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Hydrolyzed Protein Formula for Allergy Prevention in Preterm Infants: Follow-Up Analysis of a Randomized,
Antonio Di Mauro1, Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre1, Giulia Brindisi2
1Section of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, "Aldo Moro" University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
Insights
Extensively hydrolyzed protein formula did not prevent allergic diseases in preterm infants. This study found no significant differences in atopic dermatitis, asthma, or food allergies between hydrolyzed and intact protein formulas.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Allergy and Immunology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Allergic diseases represent a significant global health concern.
- Early nutrition is increasingly recognized for its role in allergy development.
- Hydrolyzed protein formulas are explored for preventing allergies, particularly in high-risk term infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if hydrolyzed protein formula prevents allergy development in preterm infants.
- Comparison between extensively hydrolyzed protein formula and intact protein formula.
- Inclusion of preterm infants with and without allergy risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A 3-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial.
- Evaluation of atopic dermatitis, asthma, and IgE-mediated food allergies using a parental questionnaire.
- Assessment of food sensitization via skin prick tests at 3 years of age.
Main Results:
- 18 out of 30 infants in the intact protein group and 16 out of 30 in the hydrolyzed group completed the study.
- No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the incidence of atopic dermatitis, asthma, IgE-mediated food allergies, or food sensitization.
- The study was limited by a small number of participants.
Conclusions:
- Extensively hydrolyzed protein formula appears ineffective for preventing allergic diseases in preterm neonates.
- Larger, well-powered randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings.
- Further research is needed to establish optimal nutritional strategies for allergy prevention in this population.
Abstract:
Background: Allergic diseases are a major public health burden worldwide. Evidence suggests that early nutrition might play a key role in the future development of allergies and the use of hydrolyzed protein formulas have been proposed to prevent allergic disease, mainly in term infants with risk factors. Aim: To evaluate the preventive effect of a hydrolyzed protein formula vs. an intact protein formula on allergy development in preterm infants with or without risk factors. Methods: We performed a 3-year follow-up study of a previous triple-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial. Evidence of atopic dermatitis, asthma and IgE-mediated food allergies were evaluated according to a validated parental questionnaire (Comprehensive Early Childhood Allergy Questionnaire). Food sensitization was also investigated by skin prick test at 3 years of chronological age. Results: Of the 30 subjects in the intact protein formula group and 30 in the extensively hydrolyzed formula group, respectively 18 and 16 completed the 3-year follow-up and entered the final analysis. No group differences in the incidence of atopic dermatitis, asthma, IgE-mediated food allergies, and food sensitization were found. Conclusion: Despite the small number of cases, extensively hydrolyzed protein formula seems to be ineffective in allergic diseases prevention in preterm neonates. Further adequately powered, randomized controlled trials evaluating hydrolyzed protein formula administration to prevent allergic diseases in preterm neonates are needed.
