Lack of uniformity in the investigation and management of suspected β-lactam allergy in children.

Background: Beta-lactam allergy is commonly suspected in childhood with health implications for the individual and wider public. Diagnostic modalities include skin prick tests (SPT), specific immunoglobulin-E (sp-IgE) tests, intradermal tests (IDT) and drug provocation challenges (DPC). The aim of this research was to establish whether variation exists around the world in the investigation and management of beta-lactam allergy.

Systematic review of the impact of feed protein type and degree of hydrolysis on gastric emptying in children.

Background: The choice of infant formula is thought to play an important role on gastric emptying (GE) in a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. It is known that many ingredients impact on GE, including the type of protein and level of hydrolysis. In clinical practice, feeds are often recommended due to putative improved GE related to the type of protein and level of hydrolysis, however whether this is scientifically justified still needs to be established.

Histological findings in infants with Gastrointestinal food allergy are associated with specific gastrointestinal symptoms; retrospective review from a tertiary centre.

Background: Gastrointestinal food allergy (GIFA) occurs in 2 to 4 % of children, the majority of whom are infants (<1 year of age). Although endoscopy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing GIFA, it is invasive and requires general anaesthesia. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether in infants with GIFA, gastrointestinal symptoms predict histological findings in order to help optimise the care pathway for such patients.