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Immunogenicity of a so-called hypoallergenic formula in at-risk babies: two case reports
Insights
Partially whey hydrolysate formula (PWHF) may trigger IgE-mediated anaphylaxis in infants. Sensitization may occur early, suggesting PWHF can be immunogenic.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Clinical Immunology
- Infant Nutrition
Background:
- Cow's milk (CM) allergy is a common concern in infants.
- Partially whey hydrolysate formulas (PWHF) are often used for CM-allergic infants.
- The immunogenicity of PWHF requires further investigation.
Observation:
- Two breast-fed infants experienced anaphylaxis shortly after consuming PWHF.
- Clinical and immunologic findings were documented in both cases.
- Sensitization to PWHF appeared to occur within the first days of life in a hospital setting.
Findings:
- These case reports suggest PWHF can be immunogenic, potentially triggering IgE-mediated reactions.
- The observed anaphylaxis aligns with previous findings of intact CM protein fragments in PWHF.
- Infant sensitization to specific formula components is a critical area of study.
Implications:
- PWHF may pose an allergy risk to susceptible infants, even when hydrolyzed.
- Early-life sensitization to formula components warrants careful consideration in neonatal care.
- Further research is needed to assess the safety and immunogenicity of various infant formulas.
Abstract:
The clinical and immunologic findings of two breast-fed babies who experienced anaphylaxis after a feeding with a partially whey hydrolysate formula (PWHF) are reported. Sensitization to this formula seems to have occurred in the first days of life in the Maternity Hospital where the babies were fed the same formula. These two case reports suggest that PWHF may be immunogenic in the IgE system. This data is in agreement with previous studies which showed intact fragments of cow's milk (CM) proteins in PWHF.