PREVALÊNCIA DE ALERGIA À PROTEÍNA DO LEITE DE VACA EM CRIANÇAS BRASILEIRAS MENORES DE DOIS ANOS DE IDADE: REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA E META-ANÁLISE

Abstract

Introduction: Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) is particularly prevalent in children, especially in the first 12 months of life. Studies in Brazil reveal a significant prevalence indicating increasing attention to this allergic condition, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive investigation into CMPA in different contexts and age groups. Objective: The primary objective was to analyze and synthesize available data on the prevalence of CMPA in different Brazilian contexts, considering geographic, methodological and population diversity. Methodology: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis, which used the prism protocol and databases as parameters. Clinical, community, observational, cohort and cross-sectional studies were included in children aged 0 to 23 months and 29 days living in Brazil, while studies that were not included were: review studies, case reports, course completion work and theses Results: The initial search identified 146 studies, of which 31 were excluded as duplicates. After reading the methodology in detail, 41 articles were considered for eligibility, with the final inclusion of seven studies. The combined analysis revealed an aggregate estimate of CMPA prevalence of 36.0%, with a 95% confidence interval between 30.0% and 46.0%. However, substantial heterogeneity was observed, indicated by significant values of τ2 (13.74, p < 0.003) and I2 (77%). Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of CMPA in Brazilian children, highlighting an average prevalence of 30.0% to 46.0%, thus, the need for more refined approaches in the investigation and interpretation of results, with important implications for clinical strategies and future health policies. Keywords: Food, allergy, prevalence, milk proteins, nutritional status.