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Gastroesophageal reflux and cow's milk allergy in infants: a prospective study

G Iacono1, A Carroccio, F Cavataio

  • 1Second Divisione Pediatria, Ospedale G. di Cristina, Universita di Palermo, Italy.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|March 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Gastroesophageal reflux in infants may be linked to cow's milk allergy. This study found a 41.8% association, suggesting allergy testing for refluxing infants under one year old.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Allergy Immunology

Background:

  • Emerging evidence suggests a link between food allergies and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in children.
  • Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a common concern in infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the frequency of GER associated with CMPA in infants under one year of age.
  • To differentiate between primary GER and GER secondary to CMPA.

Main Methods:

  • 204 infants diagnosed with GER via 24-hour pH monitoring and esophageal biopsy were studied.
  • Diagnostic methods included clinical history, allergy testing (IgE, prick tests, eosinophils), and a cow's milk-free diet with blind challenges.

Main Results:

  • Cow's milk allergy was confirmed in 85 out of 204 patients (41.8%) with GER.
  • Infants with GER and CMPA showed different clinical presentations, including higher rates of diarrhea and atopic dermatitis.
  • Allergy testing and dietary challenges confirmed CMPA as a likely cause of GER in a significant portion of patients.

Conclusions:

  • Cow's milk allergy is a frequent, likely causative factor for GER in infants under 12 months.
  • Routine evaluation for CMPA is recommended for infants presenting with GER symptoms.
  • Early diagnosis and management of CMPA can potentially resolve GER in affected infants.
Abstract

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