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

Background: Hydrolysate for- mulas (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 pro- voked 208 reactions in babies at high risk of atopy when given for CMA prevention. Material and Methods: We report the clini- cal and immunologic findings of four babies ap- parentlly sensitized by a partially whey hy- drolysate 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 ge- netically predisposed baby being immunogenic in the IgE system. These data strongly indicate that maternal diets during BM-feeding, in two in- stances suggested by family doctors, are effec- tive as a BM complement.