|
Many cow's milk-intolerant children experience very
delayed reactions to a cow's milk challenge. The following summarizes
the results of a recent study.
- Cow's milk challenge tests were conducted 12
months after institution of cow's milk-free diets in 86 children with
cow's milk intolerance.
- 10 out of the 86 patients showed "very delayed
reactions" to a cow's milk challenge averaging over 13 days (range
4-26 days).
- These "very delayed" reactions included
constipation, wheezing, and dermatitis.
- All symptoms in these children disappeared after
reinstitution of a cow's milk-free diet.
- Delayed reactions to cow's milk may be misdiagnosed
if the symptoms are not "classical" and there is a long time
lapse between ingestion the reaction.
- 30% of the children became cow's milk-tolerant
within 1 year after their diagnosis.
- By years 2 and 3, 55% and 70% of the children,
respectively, were cow's milk-tolerant.
In light of their findings, the authors conclude,
"We feel that after a standard cow's milk challenge [1-week challenge],
a careful follow-up and frequent outpatient observation of the reintroduction
of cow's milk in the diet in patients with a long history [of cow's milk
intolerance] are more useful and safer than prolonged cow's milk challenge."
Allergy 2000;55:574-9
| 