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Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome Masquerading as Sepsis in Early Infancy
Taylor Pels1, Prerana Baranwal2, Edward Gill3
1Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI.
Rhode Island Medical Journal (2013)
|December 22, 2025
Summary
Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a rare cause of infant vomiting, often misdiagnosed. This case highlights FPIES mimicking sepsis in an infant, emphasizing diagnostic challenges.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is an uncommon cause of infant vomiting.
- Diagnosing FPIES is challenging due to non-specific symptoms and lack of definitive tests.
- Overlapping symptoms with other conditions, like sepsis, can lead to misdiagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of FPIES in an exclusively breastfed infant.
- To discuss the diagnostic challenges of FPIES, particularly differentiating it from sepsis.
- To identify potential distinguishing factors between FPIES and sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Review of clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment.
- Discussion of differential diagnosis, focusing on sepsis.
Main Results:
- An exclusively breastfed infant presented with emesis and dehydration.
- The infant was initially misdiagnosed with sepsis.
- The infant was eventually diagnosed with FPIES.
Conclusions:
- FPIES can present with symptoms mimicking sepsis in infants.
- Accurate diagnosis of FPIES requires careful consideration of clinical history and exclusion of other conditions.
- Distinguishing FPIES from sepsis is crucial for appropriate management and preventing delayed treatment.
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