Non-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal food allergies in children

Abstract

Non-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal food allergic disorders (non-IgE-GI-FA) including food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), food protein-induced enteropathy (FPE), and food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP) are relatively uncommon in infants and young children, but are likely under-diagnosed. Non-IgE-GI-FA have a favorable prognosis, with majority resolving by age 3-5 years. Diagnosis relies on the recognition of symptoms pattern in FPIAP and FPIES and biopsy in FPE. Further studies are needed for a better understanding of the pathomechanism, which will lead eventually to the development of diagnostic tests and treatments. Limited evidence supports the role of food allergens in subsets of constipation, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and colic. The immunologic pathomechanism is not fully understood and empiric prolonged avoidance of food allergens should be limited to minimize nutrient deficiency and feeding disorders/food aversions in infants.

Keywords: allergic proctocolitis; celiac disease; constipation; fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols; food allergy; food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis; food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome; food protein-induced enteropathy; gastroesophageal reflux; gastroesophageal reflux disease; gastrointestinal food allergy; irritable bowel syndrome.