Clin Exp Pediatr.  2026 Mar;69(3):257-265. 10.3345/cep.2025.01697.

Can a basophil activation test of cord blood predict a cow's milk allergy?

• KMID: 2579058
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.01697

Abstract

Background
Food allergies affect 4%–6% of the pediatric population and are often present within the first 2 years of life. Cord blood cells and cytokines in high-risk infants can predict allergic problems; however, their predictive value remains unclear. Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether a cow's milk allergy in infants can be predicted using a basophil activation test (BAT) of cord blood samples by stimulating basophils with milk protein antigens (cow's milk and casein).
Methods
We collected cord blood during the birth of 30 mother-child pairs and immediately analyzed BAT stimulated with milk protein antigens. One year later, we compared the results of those infants who developed an allergy to those who did not.
Results
We found that infants with a casein-BAT value ≥2.6 were 33.2 times more likely than those with a casein- BAT value <2.6 to develop food allergy symptoms within the first year of life (P=0.03).
Conclusion
High casein-BAT values in cord blood may predict the development of food allergies during the first year of life. Although no association with cow's milk sensitivity has been found, casein sensitivity may indicate food allergy risk. However, further studies are required to confirm this association.