Abstract • 10

Background. To assess the prevalence of clinical manifestations triggered by CM or Nidina HA formulas we have studied 40 babies, 25 M and 15 F, aged 2-24 months (median 6 months) "at risk" of atopic disease because of a positive family history (FH) of atopy, with IgE-mediated CMA. The babies exclusively breast fed since birth, suffered since the first 3 months of life from CMA with immediate allergic reactions to CM. Ninety healthy children of matched age and sex with no FN of atopy were the control group. Informed consent was given by parents of each baby. Methods. When the skin lesions cleared-up, unblinded challenge tests (UCT) were performed in a unit equipped and staffed to undertake emergency treatment. The 40 children (study group) were randomized either to receive whole CM protein (SARM, Roma, Italy) or Nidina HA formula in the recommended ready to eat concentration, further diluted 1:100 with water. One drop of CM or Nidina HA was first placed upon the inner border of the lower lip. If no reaction occurred within 5 minutes, the infants were given 5 ml of CM or Nidina HA. After a further 30 minutes 100 ml of CM or Nidina HA were given. The babies were watched for 4 hours by the research team, and then discharged. Results. All study babies but two had FH positive for atopy, and positive SPTs and/or specific IgE to CM and Nidina HA. All babies reacted to the 1st or 2nd dose, and the UCT results were similar in babies tested with either formula (NS). The 97 control children had all tests negative. Conclusion. CM or Nidina HA are equally allergenic. The children of the study group received in the Maternity ward CM as breast milk substitute, so being sensitized in the first hours of life.