Original Title: Fórmula láctea parcialmente hidrolizada para la prevención de alergia a proteína de leche de vaca

Authors' recommendations: Low-quality evidence suggests that feeding with partially hydrolyzed formula, when compared to cow's milk formula, may yield a significant net benefit in preventing allergic diseases, as evidenced by a decreased risk of eczema in patients without a history of allergic disease, and in children under two years old at risk of allergic diseases, a decreased risk of all allergic diseases, eczema/atopic dermatitis, and infant wheezing. Low-quality evidence suggests that breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of wheezing compared to feeding with partially hydrolyzed formula. The clinical practice guidelines consulted in this document do not mention or recommend feeding with partially hydrolyzed formulas to prevent cow's milk protein allergy in infants who are not exclusively breastfed, regardless of their risk of allergic disease. In the Turkey’s consensus on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cow's milk protein allergy among infants and children, the use of partially or extensively hydrolyzed formulas is recommended, while formulas based on cow's milk should be avoided in non-exclusively breastfed infants at high risk of allergies. No coverage policies for cow's milk protein allergy prevention have been found in the countries surveyed, both high-income and middle-income countries. In Argentina, coverage is provided for both food formulas (necessary to meet nutritional requirements) and medicinal formulas (special infant feeding for those with conditions affecting intake, digestion, absorption, metabolism, or excretion of certain nutrients from breast milk or food). Coverage includes children 0 to 3 years old, with medical indication, and is provided through the Ministry of Health, social security funds, prepaid healthcare companies, and all health insurance agents. Economic analyses conducted in Singapore, the United States of America, the Philippines, Germany, and Switzerland, where the implementation of partially hydrolyzed formula in non-exclusively breastfed infants at high risk of allergic diseases is cost-effective, have been identified. No economic evidence (cost-effectiveness or budget impact) from Argentina or any other region in Latin America has been found. However, despite the extent of the benefit in infants and children under two years old is significant, given the high potential budget impact of indicating partially hydrolyzed formulas in this population, it would not be favorable from an economic point of view.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2024

URL for published report: https://ets.iecs.org.ar/publication/2216

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Argentina

Organisation Name: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy

Contact Address: Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024, Buenos Aires - Argentina, C1414 CABA

Contact Name: info@iecs.org.ar

Contact Email: info@iecs.org.ar

Copyright: <p>Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS)</p>