Predictors of the outcome of the Oral Food Challenge for Cow's Milk Protein Allergy: Raw vs. processed foods

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the population of children with IgE-mediated CMPA tolerant to processed or raw CMP in the OFC, comparing their clinical, epidemiological and laboratory characteristics and evaluating the possible predictors of outcomes associated with these different presentations of CMP. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out in an allergy clinic of a tertiary hospital in Fortaleza, Ceará. Data collection was carried out between October 2018 and September 2019. The questionnaire was filled out with epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data found in the medical records. The total sample was composed of 49 children with IgE-mediated CMPA tolerant to processed or raw foods in the OFC. Results: The comparison of the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of populations tolerant to raw foods vs. processed (respectively) showed similarities, such as the predominance of the male gender (60% vs. 57.9%); mixed ethnicity (73.3% vs. 68.4%); delivery at term (80% vs. 77 .8%); no complications during pregnancy (58.3% vs. 80.0%) or childbirth (70% vs. 78.9); mean maternal age (32 years vs. 35 years); level of education of the mothers (complete high school - 43.3% vs. 47.4%); age of onset of CMPA symptoms between 1 and 6 months (76.7% vs. 68.4%); exclusive breastfeeding for 4 to 6 months (60% vs. 68.45%); family history of food allergy (73% vs. 68.4%); and respiratory (38.9% vs. 35.7%) and food allergies (38.9% vs. 35.7%) as the main allergic comorbidities. Regarding laboratory data, most protein fractions had values = 10 kU/L in both groups. It was found that maternal age (p = 0.006) and age of introduction of formula (p = 0.020) were statistically significant in the group of patients tolerant to processed foods. Conclusions: It was observed that maternal age (p = 0.006) and age of introduction of formula (p = 0.020) were statistically significant in the group of patients tolerant to processed foods. Laboratory data were proportionally distributed across the two groups, with a higher frequency of values lower than or equal to 10 kU/L for all CMP fractions, with no statistical significance between the groups. Similar population studies in IgE-mediated CMPA populations are important to better characterize this phenotype and optimize diagnostic tools and treatment protocols. The role of baked therapy is also noteworthy, as it helps patients to develop tolerance to different presentations of CMP more quickly, improving their quality of life.