Outcomes of treating infants with cow’s milk protein allergies with an extensively hydrolyzed serum-based formula

Abstract

Introduction: Cow’s milk protein allergies (CMPA) are the most frequent food allergies in the first year of life. Current evidence about responses to an extensively hydrolyzed serum based formula is insufficient. Objective: This study’s objective was to determine clinical outcomes in infants with CMPA to an extensively hydrolyzed serum based formula (Nutrilón Pepti Junior®). Methodology: This is a retrospective case series study of infants 12 months old or younger diagnosed with CMPA in the outpatient clinic of a pediatric gastroenterology service between January 2011 and October 2015. Information including demographic data, digestive manifestations, time of onset of symptoms, anthropometry and clinical responses to formula was abstracted from a review of clinical histories. Patients’ nutritional statuses at first and one year follow-up consultations were compared using Student’s t-test. Results: Forty infants (42.5% males) whose average age was 3.3 ± 2.4 months were included. Their symptoms included vomiting/regurgitation, colic/irritability and bloody stools. Family and perinatal history related to the development of CMPA included bottle feeding in the first week of life (27 patients, 67.5%), mothers who were thirty years of age or older (33 patients, 82.5%), atopy in two family members (12 patients, 30 %) and cesarean deliveries (30 patients, 75%). Thirty-seven patients (92.5%) responded positively to an extensively hydrolyzed serum based formula while three patients (7.5%) did not respond and required a milk-free amino acid based formula. The first consultation z-score of P/E was-0.69 ± 1.03 while the first consultation z-score of P/T was-0.79 ± 1.00. These improved at the one year follow-up to (p <0.05) P/E:-0.27 ± 0.98 and P/T:-0.14 ± 0.98, respectively. Conclusion: Nutritional recovery and tolerance to cow’s milk was found in a high percentage of infants with CMPA who received an extensively hydrolyzed serum based formula.