Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome among children in northern Sweden-A retrospective review from 2004-2018

Abstract

Aim: To describe clinical presentation and development of tolerance among children with Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) in a population in northern Sweden.

Methods: A retrospective review of medical records of children presenting with FPIES symptoms from 1 January 2004, to 31 May 2018.

Results: Sixty children (65% boys) with FPIES were included. The estimated incidence gradually increased to 0.45% in 2016-2017. The most common food triggers were cow's milk (40%), fish (37%) and oat (23%). Symptoms presented in 31 (60%) children before 6 months and in 57 (95%) before 1 year of age. The median age for FPIES diagnosis was 7 (range 3-134) months and for fish FPIES 13 (range 7-134) months. By 3 years of age, 67% of children with FPIES to milk and oat but none of the children with fish FPIES had developed tolerance. Allergic conditions like eczema and asthma were reported in 52% of the children.

Conclusion: The cumulative FPIES incidence was 0.45% in 2016-2017. Most children presented with symptoms before 1 year of age, but the diagnosis was often delayed, especially for FPIES to fish. Tolerance development occurred at an earlier age when FPIES was triggered by milk and oat compared to fish.

Keywords: FPIES; children; food allergy; food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome; tolerance development.