Severe Reactions to Cow's Milk in Very Young Infants At Risk of Atopy

Abstract

Cow's milk (CM) allergy (CMA) is a disease of infancy, usually appearing in the first months of life. Symptoms triggered by CM at first introduction are not completely defined. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of severe reaction to CM and clinical manifestation triggered by CM administration in the first few months of life. Particularly sensitizing appears to be the exposure to CM formulas in the neonatal nursery. The little doses of allergens are more sensitizing than larger ones. These data provide clear evidence of the immunological effects of oral antigen administration during the neonatal period. Babies at risk of atopy should receive in their first days colostrum and/or formulas appropriate for atopy prevention. In this prospective study, we evaluated 27 babies in order to ascertain the prevalence of CM-induced severe reactions.