Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Management of Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is an under-recognized non-immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated gastrointestinal food allergy affecting primarily infants and toddlers. An abnormal response to food antigen resulting in local inflammation is thought to lead to increased intestinal permeability and fluid shift. The primary features of acute FPIES are repetitive, projectile vomiting, lethargy, pallor, diarrhea, and dehydration. Chronic FPIES is typically seen in young infants with continued exposure to cow's milk or soy-based formula. Biomarkers are lacking and patients may undergo extensive workups for their symptoms, which often leads to a delay in diagnosis and puts infants at risk for feeding difficulties, nutritional deficiencies, and failure to thrive. This review will provide a guide in how to recognize the clinical features of and manage FPIES.