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Sandifer's syndrome in a breast-fed infant
G Corrado1, M Cavaliere, P D'Eufemia
1Institute of Pediatrics, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy.
Insights
Sandifer's syndrome, a rare condition in infants, may be linked to cow's milk protein allergy. Symptoms resolved in a breast-fed infant after switching to formula, suggesting a dietary trigger.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Sandifer's syndrome is a rare condition characterized by abnormal posturing in infants, often associated with gastroesophageal reflux (GER).
- Literature review indicates a low incidence of breast-feeding among infants diagnosed with Sandifer's syndrome.
Observation:
- A 15-day-old exclusively breast-fed infant presented with symptoms consistent with Sandifer's syndrome.
- Diagnostic evaluation confirmed pathological gastroesophageal reflux (GER) via 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring.
Findings:
- The infant's Sandifer's syndrome symptoms completely resolved upon transitioning to a cow's milk-based formula.
- This clinical improvement suggests a potential link between breast milk protein content and symptom exacerbation.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that food allergy to dietary proteins, specifically cow's milk proteins transferred through breast milk, may play a role in Sandifer's syndrome.
- Further investigation into maternal dietary modifications and hypoallergenic formulas may be beneficial for managing Sandifer's syndrome in breast-fed infants.
Abstract:
Sandifer's syndrome is a rare manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in children, occurring in association with abnormal movements of the head, neck, and upper part of the trunk. Out of 65 children with Sandifer's syndrome described in literature, only 2 were breast-fed. We report on a 15-day-old breast-fed girl affected by Sandifer's syndrome. Pathological GER was diagnosed with 24 h pH esophageal monitoring. In our patient, all the symptoms of Sandifer's syndrome disappeared when she was cow's milk formula-fed. The role of food allergy to dietary proteins ingested by a lactating mother is discussed.