Wheat-Triggered Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome in Celiac Children on Gluten-Free Diet: A New Clinical Association.

INTRODUCTION

The association between food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) and wheat ingestion in children with celiac disease is unknown at this time.

METHODS

We present seven cases of children with celiac disease who presented with symptoms of wheat-triggered acute FPIES (a-FPIES). An oral food challenge (OFC) with wheat allergen followed by 4 h of observation was performed. Activation of innate system cells was measured at baseline (T0), during symptoms (Ts), and 4 h after symptom onset (Ts + 4). A panel of human inflammatory cytokines was also performed.

RESULTS

All patients reacted to the first allergen dose. Three patients experienced a decrease of 30 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and tachycardia and required hemodynamic resuscitation. Neutrophilia and a decrease in eosinophil count were evident at 4 h after symptom onset. At 4 h after symptom onset, cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8, and to a lesser degree, IL-10) were elevated.

CONCLUSION

In a small sample of celiac patients with wheat exposure in an OFC, symptoms and acute immunological changes in serum inflammatory cytokine profile were consistent with a-FPIES.