OBJECTIVES : Nutritional allergies in children are a frequent topic of studies, considering the increasing number of affected individuals and the diversity of symptoms. Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is the most common food allergy in children, with a prevalence of 2-6%. The aim of our study was to examine the perinatal circumstances in children with cow’s milk protein allergy.

METHODS : The study was conducted at the Pediatric Gastroenterology Department in Szekszárd, Hungary. The research population (n=47) included children (0-18 years) with cow’s milk protein allergy. This research subtopic analyses questionnaire data. Beside the various clinical presentation, demographic, socio-economic and medical data of the research population and their families were also reviewed.

RESULTS : 47 children were included (57.4% male, mean age: 7.36 years, SD: 4.22). 23.4% of mothers and 25.5% of fathers were diagnosed with either atopy or an inflammatory bowel disease; examining the siblings of the affected children, 45.7% have one of these conditions (12 children do not have any siblings). In the study population, 8.5% were born prematurely and 85.1% were born at term (6.4% did not answer). 46.8% were exclusively breastfed in the first 6 months. The introduction of dairy products before 12 months was observed in 46.8% of the study population, 48.9% received dairy between 12-24 months, and 4.3% first consumed milk after 24 months.

CONCLUSIONS : Based on our results, a positive family history for atopy and/or inflammatory bowel disease can increase the risk of developing cow’s milk protein allergy; siblings with affected parents showed a higher prevalence of food allergy. A significant effect of feeding or gestational age on the risk of developing CMPA was not observed. The time of introduction of dairy to the child’s diet did not represent a significant difference in our research population.