[Prevalence of soya allergy in children with cow's milk allergy]

Because of contradictory data about the prevalence of soya allergy in children recommendations for the use of the protein-based formulas are ambiguous. THE AIM of the study was to estimate the prevalence of soya allergy in children with IgE-associated cow's milk allergy.

Ninety seven patients aged from six months to four years with personal history suggestive of food allergy with specific IgE to cow's milk protein attending the Department of Pediatrics, Allergology and Gastroenterology between 2000-2002 were studied. In all patients specific IgE to soya protein were detected.

In 45% children with IgE-associated cow's milk allergy specific IgE to soya protein were detected. Clinical manifestation in both groups of children with or without specific IgE to soya protein was similar. Gastrointestinal tract symptoms were observed more often in children with cow's milk and soya allergy than in children with cow's milk allergy (52 and 42% respectively) and atopic dermatitis was observed more often in children with cow's milk allergy than in children with cow's milk and soya allergy (81 and 74% respectively). The incidence of respiratory tract symptoms in both groups of children was similar. The differences were not statistically significant.

It seems, that hydrolyzed formulas should be the preferred choice for children because of a high prevalence of soya protein allergy in children with IgE- associated cow's milk allergy.