PIH53 EXAMINING OF PERINATAL CIRCUMSTANCES IN CHILDREN WITH COW’S MILK PROTEIN ALLERGY

Abstract

Nutritional allergies in children are a frequent topic of studies, considering the increasing number of affected individuals and the diversity of symptoms. Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is the most common food allergy in children, with a prevalence of 2-6%. The aim of our study was to examine the perinatal circumstances in children with cow’s milk protein allergy. The study was conducted at the Pediatric Gastroenterology Department in Szekszárd, Hungary. The research population (n=47) included children (0-18 years) with cow’s milk protein allergy. This research subtopic analyses questionnaire data. Beside the various clinical presentation, demographic, socio-economic and medical data of the research population and their families were also reviewed. 47 children were included (57.4% male, mean age: 7.36 years, SD: 4.22). 23.4% of mothers and 25.5% of fathers were diagnosed with either atopy or an inflammatory bowel disease; examining the siblings of the affected children, 45.7% have one of these conditions (12 children do not have any siblings). In the study population, 8.5% were born prematurely and 85.1% were born at term (6.4% did not answer). 46.8% were exclusively breastfed in the first 6 months. The introduction of dairy products before 12 months was observed in 46.8% of the study population, 48.9% received dairy between 12-24 months, and 4.3% first consumed milk after 24 months. Based on our results, a positive family history for atopy and/or inflammatory bowel disease can increase the risk of developing cow’s milk protein allergy; siblings with affected parents showed a higher prevalence of food allergy. A significant effect of feeding or gestational age on the risk of developing CMPA was not observed. The time of introduction of dairy to the child’s diet did not represent a significant difference in our research population.