Food allergy and anaphylaxis – 2062. “Allergic gastroenteropathy” in UK children

Results 24 of the children (80%) exhibited symptoms of gastrooesophageal reflux disease, 28 children (93%) had lower GI symptoms and 23 children (77%) had significant sleep problems. 19 out f the 30 children (63%) had other atopic disorders. The most common food trigger was cow’s milk others included egg, soya, wheat, fish, and nuts. Family history of atopy was seen in 24 children (80%). Skin prick tests were positive in only 7 children (23%) suggesting this is a non-IgE mediated phenomenon. Management of these children included diet exclusion, anti-reflux and anti-allergy medication. 12 children (44%) responded poorly to treatment and required steroids and 8 (30%) required biopsies. In families with more than one child with allergic gastroenteropathy, diagnosis and treatment with anti-reflux, diet exclusion and anti-allergy medication was started much earlier (2m-2yrs) in the younger sibling.