The relationship between sensitization to allergens of cow’s and goat’s milk at children with atopic dermatitis

Introduction. The main principle of treatment of cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is the elimination from the diet of cow’s milk. However recently has been discussing the possibility to substitute the cow’s milk with goat’s milk in children with allergy to cow s milk protein. Background. To determine the relationship between sensitization to cow’s milk specific allergens in goat’s milk sensitized children. Methods. The study included 88 children with suspected allergy to CMA. All patients underwent determination of specific IgE to allergen of cow’s and goat’s milk allergen (ImmunoCAP 100 Phadia AB). We identified 35 children with sensitization to cow’s milk and measured specific IgE to α-laktalbumin, β-lactoglobulin and casein. Results. Sensitization to goat’s milk was estimated in 83% of patients with sensitization to cow’s milk. There was a significant positive correlation between the concentration of specific IgE to goat’s milk allergen and specific IgE to the cow’s milk allergen (R=0,91, p=0,0000001), a-laktalbumin (R=0,76, p=0,000007), β-lactoglobulin (R=0,72, p=0,000038) and casein (R=0,91, p=0,0000001). Conclusion. Formulas based on goat milk can not be considered hypoallergenic for children allergic to cow’s milk. Crosssensitization is mediated mainly with sensitization to casein. Introduction of goat milk and its derivatives in the diet of a child with an allergy to cow’s milk can be proven only by the absence of clinically relevant sensitization to goat milk.

atopic dermatitis, cow’s milk allergy, goat milk