New Guidance to Address Milk Allergy Confusion Among Healthcare Professionals

New Guidance to Address Milk Allergy Confusion Among Healthcare Professionals

September 21, 2006

    PARIS, Sept. 21 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- An International
Taskforce of experts met in Paris today to launch new
guidance on the diagnosis and management of cows' milk
protein allergy (CMPA) in infants. The taskforce was set up
following results of an international survey,[1] which
revealed that 72% of healthcare professionals (HCPs) were
confusing milk allergy symptoms with other conditions. The
survey demonstrates this confusion is leading to a delay in
diagnosis and leaving 70% of parents of infants with CMPA
feeling distressed and guilty about their child's
condition.

    "The new guidance, if adopted at country level,
will improve how infants with CMPA are managed and help
avoid any unnecessary suffering through delays in
diagnosis," commented Professor Yvan Vandenplas, Chair
of the International Taskforce that developed the Protocol.

    The survey of more than 500 HCPs (including primary
care physicians, paediatricians and nurses), revealed that
85% of HCPs want more information about the CMPA in general
and a quarter (23%) are dissatisfied with current diagnostic
tools. Since 66% of those surveyed see between one and three
milk allergy cases every month, the development of guidance
is seen as a priority to ensure that the infants with the
condition are diagnosed quickly and accurately and managed
effectively.

    Cows' milk is the most common cause of food allergy in
infants and children[2] affecting a minimum of 2-3% of
infants.[3] However, symptoms suggesting CMPA, including
skin rash, wheezing, vomiting and diarrhoea, may be present
in up to 15% of infants.[4]

    Not surprisingly, the condition can have a major impact
on infants and their families. 1000 parents were also
questioned as part of the survey[5] and a massive 82% said
that their child's CMPA has caused them to lose sleep and
four in ten (38%) said that it has brought about arguments
with their partner. Even more worrying are the effects
parents believe the condition has on their child, with
about half (49%) saying that the allergy meant that their
child has failed to thrive. Overall, nearly two thirds of
those surveyed said that the condition has had an impact on
their family's life in some way.

    Professor Christophe Dupont who co-chaired the Paris
meeting, says, "HCPs have not had access to good
quality diagnostic tools on CMPA, which probably explains
why so many are confused about the condition. The new
guidance will address this need. The priority is to ensure
that infants displaying any of the symptoms are rapidly
picked up, tested and managed appropriately."

    The full guidance in the form of two protocols, one for
breast-fed infants and one for bottle-fed infants, along
with a manuscript that details the process of diagnosis and
management, will be published in a peer-reviewed journal in
2007.

    The taskforce are spearheading a campaign called
"Act Against Allergy," which includes
awareness-raising activities and educational materials to
help both HCPs and parents better manage CMPA. In addition
to the guidance launched today, tools include a new website
for healthcare professionals, parents of CMPA infants and
the media:  http://www.actagainstallergy.com .

    Notes to Editors

    Act Against Allergy is sponsored by an educational
grant from SHS International.

    The surveys were commissioned among 505 healthcare
professionals and 1000 patients in the UK, France, Germany,
Spain and Italy to establish their attitudes and
understanding of CMPA.

    References

    [1] Telephone survey among 505 healthcare
professionals. KRC Research, 
        November 2005

    [2] Niggemann B et al. Prospective, controlled,
multi-center study on the 
        effect of an amino acid based formula in infants
with cow's milk 
        allergy/intolerance and atopic dermatitis. Pediatr
Allergy Immunol. 
        2001;12:  78-82.

    [3] Sicherer SH. Review:  Food Allergy. Lancet.
2002;360:  701-710.
    [4] Host A. Cow's milk protein allergy and intolerance
in infancy.
        Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 1994;5:  1-36.

    [5] Telephone survey among 1000 parents of children
aged 0-3 years. KRC 
        Research, November 2005
    
    For more information, please contact:

     Harriet Hopkins 
     Tel:   [phone] 
     Email: [e-mail] 

SOURCE  SHS International