on the guidelines. The authors address these criticisms using available evidence and, in the context of this and in consultation with patient groups, members of the General Practice Infant Feeding Network and other infant feeding healthcare leads, have collaboratively produced updated algorithms and an information leaflet to support breastfeeding. We believe iMAP is now closer to its original aim of facilitating early and accurate diagnosis of CMA, whilst minimising, as far as possible, any concerns around overdiagnosis or a risk to breastfeeding rates. We continue to welcome open and constructive engagement about how best to achieve these aims to provide evidence-based, practical guidelines for the primary care practitioner.

[Eosinophilic esophagitis in 29 pediatric patients]. / Esofagite eosinofílica em 29 pacientes pediátricos.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic esophagitis is a recently described entity with esophageal symptoms like gastroesophageal reflux disease and significant esophageal eosinophilic infiltration. AIM: To present our clinical series of 29 children with eosinophilic esophagitis, describing the clinical and diagnostic features, treatment and outcome. METHODS: We describe 29 patients (22 boys), 1-18 years-old, with 20 eosinophils per high-power field in esophageal biopsy specimens and absence of eosinophilic inflammation in the stomach and duodenum. Evaluation of the clinical, endoscopic and histologic findings, treatment and outcome was undertaken. RESULTS: The most common presenting symptoms included vomiting in 15 patients (52%) and abdominal pain in 11 patients (38%). Children under the age of 4 years presented with feeding disorder and failure to thrive. Patients between 5 and 8 years of age presented commonly with abdominal pain or symptoms that may be associated with reflux (heartburn and/or vomiting). Patients over the age of 8 presented most often with abdominal pain, dysphagia and occasional food impaction. Endoscopic features included vertical furrowing in 14 patients (48%), whitish papules in 12 (41%), corrugated rings in 2 patients (7%) and esophageal erosions in 3 patients (10%). In seven patients endoscopy was normal (24%). Treatment included swallowed fluticasone propionate in 19 patients and restriction diet in 7 patients. Patients who returned for follow-up had either improvement or remission of symptoms. After treatment, endoscopic biopsies were repeated in 11 patients, and a significant decrease in esophageal eosinophil counts was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis must be considered when symptoms of reflux do not respond to conventional treatment. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy must be complemented by a detailed analysis of histologic findings and eosinophil counts.

Correction to: Better recognition, diagnosis and management of non-IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy in infancy: iMAP-an international interpretation of the MAP (Milk Allergy in Primary Care) guideline.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13601-017-0162-y.].

Probiotics and zinc in acute infectious gastroenteritis in children: are they effective?

OBJECTIVE: Several studies in recent decades have assessed the effects of different probiotics in acute gastroenteritis, showing that specific strains of Lactobacilli (mainly Lactobacillus casei GG) and Saccharomyces boulardii may exert some beneficial therapeutic actions, mainly when used in rotavirus gastroenteritis, at a high dose, and in the early phase. The mechanisms of action of probiotics are not completely elucidated but seem to involve a complex interaction among epithelial, molecular, metabolic, and immune responses. Data on the prevention of community-acquired, nosocomial, and travelers' diarrhea are currently conflicting. Because each micro-organism has different properties, an accurate selection of the strain, dose, and patient should be cautiously considered. METHODS AND RESULTS: Several reports from developing countries have demonstrated that supplements of zinc also provide significant reduction in stool output and duration, persistency, and severity of diarrhea. In view of the published data and of the different actions of zinc (such as improvement of the immune status, intestinal permeability, epithelial and enzymatic function, and electrolyte transport), the use of zinc as adjunctive therapy to oral rehydration solution has the potential to improve the management of diarrhea and decrease complications in children worldwide. In contrast to probiotics, which most trials in the developed world have used, there has been no trial with zinc performed in developed countries. CONCLUSION: Data on the effect of a combined administration of zinc and probiotics in acute gastroenteritis are urgently needed.

Better recognition, diagnosis and management of non-IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy in infancy: iMAP-an international interpretation of the MAP (Milk Allergy in Primary Care) guideline.

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common presentations of food allergy seen in early childhood. It is also one of the most complex food allergies, being implicated in IgE-mediated food allergy as well as diverse manifestations of non-IgE-mediated food allergy. For example, gastrointestinal CMA may present as food protein induced enteropathy, enterocolitis or proctocolitis. Concerns regarding the early and timely diagnosis of CMA have been highlighted over the years. In response to these, guideline papers from the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, Europe, the Americas and the World Allergy Organisation have been published. The UK guideline, 'Diagnosis and management of non-IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy in infancy-a UK primary care practical guide' was published in this journal in 2013. This Milk Allergy in Primary Care (MAP) guideline outlines in simple algorithmic form, both the varying presentations of cow's milk allergy and also focuses on the practical management of the most common presentation, namely mild-to-moderate non-IgE-mediated allergy. Based on the international uptake of the MAP guideline, it became clear that there was a need for practical guidance beyond the UK. Consequently, this paper presents an international interpretation of the MAP guideline to help practitioners in primary care settings around the world. It incorporates further published UK guidance, feedback from UK healthcare professionals and affected families and, importantly, also international guidance and expertise.

Pediatrician's knowledge on the approach of functional constipation. / Conhecimento do pediatra sobre o manejo da constipação intestinal funcional.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pediatrician's knowledge regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of childhood functional constipation. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed with the application of a self-administered questionnaire concerning a hypothetical clinical case of childhood functional constipation with fecal incontinence to physicians (n=297) randomly interviewed at the 36th Brazilian Congress of Pediatrics in 2013. RESULTS: The majority of the participants were females, the mean age was 44.1 years, the mean time of professional practice was 18.8 years; 56.9% were Board Certified by the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics. Additional tests were ordered by 40.4%; including abdominal radiography (19.5%), barium enema (10.4%), laboratory tests (9.8%), abdominal ultrasound (6.7%), colonoscopy (2.4%), manometry and rectal biopsy (both 1.7%). The most common interventions included lactulose (26.6%), mineral oil (17.5%), polyethylene glycol (14.5%), fiber supplement (9.1%) and milk of magnesia (5.4%). Nutritional guidance (84.8%), fecal disimpaction (17.2%) and toilet training (19.5%) were also indicated. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that pediatricians do not adhere to current recommendations for the management of childhood functional constipation, as unnecessary tests were ordered and the first-line treatment was not prescribed.

[Diagnosis of reflux esophagitis in infants: histology of the distal esophagus must complement upper gastrointestinal endoscopy]. / Diagnóstico de esofagite de refluxo em lactentes: a histologia do esôfago distal deve complementar a endoscopia digestiva alta.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to validate the endoscopic findings against histologic features of the distal esophageal mucosa for the diagnosis of reflux esophagitis in infants. METHODS: The data records of 167 patients (88 M; 79F) aged 38-364 days, referred for investigation of reflux esophagitis, between January 1995 and December 2000 were retrospectively reviewed. The association between nominal (presence or absence of esophagitis) and ordinal (grades of esophagitis) variables was analyzed through a correlation between the results of endoscopic findings and histology. RESULTS: Endoscopy when compared with histologic analysis had a sensitivity of 45%; specificity of 71%; positive and negative predictive value of 89% and 21% respectively; and accuracy of 50%. Additionally, this study demonstrated that there was a poor correlation between endoscopic and histologic findings when endoscopy was normal or when endoscopic grade I esophagitis was observed (p = 0.10). Normal esophageal appearance failed to identify 79.2% of patients with histologic esophagitis. Conversely, amongst patients with endoscopic grade I esophagitis, 12.1% had normal histology. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that whilst endoscopy had a specificity of 71%, it did not attain an acceptable range of sensitivity (45%) to justify performing an endoscopy without biopsy, as many true cases of esophagitis would not be detected; and that the presence of grade I (non-erosive) esophagitis at endoscopy did not increase the value of the test in predicting histologic abnormality.