OBJECTIVES : The most common food allergy in the pediatric population is cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA). The clinical manifestations of this entity are very diverse, thus establishing the diagnosis can be challenging. The aim of our human research is the more precise understanding of the complex physiological and psychological mechanisms induced by CMPA.

METHODS : Children with symptoms suggesting cow’s milk protein allergy were included in this study (n=46). The examinations were performed at the Balassa János County Hosptital in Szekszárd, Hungary. Stool samples were collected from the participating children at the time of the diagnosis, then after 3 months of strict elimination diet. On these occasions, parents were asked to fill out a questionnaire, constructed by the research team. Stool samples were analysed with QuantumBlue fecal calprotectin (FC) rapid test. Evaluation of the data and the questionnaires was performed with SPSS statistical software.

RESULTS : Examining the entire research population (n=46, mean age:7.28 years, 43.5% female), no significant difference in FC values was observed before (mean: 61,17 µg/g, SD: 63,72) and after (mean: 68.35 µg/g, SD: 74.74) the elimination diet (p=0.21). However, after dividing the participants into two subgroups according to the questionnaires, the following was observed: a significant decrease in FC values (p<0.001) was detected in children following a really strict diet (n=36) comparing the first (mean: 77 µg/g, SD: 69.76) and the second (mean: 41.69 µg/g, SD: 34.68) stool sample.

CONCLUSIONS : According to research data, fecal calprotectin can be an objective parameter in establishing the diagnosis of allergic colitis in children with CMPA. Significant improvement in clinical symptoms can be expected after a strictly followed elimination diet.