Milk allergy and bottles over the back fence: two single patient trials

ObjectiveTo determine if allergy to cows milk was responsible for symptoms in two children.DesignSingle patient trial.SettingGeneral Practice in New Zealand.ParticipantsTwo children aged about 6 monthsInterventionAlternating bottles of soya-based milk and cow's milk provided by neighbours over their back fence.Main outcome measuresPresence of diarrhea, irritability, rash and wheeze.ResultsAfter 4 cycles of soya-based milk and cows milk one child proved to have a milk allergy and one did not.ConclusionA systematic approach enabled conclusive diagnoses in both children.