Cow's milk allergy in extremely short bowel syndrome: Report of two infants

There is little known regarding cow's milk (CM) allergy in regard to complications in infants with extremely short bowel syndrome (ESBS). Patient 1: A girl baby with postoperative esophageal atresia underwent a massive resection of the small intestine due to midgut volvulus at 2 months of age. Since 4 months of age, she had received parenteral nutrition (PN) and an elemental diet (ED). At 11 months of age, she began consuming CM and thereafter bloody stool occurred. Eosinophilia and an elevation of the serum specific antigen for CM were found. Her condition improved after the initiation of a hypoallergenic formula. Patient 2: A boy baby with a midgut volvulus was transferred to our hospital 16 days after birth. A massive resection of the small intestine was performed. Since the age of 1 month, he had received both PN and ED. At 4 months of age, he began to consume CM but his activity declined. He was diagnosed based on the clinical data and symptoms. His condition improved after the administration of a hypoallergenic formula. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware that an allergy to CM is a possible complication in infants with ESBS.