engleski

Our Experiences with the Use of Atopy Patch Test in the Diagnosis of Cow’s Milk Hypersensitivity

Atopy patch test (APT) has been recognized as a diagnostic tool for the verification of food allergies in infants and small children suffering from atopic dermatitis. The test also has a role in the diagnostics of food allergies characterized by clinical signs associated with the digestive system. Yet in spite of numerous studies the test itself has hitherto not been standardized. Our study enlisted 151 children under two years of age, who exhibited suspect skin and/or gastrointestinal manifestations of a food allergy to cow milk, and in whom tests failed to prove early type of allergic reaction. Atopy patch test was positive in 28% of the children with atopic dermatitis, 43% of the children with suspect gastrointestinal manifestation and 32% of the children with skin and gastrointestinal manifestations of a food allergy. In our experience, APT is an excellent addition to the hitherto used tests for the diagnostics of food allergies. It targets specifically delayed type hypersensitivity reactions, which are difficult to confirm with other diagnostic means. It is furthermore simple to perform, non-invasive and produces a minimum of undesired side-effects. For these reasons, it should become part of the routine diagnostic toolset for food allergies to cow milk in infants and children, and applied before a food challenge test.

cow milk allergy; children; atopy patch test

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