FPIES challenge (1822)

Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES)

What is an FPIES oral food challenge?

This test is done for a child with FPIES.  It is done to see if your child can safely eat a certain food without causing them to have a reaction (like throwing up or diarrhea). These foods are called trigger foods.  As children get older, they can often start to handle trigger foods.   This is test is important because most children will outgrow FPIES by grade school.

• A FPIES oral food challenge is done when the patient’s history leads us to think they will be able to handle the food.

Who should not have a food challenge?

A food challenge should not be done if:

• your child is sick.  The food challenge may need to be rescheduled.  This is for your child’s safety.
• your child has used Albuterol in the last 3 days, call the clinic.  You do not need to call if albuterol was used for exercise or activity within 3 days of the challenge.  
• your child is taking certain medicines for high blood pressure, migraine headaches, or   glaucoma.  Common names are: Propranolol, Metoprolol, Atenolol, Timolol or Betaxolol.

Where is it done?

The food challenge will be done in Children’s Wisconsin Infusion Clinic.  There, if your child has a reaction to the trigger food, IV fluids and medicines can be given to help them right away.

What happens during a clinic food challenge?

1.Questions will be asked and a physical exam will be done.
2.The Infusion Clinic nurse will put an IV in your child’s hand or arm.
3.Your child will be given three small servings of the trigger food over 45 minutes.  
4.Your child will stay in the Infusion Clinic for at least 4 hours.  Clinic staff will watch your child to make sure there is not a reaction to the food.
Fluids and medicines will be given if your child has a reaction to the trigger food.

What are the risks?

• A reaction to the trigger food may include:
• Throwing up a lot. 
• Turning pale.
• Feeling very tired as if you may pass out.
• Low blood pressure.
• Diarrhea (5 to10 hours after eating the food).

How do I get ready for a clinic food challenge?

• Keep giving all prescribed medicines. 
• Bring the food for the challenge.  You will be told what to bring.
• You may also bring snacks and drinks your child has eaten before. You will be at the clinic for 4 to 6 hours.  
• Bring something for your child to do or a book to read. 

What happens after a clinic food challenge?

• Go to the emergency room if your child has a reaction.  Call the allergy clinic.
• Your child should not eat the trigger food for 24 hours. 
• Continue to watch for a delayed reaction.
• If your child does not have a reaction during the FPIES oral food challenge, you can add former trigger foods to your child’s diet.