Natural history of immunoglobulin E-mediated cow's milk allergy in a population of Argentine children.

INTRODUCTION: Cow's milk protein allergy is the most common allergy in pediatrics. Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated cow's milk allergy poses a higher risk for life and a worse prognosis.

OBJETIVES: To describe the course of IgE-mediated cow's milk protein allergy and risk factors associated with disease persistence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive, retrospective study conducted in patients seen at the Division of Pediatric Allergy of Hospital Italiano between June 2006 and June 2012 who had been diagnosed with IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy.

RESULTS: Out of the 72 patients with IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy, 39 (54%) were boys. Patients' average age at the time of diagnosis was 5.19 ± 3.7months old; the most common symptoms were urticaria and vomiting. Rhinitis and asthma were the most commonly observed concomitant atopic diseases. In the study period, 54.5% of patients developed tolerance at an average age of 32 months old. An 8-mm papule in the skin prick test and casein sensitization were associated with disease persistence.

CONCLUSION: Overall, 54.5% of patients developed tolerance at 32 months old. A significant association was observed between papule size at the time of diagnosis and casein sensitization and disease persistence.