Efficacy of sequential fecal-marker examination for evaluating gastrointestinal inflammation in solid food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome

Abstract

Background

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome caused by solid foods (Solid-FPIES) is a non-immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic disease characterized by delayed gastrointestinal symptoms. An oral food challenge (OFC) test, although necessary, can be inconclusive in cases with mild symptoms. Moreover, limited diagnostic marker availability highlights the need for novel surrogate markers. We aimed to examine the efficacy of fecal hemoglobin (FHb), lactoferrin (FLf), and calprotectin (FCp) over time in evaluating gastrointestinal inflammation degree in Solid-FPIES.

Methods

This observational study included 40 patients and 42 episodes at Juntendo University Hospital and affiliated hospitals between October 2020 and March 2024 categorized into FPIES (12 patients with 11 egg yolk, 1 fish, and 1 soybean episodes), control (14 patients with 15 episodes), and remission (14 patients). Fecal tests were performed for 7 days following antigen exposure. The ratios of each value were divided by the baseline value and analyzed over time course.

Results

The FPIES group had significantly higher peak ratios of all fecal markers than the control group (p < 0.01). The median FHb, FLf, and FCp ratios were 3.25, 9.09, and 9.79 in the FPIES group and 1.08, 1.29, and 1.49 in the control group, respectively. In the remission group, several patients had fluctuating fecal markers despite negative OFC, and one patient was diagnosed with FPIES by OFC with increased load. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed high diagnostic performance for each fecal marker in FPIES.

Conclusions

Sequential fecal marker examination proved valuable in diagnosing Solid-FPIES and evaluating the degree of gastrointestinal inflammation.