Prevalence, Characteristics, and Outcome of Cow's Milk Protein Allergy in Chinese Infants: A Population‐Based Survey

Abstract

Background: Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is commonly seen in children. There have been no reports of the true prevalence of CMPA in Chinese infants. The aim of this population‐based study is to determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcome of CMPA in Chinese infants. Methods: We carried out a prospective survey in 7 participating hospitals throughout southern China. We included infants ≤12 months of age during the survey. For those suspected of CMPA, oral food challenge with cow's milk protein (CMP) was performed. A follow‐up telephone interview was conducted at 12 months after the diagnosis to assess the clinical outcome of CMPA. Results: A total of 9910 questionnaire surveys were distributed and 7364 (74.3%) were returned. The eligible survey number of surveys was 6768 (91.9%). A total of 182 infants was confirmed with CMPA, including 13 with anaphylactic reactions, 28 with clinical symptoms and serum immunoglobulin E (sIgE) >3.5 IU/mL, and 141 with positive CMP challenge test. The prevalence of CMPA was 2.69%. Infants with confirmed CMPA had significantly stronger family history of either 1 or both parents with food allergy, higher Cesarean section rate, and lower rate of breastfeeding, compared with those without CMPA. At 12‐month telephone follow‐up of 176 CMPA infants, 136 infants (77.3%) had become tolerant to CMP. Conclusions: The prevalence of CMPA was 2.69%. CMPA infants had a strong family history of food allergy and atopy. Both Cesarean delivery and formula feeding were risk factors for CMPA. At 12‐month follow‐up, the majority of CMPA infants had become tolerant to CMP.

Maillard Reaction Induced Changes in Allergenicity of Food

“…Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is the most frequent cause of FA in infants and young children, with a reported prevalence of 1–3% worldwide at pre-school age [ 23 , 24 , 25 ]. CMA puts a financial burden on families and health services all over the world; moreover, it draws much attention due to the importance of cow’s milk and dairy products in infants’ daily life.…”

Allergenicity evaluation of peptides from milk and yogurt after gastrointestinal digestion based on epitopes

“…The prevalence of CMA in infants has reached 2.69% in China. 1 The main allergens of cow's milk are casein (α S1 -casein, α S2 -casein, β-casein and κ-casein), β-lactoglobulin (BLG) and α-lactalbumin (ALA). There are many dairy products on sale, including pure milk, skim milk, and yogurt.…”

Assessment of the Cow’s Milk-related Symptom Score (CoMiSS) as a diagnostic tool for cow’s milk protein allergy: a prospective, multicentre study in China (MOSAIC study)

“…1 The reported prevalence of CMPA in Europe, USA and China ranges from 0.5% up to 4.9%. [2][3][4][5] While the immediate symptoms of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated CMPA are readily recognised,…”

“…Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most common food allergies in infants and young children 1. The reported prevalence of CMPA in Europe, USA and China ranges from 0.5% up to 4.9% 2–5. While the immediate symptoms of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated CMPA are readily recognised, the diagnosis of non-IgE mediated CMPA may be difficult due to the delayed onset of symptoms and overlap with other common paediatric conditions, such as infantile colic, gastro-oesophageal reflux, gastrointestinal infection or lactose intolerance 6–9.…”