Effectiveness of using an extensively hydrolyzed casein formula supplemented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG compared with an extensively hydrolysed whey formula in managing cow’s milk protein allergic infants

Authors: JF Guest, GW Fuller.
Source: Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research 2019; doi.org/10.2217/cer-2019-0088

Abstract

Aim: To assess the comparative effectiveness of two hypoallergenic formulae in managing cow’smilk allergic infants.

Materials & methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the case records of 940 formula-fed cow’s milk allergic infants in the UK extracted from The Health Improvement Network database.

Results: At 24 months after starting a formula, 77% of infants fed an extensively hydrolyzed casein formula supplemented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (eHCF LGG; n = 470) were estimated to have been successfully managed compared with 63% of matched infants who were fed an extensively hydrolyzed whey formula (eHWF; n = 470; p <0.001). Additionally, significantly more eHWF-fed infants were estimated to be experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, eczema and asthma (7.1 vs 3.1%; p <0.02) at 24 months.

Conclusion: First-line management of newly diagnosed cow’s milk allergic infants with eHCF LGG may slow down the allergic march seen in cow’s milk allergic children.