[Cow's milk protein intolerance: clinical and pathogenic aspects (author's transl)]

Cow's milk protein intolerance is a transient food intolerance of early infancy. Ingestion of cow's milk protein causes an enteropathy of variable degree. Clinical manifestations are primarily gastrointestinal, although dermal and respiratory symptoms add to the clinical syndrome. Three types are found: an acute anaphylactic reaction, a chronic mild form, and a chronic severe form which is of utmost practical importance in severe protracted diarrhoea of infancy. A graduated diagnostic procedure is proposed, taking into account clinical and morphological reactions to cow's milk proteins. Pathogenesis is immunologically mediated. A concept of transient food protein intolerance is developed which has to be separated from the permanent intolerance of gluten in coeliac disease. Prognosis of cow's milk protein intolerance is excellent after elimination of the offending agent. Breast feeding seems to be effective in prevention of the disease.