Prevalence of cow's milk allergy in children under 3 years of age in Constantine (Algeria)

In the absence of published information on the prevalence of cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) in Algeria, we initiated a study whose main objective was to estimate the prevalence of CMPA in a paediatric population in Constantine, Algeria. We also studied various risk factors related to the onset of this allergy. The study involved 770 children from 0 to 3 years of age seen in three centres for maternal and child health. The survey revealed the prevalence of CMPA to be 3.64% in this population; the diagnosis was confirmed by IgE serum assay and prick-test in 2%. A significant difference in the distribution of this allergy according to sex was noted, being present 2.11 times more often in boys. The chief clinical manifestations were cutaneous (in 57.14%), digestive (in 46.42%), respiratory (in 25%) and anaphylactic (in 14.28%). CMPA was usually reported to appear early:42.85% of the cases developed the disease during their first month of life, and the rate reached 75% by the third month. A positive history of atopy in the children's parents and early consumption of cow's milk appear to be the major risk factors for the development of CMPA. Tolerance was reported to be acquired by the end of the first year in most patients. We recommended a cow's milk free diet based on fruits, vegetables and cereals. The major problem encountered after substitution of cow's milk by hydrolysates was their high price and residual allergy to the milk substitutes which are available in Algerian markets. (C) 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.