Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome oral food challenge: Time for a change?

Oral Food Challenge Protocols in Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Oral food challenges (OFCs) are essential for the diagnosis and follow-up of acute food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) because no diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers are available. However, the optimal OFC procedure remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to assess OFC procedures' design and clinical outcomes in patients with FPIES.

METHODS

We searched 10 databases for studies published in English between 1978 and February 2024 involving children or adults undergoing OFC for FPIES. Critical appraisal followed Effective Public Health Practice Project parameters.

RESULTS

In total, 52 studies met inclusion criteria, all observational studies. Of these, 35 were judged to have strong methodological quality. There was great heterogeneity in OFC procedures, particularly in cumulative dose, number, size, and timing between doses. Oral food challenge outcome reporting was often inadequate, especially regarding reaction symptoms and severity grading. In single-dose OFC protocols, most children reacted after at least 2 hours. Four small studies showed that a single dose of 25% of an age-appropriate portion was sufficient to trigger reactions in 80% to 100% of cases, and this was associated with less severe reactions. Owing to methodological heterogeneity and insufficient outcome reporting, further assessment of the OFC protocol characteristics associated with safer outcomes was not possible.

CONCLUSIONS

There is significant heterogeneity in FPIES OFC practices. Current recommendations for OFC procedures and outcome assessments have limitations and should be revisited, because this may affect patient safety and diagnostic accuracy. Future studies should focus on standardizing clinical outcomes and generating evidence to support safer, more accurate OFC protocols in FPIES.

Severity Trend of Recurrence in Pediatric Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Reintroduction of the offending food in pediatric patients affected by food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is carried out in hospitals with an oral food challenge (OFC), which leads to a long waiting time and increases the societal burden of medical cost and human resources.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the severity trend of acute FPIES adverse reactions over time in the same patient for possible outpatient or home reintroduction of the offending food.

METHODS

All children (aged <18 years) with a diagnosis of acute FPIES referred to two Italian pediatric allergy clinics were retrospectively enrolled. To determine whether home or outpatient clinic reintroduction of trigger food was possible, a risk of severe reactions of 5% or less was arbitrarily considered acceptable.

RESULTS

Of202 patients enrolled, 23 (11.4%) had increasing severity from mild to moderate up to severe episodes. No variables analyzed in these patients (sex, age at onset, and the interval between the first and severe episodes) had a statistically significant influence on the risk of more severe reactions. Of all patients who initially presented with mild or moderate episodes, 15.2% and 13.9% later manifested severe episodes over time, respectively. Of patients with cow's milk FPIES that started with a mild episode, 5.5% later experienced a severe episode.

CONCLUSIONS

Performing OFC for acute FPIES is not safe enough at home because the probability of severe adverse reaction is greater than 5%. However, it could be considered to perform OFC in an outpatient clinic in patients with cow's milk FPIES who started with a mild episode and if a rapid transfer plan to emergency department is available.

Saccharomyces boulardii as a single trigger of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome: Seven case reports

BACKGROUND

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is the most serious type of non-immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergic reaction manifesting as sepsis-like symptom, which can lead to shock. Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii), a probiotic prescribed frequently in clinical settings, has been reported to trigger FPIES in an infant with soy-triggered FPIES. In this report, we describe a new clinical FPIES in which S. boulardii was the sole triggering factor of acute FPIES adverse reaction in seven healthy infants.

CASE SUMMARY

Seven FPIES cases triggered by only S. boulardii were gathered from 2011 to the present. None of the patients had previously experienced any allergic reaction to cow's milk, soy, or complementary food. The age of the patients was 4-10-months old, and the symptoms of FPIES developed after ingestion of S. boulardii, which is mostly prescribed for the treatment of gastroenteritis or antibiotic-associated diarrhea. All patients experienced severe repetitive vomiting 1-3 hours after S. boulardii ingestion. Extreme lethargy, marked pallor, and cyanosis were also observed. No IgE-mediated hypersensitivity developed in any patient. Diarrhea was followed by initial intense vomiting in approximately 5-10 hours after S. boulardii ingestion, and only one case showed bloody, purulent, and foul-smelling diarrhea. The patients stabilized quickly, mostly within 6 hours. Symptoms got all improved within 24 hours after discontinuation of S. boulardii.

CONCLUSION

S. boulardii can be the sole trigger of acute FPIES and be prescribed cautiously even in healthy children without FPIES.

Food protein induced enterocolitis syndrome: French practices assessment in children

BACKGROUND

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a specific non IgE-mediated food allergy. The international consensus guidelines defined diagnosis criteria and management plan in 2017.

OBJECTIVES

To assess practices regarding FPIES in France and in French-speaking countries, according to those guidelines.

METHODS AND SETTING

We carried out a 22-question online survey to assess practices of specialised physicians (paediatricians, allergists, gastroenterologists, members of 2 French-speaking learning societies and/or working at hospitals in paediatric allergy units) following patients with FPIES between August 2019 and February 2022.

RESULTS

We received 92 replies to our survey, mostly from hospital practitioners following less than 10 patients with FPIES. Oral rehydration solution and/or Ondansetron were largely prescribed in the emergency kit (61/72, 84.7 % and 47/72, 65.3 % respectively). 20 practitioners declared never prescribing an emergency kit. There was some confusion when distinguishing between FPIES and an IgE-mediated food allergy, as suggested by the unnecessary prescription of an antihistamine (18/72, 25.0 %) and/or epinephrine (11/72, 15.3 %) in the emergency kit. An explanatory FPIES emergency management letter to physicians in case of allergic reactions was provided in 83.7 % (77/92) of patients. Oral food challenge (OFC) practices varied greatly concerning doses: most respondents used several doses (52/92, 56.5 %) during the same day (33/52, 63.4 %). Eleven responders (12.0 %) used the same protocol as for an IgE-mediated food allergy.

CONCLUSION

Our survey showed that practices of FPIES management in France are generally aligned with the international consensus guidelines. There are still pending issues to be standardised, such as the emergency kit prescription and its contents, as well as OFC management strategies. This work confirms the need for continuous training of physicians regarding FPIES management. Further guidelines are needed to improve standardisation of FPIES management.

AAAAI-EAACI PRACTALL: Standardizing oral food challenges-2024 Update

This common statement of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) and The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) provides an update of the 2012 published guidelines on food challenges. The guidelines equally address food challenges in the research and the clinical settings. They first address the diagnostic tests which can guide the decision to conduct a challenge. Safety of food challenges is prime, and the various procedures and safety issues as well as medications potentially involved in challenges are extensively discussed. Challenges are suggested to be conducted with semi-logarithmic incremental doses based on the protein content, typically for IgE-mediated food allergy with intervals of 20-30 min between doses. Specific protocols for other types of reactions such atopic dermatitis or gastrointestinal food allergy are detailed separately. Proper stopping criteria are essential in order to reduce the risk of false-positive diagnoses, but also severe reactions. The guidelines recommend criteria based on "go on," "stop," or "observation." These revised guidelines will clearly provide much needed guidance for food challenges in the research and clinical settings. They will continue to evolve with new diagnostic tests or new needs in the field of food allergy.

Clinical-Hematological Changes and Predictors of Severity in Acute Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome Reactions at Oral Food Challenge: A Multicenter Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Oral food challenge (OFC) is the criterion standard for diagnosis of acute food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES). No diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers are available, and OFC assessment criteria are not validated.

OBJECTIVE

To assess clinical-hematological changes and predictors of severity of FPIES reactions at OFC.

METHODS

This was an observational multicenter prospective study. Children aged 0 to 18 years diagnosed with acute FPIES were recruited at follow-up OFC in 12 tertiary centers in Spain and Italy. OFC outcomes (as positive/negative/inconclusive and mild/moderate/severe) were assessed on the basis of published "2017 FPIES Consensus" criteria. Clinical characteristics were recorded, and full blood cell count was done at baseline, reaction onset, and 4 hours later. Regression analysis was performed to assess predictors of severe reactions at OFC.

RESULTS

A total of 81 children had positive OFC (mild in 11% [9 of 81], moderate in 61% [49 of 81], and severe in 28% [23 of 81]). Increase in neutrophils and reduction in eosinophils, basophils, and lymphocytes were observed (P < .05). OFC was inconclusive in 19 cases despite objective signs or neutrophilia. Regression analysis showed that a 2-day OFC protocol where only 25% of an age-appropriate portion is given on day 1 (not sex, age, culprit food, cumulative dose, and previous reaction severity) was associated with reduced odds of severe reaction compared with giving multiple doses in a single day.

CONCLUSIONS

Distinct hematological changes may help support FPIES diagnosis. Current OFC assessment criteria may not capture the broad spectrum of acute FPIES presentations. This 2-day protocol may be associated with a reduced risk of severe reactions. Future work should aim to develop safer OFC and non-OFC diagnostics for FPIES.

A Second Slice of FPIES: A Single-Center Reappraisal of Pediatric FPIES

BACKGROUND

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is being increasingly recognized as a non-IgE-mediated food allergy; however, it remains unclear if and how the presentation, diagnosis, and management of this disease has changed in recent years.

OBJECTIVE

To reappraise the FPIES cohort at a large US pediatric tertiary referral center.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with FPIES (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision code K52.21) diagnosed in our allergy/immunology clinics between 2018 and 2022.

RESULTS

There were 210 children diagnosed with FPIES. Most were White (73.8%), non-Hispanic (71.4%), and male (54.3%) with private insurance (77.6%). Cow's milk was the most common food trigger (35.2%), with the earliest median age of onset of 5 months. The atypical FPIES rate was 13.8%. FPIES was accurately diagnosed in 54.3% at the first medical contact. The oral food challenge pass rate was 73.5%. The rate of trigger resolution at 36 months was 77%.

CONCLUSIONS

By comparing trends from a previous and current FPIES cohort, we were able to assess the potential impact of various guidelines and practice changes on the diagnosis and management of FPIES at our center. Milk and oat surpassed rice as the most common FPIES triggers; peanut and egg emerged as new FPIES triggers; there was a shorter time to diagnosis and an increased rate of atypical FPIES. Our findings reflect earlier recognition of FPIES and prompt allergy/immunology referral from community physicians, implementation of recent medical society guidelines for infant feeding practices, and growing clinical expertise of allergists at our center.

Resolution of Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome-A Long-Term Follow-Up Study of 113 Swedish Children

BACKGROUND

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), a non-IgE-mediated allergy, primarily affects infants and young children. Whether and when tolerance develops seems to vary among populations and trigger foods.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate tolerance development and its assessment in a Swedish cohort.

METHODS

This was a prospective follow-up study of a Swedish cohort of 113 children, followed at 25 pediatric departments, with acute FPIES. Data on oral food challenges and FPIES resolution were collected through chart reviews and, if incomplete, supplemental caregiver interviews.

RESULTS

The median age at last follow-up was 5.6 years (range: 8.7 months to 16.5 years). Eighty-three children (73%) developed tolerance to 96 of 137 (70%) foods: 93% for cow's milk, 92% for oat, and 46% for fish. The median age when tolerance was developed was 36.0 months (interquartile range: 23.7-48.2 months): 24.4 months for cow's milk, 30.1 months for oat, and 49.4 months for fish. Tolerance was determined in hospital in 45% of cases. Five percent demonstrated allergic sensitization to their FPIES trigger food. Age at tolerance development did not differ between sensitized and nonsensitized patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the children in this Swedish cohort with FPIES achieved tolerance before age 4 years. Cow's milk- and oat-induced FPIES had similar remission patterns, with early resolution. Development of tolerance to fish occurred significantly later compared with all other FPIES-inducing foods.

Current and future perspectives on the consensus guideline for food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES)

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a non-IgE mediated food allergy presenting with delayed onset of projectile vomiting in the absence of cutaneous and respiratory symptoms. The pathophysiology of FPIES remains poorly characterized. The first international consensus guidelines for FPIES were published in 2017 and provided clinicians with parameters on the diagnosis and treatment of FPIES. The guidelines have served as a resource in the recognition and management of FPIES, contributing to an increased awareness of FPIES. Since then, new evidence has emerged, shedding light on adult-onset FPIES, the different phenotypes of FPIES, the recognition of new food triggers, center-specific food challenge protocols and management of acute FPIES. Emerging evidence indicates that FPIES impacts both pediatric and adult population. As a result, there is growing need to tailor the consensus guidelines to capture diagnoses in both patient groups. Furthermore, it is crucial to provide food challenge protocols that meet the needs of both pediatric and adult FPIES patients, as well as the subset of patients with atypical FPIES. This review highlights the evolving clinical evidence relating to FPIES diagnosis and management published since the 2017 International FPIES Guidelines. We will focus on areas where recent published evidence may support evolution or revision of the guidelines.

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES): Beyond the guidelines

Background

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a non-immunoglobulin E (IgE) cell mediated food allergy that can cause severe symptoms and is considered an allergic emergency.

Objective

To describe FPIES epidemiology and appraise the approach to diagnosis and management.

Methods

A review of the relevant articles published in the peer-reviewed journals since the publication of the First International FPIES Consensus Guidelines in 2017.

Results

FPIES is estimated to affect 0.51-0.9% of children and 0.22% of adults in the United States. It typically presents with protracted, projectile vomiting, which occurs within 1-4 hours of ingesting culprit foods, sometimes followed by diarrhea within 24 hours of ingestion. In ∼15-20% of severe cases, patients go into hypovolemic or distributive shock. In chronic FPIES, infants may have failure to thrive and weight loss. The most common triggers include cow's milk, oat, rice, and avocado, with egg and peanut being more frequently reported. Examples of other common fruit and vegetable triggers include banana, apple, and sweet potato. FPIES can be classified into acute, chronic, adult-onset, or atypical subtypes. FPIES is associated with comorbid atopic conditions of IgE-mediated food allergy, atopic dermatitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eosinophilic esophagitis. The natural history of infantile FPIES is generally favorable, with the exception of fish FPIES. Seafood FPIES in adults has low rates of resolution over 3-5 years. Correctly identifying FPIES can be challenging because there are no specific biomarkers for diagnosis and the constellation of symptoms may mimic those of infectious enteritis or sepsis. Management relies on dietary food avoidance, periodic re-evaluations for tolerance with oral food challenges, and management of acute reactions with rehydration and antiemetic ondansetron. Although the pathophysiology of FPIES remains poorly understood, underlying mechanisms such as cytokine release, leukocyte activation, and impaired gastrointestinal mucosal barrier function may act as cornerstones for further research.

Conclusion

Prevention, laboratory diagnostic testing, and strategies to accelerate tolerance development are urgent unmet needs in FPIES.

Diagnostic and Management Strategies of Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome: Current Perspectives

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a form of non-IgE mediated food allergy that presents with delayed gastrointestinal symptoms after ingestion of the trigger food. The data regarding FPIES are sparse, despite being recognized as a distinct clinical entity. This narrative review presents the characteristics of this disorder in the pediatric population, as well-standard diagnostic and management protocols. FPIES can be classified into acute and chronic subtypes, and some cases may develop into an IgE-mediated allergy. Given that skin prick tests and specific IgE levels are negative in the majority of cases, diagnosis relies on clinical history and oral food challenges. Management involves elimination diets, assessment of tolerance through oral food challenges, and rehydration in the event of a reaction. Future research should focus on improving diagnostic methods, illustrating underlying pathogenesis and biomarkers, and assessing long-term natural history. Increased knowledge and awareness for FPIES are required.

Mediterranean Milk Ladder: Integrating a Healthy Eating Plan While Reintroducing Cow's Milk

The process of gradually reintroducing food allergens into an individual's diet is referred to as a food allergen "ladder", and the most recent edition of the original Milk Allergy in Primary (MAP) Care Guidelines, as well as the International Milk Allergy in Primary Care (IMAP), includes a shortened, improved, and international version with specific recipes, indicating the exact milk protein content, as well as the duration of heating and the temperature for each step of the ladder. Food allergen ladders are being used increasingly in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to develop a Mediterranean milk ladder based on the principles of the Mediterranean eating pattern. The protein content delivered in a portion of the final food product in each step of the ladder in the Mediterranean version corresponds to that provided in the IMAP ladder. Different recipes for the various steps were provided to increase acceptability and variety. Quantification of the total milk protein, casein content, and beta-lactoglobulin by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) could detect the gradual increase in concentrations, but the accuracy of the method was affected by the presence of the other ingredients in the mixtures. When developing the Mediterranean milk ladder, a key consideration was to reduce the amount of sugar by using limited amounts of brown sugar and substituting sugar with fresh fruit juice or honey for children aged older than one year. The proposed Mediterranean milk ladder includes principles of (a) healthy eating based on the Mediterranean diet and (b) the acceptability of foods across different age groups.

The Natural Course of Adult-Onset Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Adult-onset food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) has been increasingly recognized in recent years. Adult FPIES differs from pediatric FPIES in terms of dietary triggers and symptoms, thus further broadening the clinical phenotypes of the disease. The natural history of FPIES in adulthood is poorly characterized.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the natural course of FPIES in adults.

METHODS

We performed an ambispective study of adults diagnosed with acute FPIES during 2016-2021. Data on age, sex, symptoms, implicated food, and oral food challenge (OFC) outcomes at baseline and during follow-up were analyzed.

RESULTS

Forty-two adults were included (83.3% female; median age at diagnosis, 40 years). The predominant symptoms were diarrhea (92.9%) and abdominal cramps (71.4%); vomiting was reported by 59% of patients. The most common triggers were shellfish (n = 19, 45.2%) and fish (n = 19, 45.2%). The mean number of reactions before diagnosis was 6.3 (2-15). Twenty-one OFCs were carried out with the offending food in 15 patients. Six patients achieved tolerance (40%) after a mean of 17.8 months (range, 6-36 months). Twelve of all OFCs performed were positive (57.1%). The absolute leukocyte and neutrophil counts measured before and 1 to 2 hours after the positive challenge showed a mean increase of 3045 and 2736 cells/μL, respectively. Serum tryptase, C-reactive protein, and eosinophil and platelet values did not change significantly after the OFC.

CONCLUSION

Some patients may outgrow adult-onset FPIES.

Alternative Fish Species for Nutritional Management of Children with Fish-FPIES—A Clinical Approach

In the Mediterranean region, fish is a common cause of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) in children. No laboratory tests specific to FPIES are available, and oral food challenge (OFC) is the gold standard for its diagnosis and testing for achievement of tolerance. Children with FPIES to fish are usually advised to avoid all fish, regardless of the species. Fish are typically classified into bony and cartilaginous, which are phylogenetically distant species and therefore contain less cross-reacting allergens. The protein β-parvalbumin, considered a pan-allergenic, is found in bony fish, while the non-allergenic α-parvalbumin is commonly found in cartilaginous fish. Based on this difference, as a first step in the therapeutic process of children with FPIES caused by a certain fish in the bony fish category (i.e., hake, cod, perch, sardine, gilthead sea bream, red mullet, sole, megrim, sea bass, anchovy, tuna, swordfish, trout, etc.), an OFC to an alternative from the category of cartilaginous fish is suggested (i.e., blue shark, tope shark, dogfish, monkfish, skate, and ray) and vice versa. Regarding the increased mercury content in some sharks and other large species, the maximum limit imposed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for weekly mercury intake must be considered. An algorithm for the management of fish-FPIES, including alternative fish species, is proposed.

Non-IgE-Mediated Gastrointestinal Food Protein-Induced Allergic Disorders. Clinical Perspectives and Analytical Approaches

Non-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal food allergy (non-IgE-GI-FA) is the name given to a series of pathologies whose main entities are food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP), food protein-induced enteropathy (FPE), and food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES). These are more uncommon than IgE-mediated food allergies, their mechanisms remain largely unknown, and their diagnosis is mainly done by clinical history, due to the lack of specific biomarkers. In this review, we present the latest advances found in the literature about clinical aspects, the current diagnosis, and treatment options of non-IgE-GI-FAs. We discuss the use of animal models, the analysis of gut microbiota, omics techniques, and fecal proteins with a focus on understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of these pathologies and obtaining possible diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers. Finally, we discuss the unmet needs that researchers should tackle to advance in the knowledge of these barely explored pathologies.

The practical dietary management of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a non-immunoglobulin E-mediated food allergy with potential risk of malnutrition related to the early onset of disease, frequent avoidance of cow's milk, and the possibility of multiple food triggers. This publication is aimed at providing an evidence-based, practical approach to the dietary management of FPIES.

DATA SOURCES

This is a narrative review summarizing information from national and international guidelines, retrospective studies, population studies, review articles, case reports, and case series to evaluate for nutritional risk and develop guidance for risk reduction in children with FPIES.

STUDY SELECTIONS

We have included retrospective clinical cohort studies, population-based studies, case reports, and case studies. We did not exclude any studies identified owing to the small number of studies addressing the nutritional management of individuals with FPIES.

RESULTS

Children with FPIES are at risk of malnutrition owing to suboptimal oral intake, limited food choices, and knowledge deficits related to feeding. In particular, children with 3 or more FPIES triggers seem to be at increased risk for poor weight gain and developing food aversion. Caregivers of children with FPIES also report a high degree of psychosocial burden.

CONCLUSION

Appropriate dietary management entails the following 3 essential components: supporting normal growth and development, avoidance of allergens, and advancement of complementary foods. Education to avoid the trigger food and assisting caregivers in creating an individualized, well-designed complementary feeding plan to meet the infant's nutritional needs for optimal growth and development are essential management strategies.