Perinatology.  2020 Sep;31(3):151-155. 10.14734/PN.2020.31.3.151.

Food Protein-induced Enterocolitis Mimic king Necrotizing Enterocolitis in a Premature Infant: Case Report

• Lee SY
• Jo CK
• Rha SH
• Kim MJ

• KMID: 2507501
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14734/PN.2020.31.3.151

Abstract

Food protein-induced enterocolitis (FPIES) is not well documented in newborns. Although FPIES is rare in premature infants, it may occasionally be confused with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This is particularly true for low birth weight infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. We report a case of cow’s milk protein-induced enterocolitis mimicking recurrent NEC in a premature infant. The patient presented bloody stools, abdominal distension, pneumatosis intestinalis, peripheral eosino philia, and successful resolution of the symptoms upon modification of the diet to an amino acidbased formula. We aim to highlight that although the prevalence of FPIES is relatively rare in premature infants, clinicians should lead to consideration of FPIES in NEC-like illness.

Keyword

Food allergy; Food allergy; Milk proteins; Milk proteins; Necrotizing enterocolitis; Necrotizing enterocolitis; Premature infant; Premature infant