Fecal Calprotectin for Prediction of the Oral Challenge Test Response in Children with Food Hypersensitivity Skin Symptoms

The aim of the study was to assess the use of quick tests for fecal calprotectin detection in children with skin symptoms of the Food Hypersensitivity for both diagnostic of the food intolerance and prediction of the oral challenge test response. Materials and methods. 76 children with skin symptoms suspected of the food allergy were recruited prospectively (mean age was 25,3 [11,5; 41,8] months). The diagnosis of food allergy was made using EAACI criterion in case of FA reproducible occurrence on exposure to the suspected food. Serum and stool samples were taken at the first visit of the patients with skin clinical symptoms. Stool samples were analyzed for calprotectin, serum – for level of the common IgE and specific IgE antibodies to the common for Ukraine food allergens (milk, egg). Results. FC was detected in coprofiltrate in 42 children (55%). They statistically more often had increased common IgE independently from age, but correlative link between them was absent (r=0,15, p=0,22). More than one third of the patients suspected cow milk food allergy and one fourth – allergy to eggs. Other one third of the patients couldn’t detect any clear causative food that was associated with food allergy symptoms appearance. FC level had no correlation with specific IgE levels (p>0,05). Oral challenge test (OCT) was done in 68 patients. 8 children were 2 Olga P. Pakholchuk and Svitlana N. Nedelska not tested with OFC because of the clear anamnesis or positive sIgE levels. All of them had detected FC in the stool (n=8). Conclusions. FC level in stool did not influence on the result of the OCT and had no association with type of the tested product. FC should not be used for prediction of the OCT result and was not associated with product for OFC test.