The natural course of cow's milk protein allergy and atopic diseases in
a birth cohort with follow-up into adulthood
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have investigated the natural course of
cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) and development of atopic diseases
into adolescence. Studies with long term follow-up into adulthood are
lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate 1) the natural course
of CMPA in a 1-year birth cohort of Danish children from birth until 15
and 26 years of age and 2) the development of atopic diseases in a group
of children with CMPA (group A) compared to a random sample of 276
children from the same birth cohort (group B).
Methods: A birth cohort
of 1,749 newborns, was investigated prospectively for the development of
CMPA and atopic diseases. During the first year of life and at 18 months
and 3, 5, 10, 15, and 26 years of age, questionnaire based interviews,
physical examination, skin prick tests and specific IgE testing, and
from 10 years also spirometry, were carried out.
Results: 39 (2,2%)
were diagnosed with CMPA. The recovery rate was 87%, 92% and 97% at
3, 5 and 26 years of age. Compared to group B, group A had significantly
(p < 0,05) higher prevalence of asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis
at 15 years of age and at 26 years of age, group A had significantly
higher prevalence of asthma and atopic dermatitis. The follow-up rate
was 85% (A) and 70% (B).
Conclusion: CMPA has a good prognosis
regarding recovery rate. CMPA and sensitization in early childhood
predict sensitization and persistence of allergic diseases into
adulthood.