Otolaryngology Book

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Allergic Colitis of Infancy

Aka: Allergic Colitis of Infancy, Cow's Milk Allergy
  1. Epidemiology
    1. Age: 0-10 months (usually presents 3 weeks - 3 months)
  2. Pathophysiology
    1. Cow's milk protein allergy
    2. Concomitant soy milk allergy in 30% of infants
  3. Predisposing factors
    1. Early introduction of milk
      1. Especially after Gastroenteritis
  4. Symptoms
    1. Loose Bowel Movements
    2. Blood and mucus streaked stools
    3. Otherwise healthy infant with normal growth
    4. Vomiting
    5. Hives
  5. Differential Diagnosis
    1. Infectious colitis
      1. Salmonella
    2. Enterocolitis due to NEC
    3. Hirschsprung's Disease
  6. Labs
    1. Stool studies
      1. Leukocytes
      2. Stool Guaiac
      3. Stool Culture
      4. Wright's Stain for Eosinophils
    2. Complete Blood Count with differential
      1. Eosinophilia
    3. RAST testing not useful
  7. Management
    1. Nursing Mothers
      1. Avoid milk and possibly soy products in maternal diet
    2. Formula fed
      1. Casein Hydrolysate formula (e.g. Nutramigen)
      2. Elemental formula (Neocate) for refractory cases
      3. Do not substitute with Soy Formula (not effective)
    3. Re-challenge with milk at 1 year
  8. Prognosis
    1. Infants outgrow in 95% cases by age 1 year

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