Frequency of allergy to cow’s milk proteins and its association to other allergic diseases in patients of Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez

Abstract

Background: The cow’s milk protein allergy is the most common food allergy among children under two years and is associated with other atopic diseases. Objective: To evaluate cow’s milk protein allergy frequency in patients sensitized to them, attended at the consultation of Immunology and Allergy in the Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, and its association with other atopic diseases. Material and method: A cross-sectional, analytical and descriptive study that reviewed medical records of patients aged 0-19 years, attended at the consultation of Immunology and Allergy in the Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, from January 2010 to January 2013, sensitized to the cow’s milk protein by in vitro or in vivo studies, mediated or not by IgE, to determine its association with other atopic diseases during the course of their clinical evolution. Results: We included 252 patients with symptoms suggestive of cow’s milk protein allergy, which was diagnosed only in 15.1% by oral challenge. In relation to respiratory symptoms, about two-thirds of patients had rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction and nasal itching. Regarding gastrointestinal symptoms, about a third had abdominal pain, diarrhea and abdominal distension, being statistically significant. The most common dermatologic symptom, statistically significant, was xerosis. The most frequently associated atopic diseases were food allergy (76.3%), allergic rhinitis (65.8%), asthma (47.4%) and atopic dermatitis (23%). Conclusions: The cow’s milk protein allergy can be associated with other atopic diseases, such as allergy to other foods, allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis.

Keywords

• alergia
• proteínas de la leche de vaca.