Abstract:

Introduction and aim of the study: Manifestations of cow milk protein allergy include reactions occurring within minutes (e.g. anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria and vomiting), and syndromes with delayed reactions that occur within hours to days. Confirmation of the diagnosis relies on the resolution or significant improvement of symptoms following CMP elimination. The aim of this study is to categorize the gastrointestinal presentation of CMP allergy in infants and children. Material and methods: The study included 60 infants and young children (38 male and 22 female) who presented with gastrointestinal manifestations and diagnosed as cow milk allergy from September 2017 till January 2019, all children were presented with gastrointestinal symptoms, and diagnosis of cow milk protein allergy was confirmed by investigations and confirmation of improvement after elimination of cow milk products.  Other patients with same gastrointestinal presentations were excluded as inflammatory bowel diseases, Celiac and infectious gastrointestinal diseases. Results: exclusive gastrointestinal manifestations in thirty nine, while six patients presented with mixed gastrointestinal and dermatological, fifteen patients presented with gastrointestinal and respiratory manifestations. Conclusion: Diarrhea and constipation are the most common gastrointestinal presentation while food protein induced enterocolitis is the most severe.

Key words: cow milk, allergy, diarrhea and constipation

GASTROINTESTINAL PRESENTATIONS OF COW MILK PROTEIN ALLERGY IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN