[Cow's milk allergy: diagnostic process. Expert consensus]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
• Gastroenterology
• Neonatology

Context:

• Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a common food allergy in infants and children.
• Diagnosis is complicated by diverse clinical manifestations and varying onset during pediatric development.
• Risk of misdiagnosis (under- or over-diagnosis) necessitates standardized diagnostic approaches.

Purpose:

• To establish updated, interdisciplinary recommendations for the accurate diagnosis of cow's milk protein allergy.
• To synthesize current scientific evidence with expert clinical experience.
• To improve the diagnostic process and patient management.

Summary:

• Utilized the Delphi method, integrating expertise from neonatology, pediatrics, allergy, nutrition, and gastroenterology.
• Developed consensus-based recommendations reflecting both scientific data and clinical experience.
• Addressed the complexities of CMPA diagnosis across different pediatric stages.

Impact:

• Facilitates more accurate and timely diagnosis of CMPA in pediatric populations.
• Promotes enhanced, collaborative care among healthcare professionals involved in CMPA management.
• Aims to reduce the incidence of diagnostic errors and improve patient outcomes.