Use of baked milk challenges and milk ladders in clinical practice: a worldwide survey of healthcare professionals

The evolution of nutritional care in children with food allergies - With a focus on cow's milk allergy

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) remains one of the most common and complex paediatric food allergies. In the last decade, our understanding has advanced in terms of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated CMA and focus is now also paid to non-IgE-mediated CMA, particularly in some Western countries where incidence rates are high. We have had significant progress in the last 10 years in relation to our understanding of existing supportive tests for IgE-mediated CMA, with the advancement of newer tests, such as the basophil activation test (BAT), which have shown great promise. However, little advancement has been made in terms of tests for non-IgE-mediated CMA, and controversy still exists around symptoms. Our understanding of the natural history of CMA has also advanced with more awareness of different phenotypes. While the mainstay of management remains cow's milk elimination, the importance of supporting breastfeeding and avoidance of unwarranted cow's milk elimination diets in breastfeeding mothers has been highlighted. For non-breastfed children, there has been some advancement in the formulas offered for the management of CMA, including the recognition of hydrolysed rice-based formulas and increased demand for nutritionally complete plant-based options, some of which are currently being assessed. The addition of pro, pre and synbiotics is considered safe to use, although research and guidance on routine use remain absent. Knowledge of tolerance induction from studies on the early introduction of peanuts has also highlighted the importance of a more active approach to managing CMA with the use of milk ladders, primarily in non-IgE-mediated CMA and baked milk (BM) introduction in IgE-mediated CMA. In addition, modulation of the microbiome and diet diversity during complementary feeding has been a major advancement in the last 10 years. While data on poor growth and feeding difficulties in children with CMA has not changed much, increased rates of obesity are now also reported. Finally, novel approaches, including oral immunotherapy, the use of milk ladders and earlier consideration of BM, have advanced somewhat in the last decade, although the risks and benefits of these novel approaches require further research. While CMA remains a complicated allergy to diagnose and manage, the evolution of science has advanced our knowledge and brought some novel innovations, which combined have enhanced our practice.

Evaluation of the Cow's Milk and Hen's Egg Ladder in Daily Practice: A Parent Perspective

Evaluation of the cow's milk (CM) and hen's egg (HE) ladder to improve medical care of children with CM and/or HE allergy. Through an anonymous retrospective online questionnaire, we investigated parent perspectives regarding the therapy option of a CM and HE ladder in children with CM and/or HE allergy. Of the 54 families contacted, 29 took part in the study. 19/29 children had already completed the ladders when the survey took place. 19/29 children showed an allergic reaction during the treatment of whom 17 presented skin rashes. 16/29 parents were anxious to rise to the next step in the protocol. 15/29 had difficulties with the implementation of the therapy due to the child refusing the offered food and organizational issues. Medical support as well as the ladder as a therapy option were scored satisfactory. The participating parents were satisfied with the therapy option and medical care. We identified two main areas for improvement: First, the suggested food for every step should be more diverse, according to the families' culture background and nutritional needs/demands. Second, to reduce anxiety regarding the therapy, parents must be informed that although allergic reactions are common, they remain mild. Furthermore, we will suggest step changes under medical supervision, especially in families with a slow progression of the food ladder. With these improvements, the duration of therapy could be shortened, thus reducing the risk of an allergic reaction, the need for medical care by an allergist and therefore reducing healthcare costs.

Milk ladder: Who? When? How? Where? with the lowest risk of reaction

The milk ladder (ML) approach, which is the gradual reintroduction of the milk allergen from the least allergenic forms to the most allergenic forms into the diet of the patients, has been utilized mostly in non-IgE-mediated but in some countries also in IgE-mediated-CMPA due to its possible benefits which include nutrition, quality of life and tolerance induction. Despite increasing interest, so far, there is no guideline on ML; thus, the use of this approach shows discrepancies among healthcare professionals as many factors such as dietary habits, patient history, test results, workload, and facilities of the hospitals, the anxiety of the parents/patients may affect the decision on how, when, where and whom to use ML. Here, we reviewed current data on implementing the ML, suggested a 4-step ML including receipts and amounts, and shared our experience on optimal patient selection, appropriate time and steps for initiating ML, and time intervals between the steps targeting the lowest risk of reaction. We also added the newly developed twice-baked biscotti cake to the ML. We presented the analyses of this product, showing its low allergenicity compared to conventional cake, which provides a safer introduction of milk into the diet.

A retrospective comparison of IgE-mediated cow's milk protein allergy management strategies in pediatric cohorts

BACKGROUND

Complete avoidance of milk is the usual management for IgE-mediated cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). A baked milk ladder is a method of dietary advancement therapy in IgE-mediated CMPA in Ireland, while in Spain, avoidance of milk awaiting natural tolerance acquisition through an oral food challenge (OFC) is employed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of dietary advancement therapy using a milk ladder compared with complete avoidance of milk for managing IgE-mediated CMPA.

METHODS

This is a retrospective chart review of 371 pediatric patients from the population who have been treated for IgE-mediated CMPA between 2011 and 2020, with the milk ladder (Ireland) or complete avoidance followed by an OFC (Spain). The main outcome was the introduction of cow's milk.

RESULTS

Milk ladder patients were 3.67 times more likely to succeed in comparison with milk avoidance (p < .001). Anaphylaxis during the treatment period occurred in 34 patients in the milk avoidance groups, while three patients in the milk ladder group experienced anaphylaxis due to accidental exposure to milk (p < .001). Failure to complete treatment was associated with a higher skin prick test in the milk avoidance group and a raised specific IgE in the milk ladder group.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study that compares outcomes of dietary advancement therapy to complete avoidance for CMPA management, demonstrating that cow's milk can be successfully and safely reintroduced using dietary advancement therapy using a milk ladder.

Primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of food allergy: current practices and future directions

The incidence of food allergies has risen around the globe, and experts have been exploring methods of preventing such allergies in young children to ease the burden of disease and reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by anaphylaxis to food allergens. Such preventative measures can be categorised as primary, secondary and tertiary prevention, which are discussed in detail in this review. Primary prevention is defined as the prevention of becoming sensitised towards specific allergens. The evidence suggests that avoiding common allergenic foods during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not protective against food allergies, and guidelines recommend weaning from 4 to 6 months of age, with recent studies supporting the early introduction of peanuts at 4 months to prevent peanut allergy. Secondary prevention targets patients who are already sensitised and aims to halt the progression of sensitisation, with evidence for high rates of success and safety in trials of early introduction to milk and peanuts using oral immunotherapy in sensitised infants. Tertiary allergy prevention focuses on reducing the risk of a patient having anaphylaxis, with oral immunotherapy being the most common method of promoting tolerance in allergic children. Several studies have demonstrated successful reintroduction for milk, egg and peanut; however, no such guidelines are recommended for other foods. Finally, dietary advancement therapy in the form of milk and egg ladders has been employed as a method of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of allergies, particularly in Ireland, the UK and Canada.

Baked milk and egg diets revisited

Most children with milk and egg allergy are nonreactive to modified forms of milk and egg in bakery products such as muffins because of conformational changes in proteins. These baked milk (BM) and baked egg (BE) diets have become commonplace in the management of milk and egg allergy, respectively. Current laboratory- and skin test-based diagnostic approaches remain limited in their ability to predict BM/BE tolerance, resulting in various approaches to introduce these foods. One approach to introduce BM/BE is to offer a medically supervised oral food challenge and then advise dietary introduction of baked products for children who have tolerance. Another approach is adapted from a home-based protocol of graded ingestion of BM or BE originally intended for non-IgE mediated allergy, often referred to as a "ladder." The ladder advises home ingestion of increasing amounts of BM or BE. For children who have allergy to BM or BE, the ladder is essentially oral immunotherapy, although not always labeled or recognized as such. Risk assessment and education of patients suitable for home introduction are essential. A home approach that may be called a ladder can also be used to escalate diets after demonstrated tolerance of baked forms by introducing lesser cooked forms of milk or egg after tolerating BM or BE. A randomized controlled trial provided clear evidence that baked diets can hasten the resolution of IgE-mediated milk allergy. Moreover, BM/BE foods have an emerging role in the treatment of non-IgE-mediated allergy. There is tangential evidence for BM and BE diets in the prevention of IgE-mediated allergy.

The future of cow's milk allergy - milk ladders in IgE-mediated food allergy

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common and complex presentations of allergy in early childhood. CMA can present as IgE and non-IgE mediated forms of food allergy. Non-IgE mediated CMA includes food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs), and food protein-induced proctocolitis (FPIAP). There are recent guidelines addressing CMA diagnosis, management, and treatment. Each of these guidelines have their own strengths and limitations. To best manage CMA, individualized avoidance advice should be given. Cow's milk (CM) can be replaced in the diet by using hypoallergenic formulas or plant-based milk, depending on factors such as the child's age and their current food intake. Oral and epicutaneous immunotherapy is used to increase tolerance in children with CMA but is not without risk, and the long-term outcome of sustained unresponsiveness is still unclear. The allergenicity of CM proteins are affected differently by different forms of heating, leading to the use of baked milk or milk ladders in the management of CMA, most likely the most promising option for future management and treatment of CMA. Future management of children with CMA will also include discussion around the immunomodulatory potential of the child's dietary intake.

An ESPGHAN Position Paper on the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Cow's Milk Allergy

A previous guideline on cow's milk allergy (CMA) developed by the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) was published in 2012. This position paper provides an update on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CMA with focus on gastrointestinal manifestations. All systematic reviews and meta-analyses regarding prevalence, pathophysiology, symptoms, and diagnosis of CMA published after the previous ESPGHAN document were considered. Medline was searched from inception until May 2022 for topics that were not covered in the previous document. After reaching consensus on the manuscript, statements were formulated and voted on each of them with a score between 0 and 9. A score of ≥6 was arbitrarily considered as agreement. Available evidence on the role of dietary practice in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of CMA was updated and recommendations formulated. CMA in exclusively breastfed infants exists, but is uncommon and suffers from over-diagnosis. CMA is also over-diagnosed in formula and mixed fed infants. Changes in stool characteristics, feeding aversion, or occasional spots of blood in stool are common and in general should not be considered as diagnostic of CMA, irrespective of preceding consumption of cow's milk. Over-diagnosis of CMA occurs much more frequently than under-diagnosis; both have potentially harmful consequences. Therefore, the necessity of a challenge test after a short diagnostic elimination diet of 2-4 weeks is recommended as the cornerstone of the diagnosis. This position paper contains sections on nutrition, growth, cost, and quality of life.

Standardization of food allergen ladders for optimal effectiveness and patient safety

The use of extensively heated (EH) milk and egg products, and dietary advancement therapies such as milk and egg ladders is increasingly common for the management of milk and egg allergies. Although the majority of patients with milk and egg allergies will outgrow their allergies, the ability to tolerate extensively hydrolyzed forms of these allergens is an early indicator of developing long-term tolerance. The denaturation of conformational epitopes during the heating process reduces the allergenicity of these proteins, which makes patients who are EH tolerant more likely to tolerate progressively more of these proteins.

The Need for Culturally Appropriate Food Allergy Management Strategies: The Indian Milk Ladder

BACKGROUND

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common and complex food allergies affecting children worldwide and, with a few exceptions, presents in the first few months of life. Baked-milk-containing diets are well tolerated in the majority of milk-allergic children and allow dietary restrictions to be relaxed. In addition, the early introduction of tolerated forms of allergenic foods to an infant's diet in small amounts may enhance the outgrowth of their milk allergy through oral tolerance induction. The methods of milk introduction vary widely across the globe.

METHODS

We convened an expert group to develop a comprehensive milk ladder based on the calculated milk protein content of Indian foods. To validate the milk ladder, the foods chosen for the ladder were analyzed and the ladder was re-evaluated based on the cooked milk protein content.

RESULTS

Combining expert consensus and validation of milk protein content, we created the world's first milk ladder containing Indian foods. This is the first ladder that provides information on the timing and temperature of cooking, with validated milk protein content.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first milk ladder based on the unique features of Indian food habits built by the consensus of Indian experts along with international collaboration with laboratory quantification of milk protein in each step. We believe the "The Indian Milk Ladder" will be a very helpful tool for pediatricians helping manage CMA in children as well as their parents and caregivers, not only in India, but in countries world-wide where these foods are commonly consumed.

Baked Milk and Baked Egg Survey: A Work Group Report of the AAAAI Adverse Reactions to Foods Committee

Most milk- and egg-allergic children can tolerate milk and egg in baked forms. Some allergists have extended the use of baked milk (BM) and baked egg (BE) to advocating for the stepwise introduction of small amounts of BM and BE to children who are reactive to larger amounts of BM and BE. Little is known about the practice of introducing BM and BE and existing barriers to this approach. The purpose of this study was to gather a current assessment of the implementation of BM and BE oral food challenges and diets for milk- and egg-allergic children. We conducted an electronic survey of North American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology members offering BM and BE introduction in 2021. The response rate was 10.1% of distributed surveys (72 of 711). Surveyed allergists had a similar approach to both BM and BE introduction. Demographic features of time in practice and region of practice were significantly associated with the odds of introducing BM and BE. A wide variety of tests and clinical features guided decisions. Some allergists determined BM and BE to be appropriate for home introduction and offered this for BM and BE more often than other foods. The use of BM and BE as a food for oral immunotherapy was endorsed by almost half of respondents. Less time in practice was the most significant factor associated with offering this approach. Published recipes were used and written information was widely provided to patients by most allergists. The wide practice variabilities reveal a need for more structured guidance about oral food challenges, in-office versus home procedures, and patient education.

World Allergy Organization (WAO) Diagnosis and Rationale for Action against Cow's Milk Allergy (DRACMA) Guideline update - VII - Milk elimination and reintroduction in the diagnostic process of cow's milk allergy

The diagnosis of cow's milk allergy (CMA) in infants and young children remains a challenge because many of the presenting symptoms are similar to those experienced in other diagnoses. Both over- and under-diagnosis occur frequently. Misdiagnosis carries allergic and nutritional risks, including acute reactions, growth faltering, micronutrient deficiencies and a diminished quality of life for infants and caregivers. An inappropriate diagnosis may also add a financial burden on families and on the healthcare system. Elimination and reintroduction of cow's milk (CM) and its derivatives is essential for diagnosing CMA as well as inducing tolerance to CM. In non-IgE mediated CMA, the diagnostic elimination diet typically requires 2-4 weeks before reintroduction, while for IgE mediated allergy the time window may be shorter (1-2 weeks). An oral food challenge (OFC) under medical supervision remains the most reliable diagnostic method for IgE mediated and more severe types of non-IgE mediated CMA such as food protein induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES). Conversely, for other forms of non-IgE mediated CMA, reintroduction can be performed at home. The OFC cannot be replaced by the milk ladder after a diagnostic elimination diet. The duration of the therapeutic elimination diet, once a diagnosis was confirmed, can only be established through testing changes in sensitization status, OFCs or home reintroduction, which are directed by local protocols and services' availability. Prior non-evidence-based recommendations suggest that the first therapeutic elimination diet should last for at least 6 months or up to the age of 9-12 months, whichever is reached first. After a therapeutic elimination diet, a milk-ladder approach can be used for non-IgE mediated allergies to determine tolerance. Whilst some centers use the milk ladder also for IgE mediated allergies, there are concerns about the risk of having immediate-type reactions at home. Milk ladders have been adapted to local dietary habits, and typically start with small amounts of baked milk which then step up in the ladder to less heated and fermented foods, increasing the allergenicity. This publication aims to narratively review the risks associated with under- and over-diagnosis of CMA, therefore stressing the necessity of an appropriate diagnosis and management.

Are There Hidden Dangers Associated With Milk and Egg Dietary Advancement Therapy?

Dietary advancement therapies (DATs) constitute a continuum spanning extensively heated item ingestion, progressive milk or egg ladders, and oral immunotherapy (OIT). These represent an evolution in food allergy management from strict avoidance to an active therapy that may modulate the immune system to develop tolerance to particular forms of the allergen. Many egg or milk individuals are tolerant to baked egg or milk at baseline, and regular consumption (at home ingestion) of baked milk or egg is a safe process with potential quality of life and immunologic benefit. Milk and egg ladders, developed for non-IgE mediated allergy, are increasingly being adapted to IgE-mediated allergy as a potentially safe at-home option for gradual dietary advancement. However, data are limited regarding how safe and effective these approaches are or what patient is best suited for which DAT. It is also unclear whether extensively heated allergen consumption and ladders are susceptible to the same patient-specific factors that affect day-to-day tolerance and safety in OIT. Several recent events involving near-fatal or fatal reactions to milk or egg products (all among patients with asthma) have highlighted that DATs are not risk-free, and that physician guidance in these therapies is essential. Such guidance may include obtaining informed consent before starting any DAT and instituting the same safe dosing rules for OIT across any form of DAT. This rostrum discusses practical concerns about the safety of DAT, and considerations regarding how clinicians can maximize patient protection while defining the safety and efficacy of real-world implementation of these concepts.

‘Early Introduction’ of Cow’s Milk for Children with IgE-Mediated Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy: A Review of Current and Emerging Approaches for CMPA Management

IgE-mediated cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most prevalent food allergies in early childhood. Though the cornerstone of management involves the strict avoidance of milk products while awaiting natural tolerance, research increasingly shows that the rates of resolution are slowing down. Therefore, there is a need to explore alternative pathways to promote tolerance to cow’s milk in pediatric populations. This review aims to combine and appraise the scientific literature regarding the three CMPA management methods: avoidance, the milk ladder, and oral immunotherapy (OIT) and their outcomes in terms of efficacy, safety, and immunological effects. Cow’s milk (CM) avoidance virtually protects against allergic reaction until natural tolerance occurs, with hypoallergenic substitutes available in the market, but accidental ingestion represents the main issue for this strategy. Introduction to baked milk using the milk ladder was designed, with most CMPA patients successfully completing the ladder. Similar to baked milk treatment, many OIT protocols also demonstrated decreased IgE and increased IgG4 levels post protocol, as well as a reduction in wheal size diameter. Though these strategies are shown to be safe and effective in CMPA, future clinical trials should compare the safety and effectiveness of these three management strategies.

Diagnosis and management of food allergy-associated gastroesophageal reflux disease in young children-EAACI position paper

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) and food allergy (FA) are common conditions, especially during the first 12 months of life. When GOR leads to troublesome symptoms, that affect the daily functioning of the infant and family, it is referred to as GOR disease (GORD). The role of food allergens as a cause of GORD remains controversial. This European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) position paper aims to review the evidence for FA-associated GORD in young children and translate this into clinical practice that guides healthcare professionals through the diagnosis of suspected FA-associated GORD and medical and dietary management. The task force (TF) on non-IgE mediated allergy consists of EAACI experts in paediatric gastroenterology, allergy, dietetics and psychology from Europe, United Kingdom, United States, Turkey and Brazil. Six clinical questions were formulated, amended and approved by the TF to guide this publication. A systematic literature search using PubMed, Cochrane and EMBASE databases (until June 2021) using predefined inclusion criteria based on the 6 questions was used. The TF also gained access to the database from the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology working group, who published guidelines on GORD and ensured that all publications used within that position paper were included. For each of the 6 questions, practice points were formulated, followed by a modified Delphi method consisting of anonymous web-based voting that was repeated with modified practice points where required, until at least 80% consensus for each practice point was achieved. This TF position paper shares the process, the discussion and consensus on all practice points on FA-associated GORD.

Single low-dose exposure to cow's milk at diagnosis accelerates cow's milk allergic infants' progress on a milk ladder programme

BACKGROUND

Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most common food allergies in infancy. Most infants with CMPA tolerate baked milk from diagnosis and gradually acquire increased tolerance. Nevertheless, parents often display significant anxiety about this condition and a corresponding reluctance to progress with home introduction of dairy due to concerns about possible allergic reactions.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact on gradual home introduction of foods containing cows' milk after a supervised, single low-dose exposure to whole milk at time of diagnosis.

METHODS

Infants less than 12 months old referred with suspected IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy were recruited to an open-label randomized, controlled trial of intervention-a single dose of fresh cow's milk, using the validated dose of milk that would elicit reactions in 5% of CMPA subjects-the ED₀₅ - vs routine care. Both groups implemented graded exposure to CM (using the 12 step MAP Milk Tolerance Induction Ladder), at home. Parents completed food allergy quality of life questionnaires and State and Trait Anxiety Inventories (STAI). Main outcome measures were milk ladder position at 6 months and 12 months post-randomization.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were recruited, 57 (95%) were followed to 6 months. By 6 months, 27/37 (73%) intervention subjects had reached step 6 or above on the milk ladder compared to 10/20 (50%) control subjects (p = .048). By 6 months, 11/37 (30%) intervention subjects had reached step 12 (i.e. drinking unheated cow's milk) compared to 2/20 (10%) of the controls (p = .049). Twelve months post-randomization, 31/36(86%) of the intervention group and 15/19(79%) of the control group were on step 6 or above. However, 24/37 (65%) of the intervention group were at step 12 compared to 7/20 (35%) of the control group (p = .03). Maternal STAIs were significantly associated with their infants' progress on the milk ladder and with changes in skin prick test and spIgE levels at 6 and 12 months.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of introduction of baked milk implemented immediately after diagnosis of cows' milk allergy in a very young cohort. A supervised single dose of milk at the ED₀₅  significantly accelerates this further, probably by giving parents the confidence to proceed. Maternal anxiety generally reflects infants' progress towards completion of the milk ladder, but pre-existing high levels of maternal anxiety are associated with poorer progress.

Food allergen ladders: A need for standardization

INTRODUCTION

The process of gradually reintroducing food allergens into an individual's diet is referred to as food allergen "ladders". There remain many questions regarding the foods chosen, structure and composition of the ladder, and medical and safety considerations. The COVID-19 pandemic has propelled us into an era where medicine is increasingly practiced via online platforms, highlighting the need for standardized food allergen ladder approaches for successful and safe introduction of food allergens.

METHODS

We performed a search of currently published food allergen ladders and obtained published information and clinical expertise to summarize current knowledge and suggest future standardized approaches for using food allergen ladders.

RESULTS

There are currently a limited number of published milk, egg, wheat, and soy ladders. We suggest the following points should be considered when developing food ladders: (1) Food allergen: dose, time, and temperature of heating of the food allergen, simplicity of the ladder and recipes, the possible role of the wheat matrix, and testing for allergenic protein levels to standardize doses; (2) Nutritional factors: health and nutritional value of the foods in the ladder, taste, texture, and cultural appropriateness of foods should be considered; and (3) Medical aspects: consideration of which patients are safe to undergo ladders outside of the clinical setting, other safety aspects and risk factors for severe reactions, number of days suggested per steps, and availability and provision of rescue medication. Written instructions and recipes should be provided to families who wish to use food allergen ladders.

DISCUSSION

Food allergen ladders used for gradual reintroduction of food allergens into a food allergic individual's diet are increasingly being used internationally. Standardization regarding the foods included in the ladder and medical considerations are required to practice patient-centered care, best assist patients and families, and ensure safety.

The Challenge of Home Allergen Re-introductions Using the Ladder Approach in Children With Non-IgE Mediated Gastrointestinal Food Allergy

Background: Oral food challenges remain the most reliable method for allergy confirmation. Although consensus guidelines have been published to unify Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated challenges, this does not exist for non-IgE mediated gastrointestinal allergies outside of Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome. We therefore set out to establish the use of home introduction protocols (HIP) for confirmation of food allergy for milk, soya, egg and wheat using a ladder approach in children with non-IgE mediated allergy.

Materials and Methods: Patients with suspected non-IgE mediated gastrointestinal allergies (0–16 years) were recruited following symptom improvement on an elimination diet. All children had skin prick or specific IgE tests to rule out IgE-mediated allergies prior to suggestion the HIP. Number of trials and outcome was documented. HIPs were developed using a published ladder approach for cow's milk as baseline and final dose was calculated based on guidelines for food protein induced enterocolitis syndrome and portions for age from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey. First foods were baked/highly processed and every 4th day patients moved to a more unprocessed/unheated food.

Results: From 131 recruited patients, 117 (89.3%) followed the HIP for food allergens. No adverse events were documented. In more than 50% of cases one attempt at the HIP was sufficient to establish allergy status, but many required 2–5 attempts before the outcome was clear. About half of the children were fully tolerant to foods they initially eliminated: 36, 26 and 30% were partially tolerant to milk, soya, and egg and only 15% achieved partial tolerance to wheat. Wheat was the allergen introduced earliest, followed by soya, cow's milk and egg.

Conclusions: This study indicates that home HIPs are safe in non-IgE mediated gastrointestinal food allergy and that the ladder approach may be useful in re-introducing allergens in children at home with non-IgE mediated gastrointestinal allergies. From this study we can also conclude that tolerance to processed/baked allergens was observed in many children. Further studies should be performed on the HIP and ideally reintroduction should occur pre-defined time intervals.

Canadian food ladders for dietary advancement in children with IgE-mediated allergy to milk and/or egg

Food ladders are clinical tools already widely used in Europe for food reintroduction in milk- and egg-allergic children. Previously developed milk and egg ladders have limited applicability to Canadian children due to dietary differences and product availability. Herein we propose a Canadian version of cow’s milk and egg food ladders and discuss the potential role that food ladders may have in the care of children with IgE-mediated allergies to cow’s milk and/or egg, as either a method of accelerating the acquisition of tolerance in those who would outgrow on their own, or as a form of modified oral immunotherapy in those with otherwise persistent allergy.

A Food, a Bite, a Sip: How Much Allergen Is in That?

Detailed information about the amount of allergenic protein ingested by the patient prior to an allergic reaction yields valuable information for the diagnosis, guidance and management of food allergy. However, the exact amount of ingredients is often not declared on the label. In this study the feasibility was studied for estimating the amount of allergenic protein from milk, eggs, peanuts and hazelnuts in frequently consumed composite and non-composite foods and per bite or sip size in different age groups in the Netherlands. Foods containing milk, egg, peanut or hazelnut most frequently consumed were selected for the age groups 2–3, 4–6 and 19–30 years. If the label did not yield clear information, the amount of allergenic protein was estimated based on food labels. Bite or sip sizes were determined in these age groups in 30 different foods. The amount of allergenic protein could be estimated in 47/70 (67%) of composite foods, which was complex. Estimated protein content of milk, egg, peanut and hazelnut was 2–3 g for most foods but varied greatly from 3 to 8610 mg and may be below threshold levels of the patient. In contrast, a single bite or sip can contain a sufficient amount of allergenic protein to elicit an allergic reaction. Bite and sip sizes increased with age. In every day practice it is hard to obtain detailed and reliable information about the amount of allergenic protein incorporated in composite foods. We encourage companies to disclose the amount of common allergenic foods on their labels.

Diagnosis and management of Non-IgE gastrointestinal allergies in breastfed infants-An EAACI Position Paper

It is well-established that food proteins, such as egg, soya, cow's milk and wheat, are detectable in breastmilk for many hours or days after ingestion. Exposure to these proteins is important to the process of developing tolerance but can also sometimes elicit IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated allergic symptoms in breastfed infants. Non-IgE-mediated allergy, outside of food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis and eosinophilic oesophagitis, is not well understood, leading to variations in the diagnosis and management thereof. A primary objective of the European Academy for Allergy and Clinical Immunology is to support breastfeeding in all infants, including those with food allergies. A Task Force was established, to explore the clinical spectrum of non-IgE-mediated allergies, and part of its objectives was to establish diagnosis and management of non-IgE-mediated allergies in breastfed infants. Eight questions were formulated using the Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) system and Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) criteria for data inclusion, and consensus was achieved on practice points through the Delphi method. This publication aims to provide a comprehensive overview on this topic with practice points for healthcare professionals.

Developments in the field of allergy in 2017 through the eyes of Clinical and Experimental Allergy

In this article, we described the development in the field of allergy as described by Clinical and Experimental Allergy in 2017. Experimental models of allergic disease, basic mechanisms, clinical mechanisms, allergens, asthma and rhinitis and clinical allergy are all covered.

Personalized Nutrition Approach in Food Allergy: Is It Prime Time Yet?

The prevalence of food allergy appears to be steadily increasing in infants and young children. One of the major challenges of modern clinical nutrition is the implementation of individualized nutritional recommendations. The management of food allergy (FA) has seen major changes in recent years. While strict allergen avoidance is still the key treatment principle, it is increasingly clear that the avoidance diet should be tailored according to the patient FA phenotype. Furthermore, new insights into the gut microbiome and immune system explain the rising interest in tolerance induction and immunomodulation by microbiota-targeted dietary intervention. This review article focuses on the nutritional management of IgE mediated food allergy, mainly focusing on different aspects of the avoidance diet. A personalized approach to managing the food allergic individual is becoming more feasible as we are learning more about diagnostic modalities and allergic phenotypes. However, some unmet needs should be addressed to fully attain this goal.

A Structured Gradual Exposure Protocol to Baked and Heated Milk in the Treatment of Milk Allergy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a structured gradual exposure protocol (SGEP) with extensively heated and baked milk in promoting allergy resolution in children with cow milk allergy (CMA).

STUDY DESIGN

In a case control study, children with CMA aged 1-4 years who were treated with SGEP including extensively heated and baked milk, were compared with children treated with strict avoidance. Data were collected from medical records and from validated telephone questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using a nonparametric Kaplan-Meier and proportional hazard Cox regression model, after evaluation of the adequacy of the case control matching.

RESULTS

There were 43 children with milk allergy-26 (62%) males with a mean age at intervention of 21 months (range, 12-47 months)-who were treated with SGEP and followed to a mean age of 40 months (range, 20-82 months). The median age at resolution of CMA was compared with a matched group of 67 children treated with strict avoidance at least until 4 years of age or followed until earlier resolution, with a mean age at follow-up of 71 months (range, 11-176 months). The median estimated age at CMA resolution in the SGEP group was 36 months (95% CI, 34.5-49.7) compared with 98 months (95% CI, 82.4-114.1) in controls (P < .001). At last follow-up, 86% of treated children were tolerant to unheated milk proteins vs 52% of controls (P = .003).

CONCLUSION

A structured protocol with extensively heated and baked milk seems to promote faster resolution of CMA.