Immunoglobulin E to cow's-milk protein in breast-fed atopic children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
• Immunology
• Allergology

Background:

• Cow's-milk protein (CMP) allergy is a common concern in infants.
• Atopic infants often present with multiple allergen sensitivities.
• Breastfeeding is generally recommended but potential risks need consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between breastfeeding and IgE-mediated cow's-milk protein allergy in asthmatic children.
• To compare allergic infants with and without IgE to CMP regarding breastfeeding history.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 36 asthmatic children (10 months to 5 years) with a strong family history of atopy.
• Comparison of breastfeeding history between 18 children with IgE to CMP and 18 age-matched controls without IgE to CMP.
• Assessment of IgE to multiple allergens and milk-induced immediate reactions.

Main Results:

• A history of breastfeeding was significantly higher in children with IgE to CMP (p < 0.03).
• Immediate reactions to milk were more frequent in the CMP-specific IgE group.
• Atopic breast-fed infants showed a higher incidence of sensitization to food antigens.

Conclusions:

• Breastfeeding may be associated with an increased risk of developing IgE-mediated cow's-milk protein allergy in susceptible infants.
• Early sensitization to food antigens, including CMP, can occur inadvertently in breast-fed infants.
• Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and implications of breastfeeding in pediatric allergy development.