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Case Report |
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Severe systemic allergic reaction induced by accidental
skin contact with cow milk in a 16-year-old boy. A case
report |
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G. Liccardi1,
F. De Falco1,
J. A. Gilder2,
M. D’Amato1
and G. D’Amato1 |
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1 Department of Chest Diseases,
Division of Pneumology and Allergology, “A. Cardarelli”
Hospital, Naples, Italy.
2 Scientific Communication, Naples, Italy |
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J Invest Allergol Clin Immunol
2004; Vol. 14(2): 168-171 |
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Abstract |
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The symptoms of food
allergy are rarely
induced by skin
contact. A 16-year-old
boy was referred to
our Allergology
Centre after an
episode of systemic
symptoms triggered
by accidental skin
contact with a drop
of cow milk (CM)
dripped from a
sandwich containing
fresh cheese. The
patient had been
allergic to CM from
the age of 24 months
and had experienced
several episodes of
urticaria-angioedema
after the ingestion
of tiny or
“hidden” amounts of
CM proteins. In vivo
and in vitro
diagnostic
procedures showed
intense
sensitisation to all
CM proteins (1/100
dilutions of
allergenic extracts
produced large
wheals, and class 4
specific IgE
antibodies. Total
IgE antibodies were
elevate (770.0 UI/).
A moderate degree of
bronchial
hyperresponsiveness
was found (PC20
metacholine: 3.90
milligrams). This
case report suggests
that patients with a
high degree of
sensitisation to CM
proteins should be
alert to the danger
of skin contact and
should beware of
“hidden” CM
allergens.
Key words:
Cow milk allergens,
systemic reactions,
food allergy, hidden
allergens, skin
contact,
urticariaangioedema. |
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