Emerging triggers of food protein–induced enterocolitis syndrome: Lessons from a pediatric cohort of 74 children in the United States

Abstract

BackgroundFood protein–induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is an infrequent non–IgE-mediated gastrointestinal allergic disorder that occurs mostly in infants and young children. FPIES food triggers vary among different geographic locations, and the condition is still underdiagnosed and underrecognized. ObjectiveTo identify the triggers, characteristics, and management of FPIES in a pediatric US population of 74 children presenting to a tertiary center during a 3-year period. MethodsWe performed a retrospective electronic record review of all pediatric patients with a diagnosis of FPIES who presented to Texas Children's Hospital emergency centers and clinics. ResultsMost of our patients were white, and 65% had a positive family history of atopy. The median age at the first FPIES episode was 5 months (interquartile range, 4-6 months), and the median age at diagnosis was 11 months (interquartile range, 7-16 months). Grains (88%), cow's milk (49%), and vegetables (43%) were the most common food triggers in our cohort. Of the fruits, banana (24%) and avocado (16%) were predominantly reported. More than half of our patients experienced FPIES to multiple food triggers. ConclusionIn our cohort, rice (53%) was the most common individual food trigger, surpassing cow's milk and soybean, previously reported as the most prevalent FPIES triggers in the United States. Banana (24%) and avocado (16%) rates were also much higher than in other studied populations, likely a reflection of different dietary and weaning habits in our area. Time from disease presentation to diagnosis was delayed, potentially because of difficulties in disease recognition. We noted a significant percentage of multiple-food FPIES in contrast to other populations.