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Cardiology195 papers

Allergic proctocolitis caused by food protein

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Allergic proctocolitis caused by food proteins, often referred to as allergic colitis or infant colitis, is characterized by rectal bleeding and irritability in infants, typically triggered by cow's milk or soy proteins, though other foods like barley may also be implicated 1.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Presentation: Rectal bleeding, irritability, and sometimes diarrhea in infants 1.
  • Elimination Diet: Removal of suspected food proteins (e.g., cow's milk, soy, barley) to observe symptom resolution 1.
  • Biopsy: Not routinely required but may show mucosal inflammation if performed 1.
  • Specific IgE Testing: Useful for identifying specific food allergies but not always definitive 1.

    • Management

  • Elimination of Trigger Foods: Remove the identified food protein (e.g., cow's milk, soy, barley) from the diet 1.
  • Alternative Formulas: For infants, hypoallergenic formulas (e.g., amino acid-based formulas) may be necessary 1.
  • Monitoring: Regular follow-up to assess symptom resolution and nutritional adequacy 1.

    • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Common in infants; management focuses on dietary modifications 1.
  • Pregnancy/Elderly: Not specifically addressed in provided abstracts 1.

    • Key Recommendations

  • Identify and Eliminate Trigger Foods: Confirm and remove the specific food protein causing symptoms (e.g., cow's milk, soy, barley) 1 (Evidence: Moderate).
  • Use Hypoallergenic Formulas When Necessary: For infants, consider amino acid-based formulas if cow's milk or soy triggers are implicated 1 (Evidence: Moderate).
  • Regular Follow-Up: Monitor infants for symptom resolution and nutritional status post-elimination 1 (Evidence: Expert opinion).

    • References

    1 Lundgard R, Svensson B. A 39 kD barley seed protein of the serpin superfamily inhibits alpha-chymotrypsin. Carlsberg research communications 1989. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      A 39 kD barley seed protein of the serpin superfamily inhibits alpha-chymotrypsin. — Lundgard R, Svensson B Carlsberg research communications (1989)
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