An unusual case of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome due to zucchini

Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2021 Nov 1;49(6):39-41. doi: 10.15586/aei.v49i6.462. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Background: Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a non-IgE-mediated food allergy characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms, mainly protracted and delayed vomiting. Diagnosis is based on clinical history, and it can be challenging as symptoms are delayed and the causative food is often not very suspicious.

Objective: This case report highlights the importance of having a high degree of suspicion to reach a correct diagnosis.

Materials and methods: We report an unusual case of FPIES due to zucchini. During the follow-up. Two oral food challenges (OFC) were carried out to evaluate tolerance to the food involved.

Results: The first OFC was positive and in the second the child tolerated the food without problems.

Conclusions: In this case, the OFC was essential to identify the offending food and to verify that the child had overcome the disease.

Keywords: FPIES; food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome; gastrointestinal food allergy; non-IgE-mediated food allergy; zucchini.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Allergens
  • Child
  • Cucurbita / adverse effects*
  • Enterocolitis* / diagnosis
  • Food Hypersensitivity* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Vegetables

Substances

  • Allergens