Allergenicity of a whey hypoallergenic formula in genetically at risk babies: four case reports

A. Cantani, M. Micera

Department of Pediatrics, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Division, University of Rome “La Sapienza” – Rome (Italy)

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• Pediatrics

Abstract. – Background: Hydrolysate formulas (HF) have been developed with the goal of reducing the allergenicity of cow’s milk (CM) proteins, thus providing a suitable formula for feeding babies with CM allergy (CMA). Objective: More recently, whey HFs have provoked 208 reactions in babies at high risk of atopy when given for CMA prevention. Material and Methods: We report the clinical and immunologic findings of four babies apparentlly sensitized by a partially whey hydrolysate formula (PWHF) in the nursery. They were exclusively BM (breast milk)-fed by their mothers avoiding highly allergenic foods, but experienced anaphylaxis after a re-feeding with the PWHF. Results: Sensitization to PWHF seems to have occurred in the first days of life. No baby suffered from allergic symptoms during BM-feeding. Discussion: These case reports suggest that a PWHF may be allergenic not only in an already sensitized subject, but also sensitizing in a genetically predisposed baby being immunogenic in the IgE system. These data strongly indicate that maternal diets during BM-feeding, in two instances suggested by family doctors, are effective as a BM complement.

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