Harvard Catalyst Profiles

FPIES is a non-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal food allergy, which typically presents in infancy and can resolve by grade-school, but can be long-lasting in a subset of patients. FPIES manifests as protracted vomiting, often followed by diarrhea, sometimes progressing to shock, following ingestion of the culprit food. Prevalence of FPIES seems to be increasing. The pathogenesis of FPIES is poorly understood and this is reflected in the lack of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers as well as the absence of a curative treatment. Avoidance of trigger foods is necessary for patients, and food challenges are employed to assess when the condition has resolved. Dr. Crestani and Dr. Bartnikas i n the Allergy Department at Boston Children's Hospital have established a longitudinal registry of FPIES patients seen at Boston Children's, with the goal to acquire large epidemiological data on this condition and shed light on its characteristics and natural course. There are ample opportunities to participate in the registry to review clinical and epidemiological data looking at specific questions regarding patients with FPIES. Participation can help advance the knowledge on this relatively rare type of food allergy while providing opportunities to collect, analyze and present data and contribute to ongoing projects.