Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome and Quality of Life

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a non-IgE-mediated food allergy that typically affects infants and young children. Currently, diagnostic tests for FPIES do not exist, and diagnosis is contingent on differential diagnoses based on clinical history and food challenges. The limited tools for FPIES diagnosis, compounded by the lack of data providing guidance for individualized avoidance diets, contribute to impaired quality of life among caregivers. Nutritional, social, and emotional burdens accompany FPIES as well lack of FPIES awareness among providers, lack of diagnosis and treatment guidelines, and lack of collaborative care among providers and integrative care teams. Few studies have been conducted to systematically assess quality of life among families caring for a child with FPIES. Future research and management support is necessary to elucidate the impact of FPIES on families’ quality of life and better identify their needs and concerns.