The patch test, skin prick test, and serum milk-specific IgE as diagnostictools in cow's milk allergy in infants

We evaluated the value of the patch test, skin prick test, and milk-specifi c IgE by CAP RAST in 301 infants with suspected hypersensitivity to cow's m ilk. The patch test was carried out with milk powder, and the skin prick te st with cow's milk-based formula. Hypersensitivity to cow's milk was determ ined with double-blind, placebo-controlled challenge. An immediate reaction to cow's milk challenge was observed in 100 infants (33%), a delayed react ion in 76 (25%), and a negative result in 125 (42%). Skin prick test wheals were significantly greater in infants with immediate reactions than in inf ants with delayed or negative reactions. Milk-specific IgE was correlated w ith the skin prick test (r=0.78, P<0.001, n=268) but did not contribute to further discrimination of immediate reactions from delayed or negative reac tions compared to skin prick test alone. In our study population, the skin prick test (diameter greater than or equal to 3 mm) showed a specificity an d sensitivity of 91% and 69%; the results for milk-specific IgE (greater th an or equal to 0.7 kU/I) were 88% and 58%, respectively. The patch test did not distinguish subjects with immediate or delayed reactions from those wi th negative reactions.