Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis (Pediatric)

What is food protein-induced enterocolitis?

Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) is a severe disorder that is a systemic reaction to a food protein, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes hours after ingesting the culprit food. In some cases, symptoms can progress to dehydration and shock with low blood pressure, indicating a medical emergency. FPIES may start when a baby is introduced to solid food or formula.

What causes food protein-induced enterocolitis?

The most common triggers are milk, soy and grains, but other foods could act as culprits. Proper diagnosis may depend on an experienced allergist-supervised food exposure, which we can conduct when appropriate at ColumbiaDoctors Children's Health.

What is the treatment for food protein-induced enterocolitis?

Management involves identifying the culprit food, learning how to avoid them, advising on how to maintain proper nutrition, and preparing for accidental exposures. Children usually outgrow FPIES.