Clinical Presentation of Alpha-Gal Syndrome in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Response to Mammalian Dietary Elimination

Am J Gastroenterol. 2023 Jul 1;118(7):1293-1296. doi: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002268. Epub 2023 Mar 28.

Abstract

Introduction: Alpha-gal syndrome is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated delayed hypersensitivity reaction to nonprimate mammalian products, which has a newly established gastrointestinal (GI) phenotype in adults. We assessed the GI presentation and treatment response in children.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients presenting in a pediatric gastroenterology clinic tested for alpha-gal IgE.

Results: Forty of 199 patients (20%) tested had a positive alpha-gal-specific IgE, with 77.5% reporting GI symptoms in isolation. Of the 30 that attempted dietary elimination, 8 (27%) experienced full resolution of symptoms.

Discussion: Alpha-gal syndrome can present with isolated GI symptoms in children.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Food Hypersensitivity* / diagnosis
  • Gastroenterology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Mammals
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin E

Supplementary concepts

  • red meat allergy