Food Allergy Related Pediatric Constipation: Appropriate Time Of Tolerance

Abstract

RATIONALE: The aim of this study was to assess the relation between food allergy and pediatric constipation and to determine the timing of achieving tolerance in these patients. METHODS: Fifty-four children (median age 25 months) with chronic constipation, not responding to 3 months laxative therapy, were included (group I). As controls were used twenty healthy children (group II). Serum specific IgEs to cow milk, egg, wheat, rice, corn, and soy were measured with the CAP-FEIA. Skin prick and atopy patch tests were performed for the same allergens. RESULTS: All children in the control group had negative CAP, SPT and APT to all food allergens. In group I 26/54 children (48%) had positive APT. Of these, 10/26 (38%) were APT and CAP positive, while 8/26 (30%) were APT and SPT positive. Of the 26 APT positive children 8 (8/26, 30%) had positive APT to one food allergen, 10/26 (38%) had positive APT to two food allergens and 8/26 (30%) to 3 or more food allergens. Positive APT to egg was found in 17/26, to wheat in 16/26, to soy in 9/26, to cow milk in 8/26, to rice in 4/26 and to corn in 3/26. The cumulative percentage of patients achieving tolerance was 19% at 6 months, 78% at 12 months and 100% at 24 months of elimination CONCLUSIONS: Food allergy seems to be a significant etiologic factor for constipation in infants and young children. Based on this study, approximately 3 out of 4 patients achieved tolerance within the first 12 months of strict food allergens elimination