Abstract

CUBIDES-MUNEVAR, Ángela Mayerly et al. Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to cow’s milk protein allergy. Rev Col Gastroenterol [online]. 2020, vol.35, n.1, pp.92-103. ISSN 0120-9957.  https://doi.org/10.22516/25007440.379.

The worldwide prevalence of cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is approximately 1.9% to 4.9%. Its prevalence in Colombia is unknown. A high percentage of cases are unsuspected by medical personnel resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment which increase the time and resources used to establish the etiology of this condition in children. The clinical history is fundamental for diagnosis of CMPA, especially the background evaluation. Of special importance are early exposure to the protein and atopy in first degree relatives. CMPA’s initial presentation may be digestive, cutaneous or respiratory. Digestive symptoms can include vomiting and acute diarrhea, and cutaneous symptoms include hives, dermatitis and angioedema. Respiratory and systemic manifestations occur less frequently. The wide variety of clinical manifestations and signs can challenge health care professionals who are not alert to this pathology to the point that the diagnosis is not even considered event though delaying the suspension of cow’s milk protein from the diet delays access to an effective treatment. The well-recognized ideal treatment is an exclusion diet which requires strict compliance. For children who are exclusively breastfed, the mother’s diet must restrict milk and its derivatives. Children who are not breastfed, should be fed formulas of extensively hydrolyzed milk proteins based on amino acids. The prognosis is favorable, and most children will tolerate cow’s milk proteins at two years. The process may take more years for polysensitive patients. Oral immunotherapy is an option that is available for patients who do not achieve toleration.

Keywords : Cow’s milk protein allergy; clinical practice; guidelines; diagnosis; treatment; prevention.

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