Dietary Protein Induced Enteropathy / Enterocolitis

The symptoms observed in infants with dietary protein enterocolitis are very similar but more severe than those observed in protein enteropathy. Both disorders are characterized by protracted diarrhea and vomiting with resulting malabsorption and failure to thrive. The disorders are caused by an immune response most commonly to cow's milk protein, but soy, cereal grains and additional foods have been implicated. Onset of symptoms is typically during infancy.

Diagnosis is based in the combined findings from endoscopy / biopsy, allergen elimination and challenge. Treatment is based on antigen elimination using either a hydrolysed formula or an amino acid-based formula.

Not all infants with protein-induced colitis respond to eHFs, but do have resolution of their symptoms when amino acid-based formula.
Most infants outgrow their allergies by 2 or 3 years of age, but some maintain hypersensitivity into childhood.