Allergen Skin Prick Test Research Articles

Study of the correlations between fractional exhaled nitric oxide in exhaled breath and atopic status, blood eosinophils, FCER2 mutation, and asthma control in Vietnamese children.

IntroductionFractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) is a biomarker of airway inflammation in asthma. The measurement of FENO is utilized to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of children with asthma, especially for those treated with inhaled corticosteroids.ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to evaluate the correlations between FENO and atopic status, blood eosinophil levels, FCER2 mutation, and asthma control in Vietnamese children.Subjects and methodsThis was a prospective and descriptive study approved by the local Ethical Board. All children with uncontrolled asthma, seen in the National Hospital of Pediatrics (Hanoi, Vietnam), were included. Exhaled breath FENO, blood eosinophils, skin prick test, total IgE, asthma control test (ACT), and FCER2 gene polymorphism were performed at inclusion. They were followed up at 3 months to evaluate clinical status, FENO levels, and ACT.ResultsForty-two children with uncontrolled asthma with a mean age of 10±3 years (6–16 years) were included. The male/female ratio was 2.5/1. The mean FENO levels were 26±25 ppb. FENO was significantly higher in patients with a positive skin prick test for respiratory allergens (P<0.05). FENO was significantly correlated with blood eosinophil levels (r=0.5217; P=0.0004). Five of the 32 subjects (15.6%) had a mutation of FCER2 gene (rs28364072 SNP). In this group, the levels of FENO were highest (37±10 ppb; P<0.05). The levels of FENO were significantly decreased after 3 months of treatment (17±8 ppb vs 26±25 ppb; P<0.05). Significant correlations between inhaled corticosteroid doses and FENO levels occurred at 1 and 3 months (r=0.415, P=0.007; r=0.396, P=0.010; respectively). There were no correlations between FENO levels, ACT, and daily use of salbutamol. After 3 months, asthma remained uncontrolled in 22.2% of children.ConclusionThe measurement of FENO levels is a useful and feasible tool to predict clinical, biological, and asthma control in Vietnamese children.

Does adenoid hypertrophy affect disease severity in children with allergic rhinitis?

Our study aims to evaluate the presence of adenoid hypertrophy (AH) in children with allergic rhinitis (AR) and the association of AH disease severity and clinical laboratory finding from retrospective, cross-sectional, and nonrandomized trial. The study included 566 children being treated and followed up for allergic rhinitis. Skin prick test for the same allergens was performed for all patients. Adenoid tissue was analyzed by an ENT specialist and the diagnosis was confirmed based on the patient history, endoscopic physical examination and radiology. Adenoid hypertrophy was detected in 118 (21.2%) of the children with AR. Children with and without AH did not differ statistically and significantly by gender, age, presence of atopy in the family, exposure to smoke (p>0.05). Comparison of the groups for AR duration demonstrated significantly higher frequency of persistent rhinitis in patients with AH (p<0.05). Of the AR patients with AH, 90 (76.3%) had moderate-severe rhinitis and 274 (62.6%) AR patients without AH had moderate-severe rhinitis (p=0.005). Itchy nose was more frequent in AR patients without AH, and nasal congestion was more common in AR patients with AH (p=0.017 and p=0.001, respectively). The presence of asthma was more common among AR patients without AH (p=0.037). Intergroup comparisons for presence of atopic dermatitis, the percentage of eosinophil, serum IgE levels, the number of positive sensitivity, polysensitization, sensitivity to house dust mite, cockroach, pollens and dander yielded no significant difference (p>0.05). On the other hand, sensitivity to Alternaria alternata was significantly more frequent in AR patients with AH (p=0.032). The presence of AH increased the severity of the disease and prolongs disease duration. There was a negative relationship between AH and asthma in children with AR. AH is more common among children with mold sensitivity. AH should be considered and investigated particularly in non-asthmatic children with pronounced nasal congestion and A. alternata sensitivity.

Occupational asthma: an analysis of two cases

To investigate the incidence of occupational asthma induced by occupational exposure to detergents and spices. The occupational history, case data, and results of auxiliary examinations were collected from patients with asthma induced by occupational exposure to detergents and spices and submitted to the expert group for diagnosis of occupational diseases to obtain the diagnostic results. Both patients with asthma were exposed to asthmogenic substances in the working environment and developed the symptoms of asthma after a certain latency period. In case 1, the patient had positive results from bronchial dilation test and peak expiratory flow test; in case 2, the patient had positive results from allergen skin prick test for spices and essence and allergen bronchial provocation test. Therefore, the possibility of asthma induced by occupational factors could not be excluded. Occupational exposure to detergents and spices can induce occupational asthma.

Phenotyping asthma in the elderly: allergic sensitization profile and upper airways comorbidity in patients older than 65 years

BackgroundData about allergic rhinitis in elderly patients with asthma are lacking. ObjectiveTo investigate the presence of rhinitis and the role of sensitization of airborne allergens in elderly patients with asthma. MethodsThis was a multicenter cross-sectional study involving subjects at least 65 years old with asthma. Demographic features, comorbidities, and the presence of allergic respiratory disease were retrieved through interview. Skin prick tests for common allergens were performed. Associations of demographic and clinical features were evaluated in relation to asthma control and forced expiratory volume in the first second less than 80% in the total population and in the subgroup with features resembling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ResultsOf 368 elderly subjects with asthma, 101 had features resembling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Rhinitis was present in 59.0% of subjects (allergic rhinitis in 47.6%), with an age of onset significantly different from that of asthma (49 ± 18 vs 57 ± 18 years). At least 1 sensitization was observed in 52.4% of subjects, more frequently for house dust mite (HDM; 31.8%). The prevalence of poorly and partially controlled asthma was higher in patients sensitized to airborne allergens (odds ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.03–2.61), in particular to HDM (odds ratio 1.73, 95% confidence interval 1.05–2.85). ConclusionApproximately 60% of elderly subjects with asthma had rhinitis, mainly allergic and often untreated, whose onset preceded asthma symptoms by a mean of approximately 10 years. Nonallergic asthma was better controlled than allergic asthma. However, HDM sensitization was greater in subjects with asthma with features resembling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (39% vs 28%). When restricting analysis to this group, the negative role of HDM in overall asthma control (forced expiratory volume in first second and Asthma Control Test) was significant.

Serum S100A8 and S100A9 Enhance Innate Immune Responses in the Pathogenesis of Baker's Asthma

Background: S100A8 and S100A9 can be produced by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated granulocytes and provoke an innate immune-mediated airway inflammation. Involvement of S100A8 and S100A9 has been implicated in asthma. To further understand the role of S100A8 and S100A9 during innate immune responses in baker's asthma, we investigated the associations of serum S100A8 and S100A9 with exposure to bakery allergens and polymorphisms of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene. Methods: Totally, 381 bakery workers and 100 unexposed healthy controls were recruited. Skin prick tests for bakery allergens were performed. Serum levels of S100A8, S100A9, myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-8 were measured using ELISA. Predictive values of serum S100A8 and S100A9 in bakery workers were evaluated by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Polymorphisms of TLR4 -2027A→G and -1608T→C were genotyped. Results: Higher serum levels of S100A8 and S100A9 were noted in bakery workers compared to the normal controls (p < 0.001); however, no significant differences were noted according to work-related symptoms. The area under the ROC curve of serum S100A8 was 0.886 for occupational exposure (p < 0.001). The TLR4 -1608CC genotype was significantly associated with a higher serum S100A8 level (p = 0.025). Serum S100A8 and S100A9 levels were correlated with serum levels of MPO (r = 0.396 and 0.189, respectively), TNF-α (r = 0.536 and 0.280, respectively), and IL-8 (r = 0.540 and 0.205, respectively; p < 0.001 for all). Conclusion: S100A8 and S100A9 are involved in innate immune responses under the regulation of TLR4 polymorphisms in baker's asthma pathogenesis. Serum S100A8 could be a potential biomarker for predicting occupational exposure to wheat flour in bakery workers.

Sensitization to animal allergens and allergic symptoms during exposure to them in Korean veterinary researchers

Purpose: Veterinary researchers are exposed to variable animal allergens. However, sensitization to them and allergic symptoms during exposure to them in this group are not sufficiently evaluated worldwide, especially in Korea. The objective of this study is to evaluate sensitization to animal allergens and allergic symptoms during exposure to them in Korean veterinary researchers. Methods: Thirty-two veterinary researchers who participated in the 2016 annual symposium of the Korean Society of Veterinary Sci ence were asked to answer questionnaires regarding allergic symptoms during animal exposure and underwent skin prick tests for animal allergens. Animal allergens consisted of chicken feather and 10 mammals, epithelia as well as cow`s milk, hen`s egg, and 7 an imal types of meat. Results: There were 13 subjects who complained of allergic symptoms during exposure to certain animal epithelia and 19 who did not. Between the 2 groups, there were no differences in age, sex, underlying allergic disease, family history of allergy, current occu pation and its duration, numbers and specie of contact animals, or daily contact time. Meanwhile, the sensitization rates to mouse, horse, rabbit, and guinea pig were significantly higher in the symptomatic group. Rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms were the most common allergic symptoms related to animal exposure were most common followed by dermatologic symptom, and symptom of lower respiratory tract. Conclusion: We found that sensitizations to some animal epithelia were more frequent in Korean veterinary researchers with aller gic symptoms during exposure to animal compared to those without it, and their most common symptoms were rhinoconjunctivi tis symptoms. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2016:4:406-414)

Study of risk factors for atopic sensitization, asthma, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in animal laboratory workers.

The aim of this estudy was to investigate the influence of allergen exposure levels and other risk factors for allergic sensitization, asthma, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in workers exposed to laboratory animals. This was a cross-sectional study performed at two universities, 123 workplaces with 737 subjects. Dust samples were collected from laboratories and animal facilities housing rats, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, or hamsters and analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure allergen concentrations. We also sampled workplaces without animals. Asthma was defined by both symptoms and BHR to mannitol. The concentrations of allergens were tested for association with a skin prick test, respiratory symptoms, spirometry data, and BHR. This multivariate analysis was performed by using Poisson regression to estimate the relative risk (RR) for the exposed group. Our sample comprised students and workers, with 336 subjects in the nonexposed group and 401 subjects in the exposed group. Sixty-nine subjects (17%) had positive results in the skin prick test for animal allergens in the exposed group; in the nonexposed group, 10 subjects had positive results (3%) (p<0.001). Exposure to laboratory animals over 2.8 years was associated with atopic sensitization (RR=1.85; 95% confidence interval: 1.09-3.15; p=0.02). Allergen concentration was not associated with sensitization, asthma, or BHR. Exposure to laboratory animals was associated with atopic sensitization. However, we did not find a cutoff allergen concentration that increased the risk for sensitization. Duration of exposure seems to be more relevant to sensitization than concentration of allergens in dust.

Allergen Skin Prick Testing in Early Childhood: Reproducibility and Prediction of Allergic Symptoms Into Adulthood

M Pesonen, MK Kallio, MA Siimes, A Ranki. J Pediatr. 2015;166(2):401–406.e1 To evaluate the long-term reproducibility of positive and negative skin prick testing (SPT) performed in young children as well as the predictive value of SPT for allergic symptoms later on in childhood and early adulthood. Finnish cohort of 200 unselected healthy newborns in an urban environment followed prospectively from birth to age 20. One hundred sixty-three individuals underwent clinical examination and SPT to 8 aeroallergens and 3 foods. Numbers of participants evaluated between the ages of 5 and 11, 11 and 20, and 5 and 20 were 128, 136, and 138 respectively. Structured interviews with parents were performed at ages 5 and 11, and with …

Adenoid Vegetation in Children with Allergic Rhinitis.

Pediatric patients with nasal obstruction due to adenoid vegetation (AV) can also encounter allergic rhinitis (AR) as a comorbidity. The aim of the study was to estimate the incidence of mite sensitization and its effect on adenoid size in children who underwent adenoidectomy. This prospective randomized study conducted between August and September 2014 included 84 children. Skin Prick Test (SPT) for inhalant allergens was preoperatively applied to all children who underwent adenoidectomy for nasal obstruction. Children were divided into two study groups: AV only (Group I) (n=52) and AV with Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus and/or D. farinae allergy (Group II) (n=32). Postoperative specimen volumes, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, and adenoid volumes measured using flexible fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscopy were compared between the two groups. Postoperative specimen volume measures were higher in Group II compared with those in Group I (p<0.05). Furthermore, in preoperative endoscopic examination, adenoid volume measures were higher in Group II compared with those in Group I (p<0.05). Pre and postoperative VAS scores in SPT+ group were higher in the Group II (p<0.05) than those in Group I. We observed that children with AR tend to have an early onset of symptoms of adenoid hypertrophy. We believe that focusing on the management of role of allergy regarding these early symptoms will reduce the need for surgery in a large number of cases. We suggest that SPT must be performed in all children with AV and adenoid examination should not be neglected in children with AR.

The Predictive Value of Allergen Skin Prick Tests and IgE Tests at Pre-School Age: The PACT Study

AD Ro, MR Simpson, O Storro, R Johnsen, V Videm, T Oien. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2015;25(7):1177–1183 The authors aim to compare the performance of skin prick test (SPT) and specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) in 2-year-old children for predicting allergic disease at 6 years of age. Participants were part of the Prevention of Allergy among Children in Trondheim (PACT) study, a large birth cohort study of the incidence of allergic disease in children conducted in Norway. Two-year-old children were examined and parents were interviewed regarding the presence of allergic disease. Atopic dermatitis (AD) was assessed by both examination and the UK …

Performance and Pain Tolerability of Current Diagnostic Allergy Skin Prick Test Devices

Allergen skin prick testing remains an essential tool for diagnosing atopic disease and guiding treatment. Sensitivity needs to be defined for newly introduced devices. Our aim was to compare the performance of 10 current allergy skin prick test devices. Single- and multiheaded skin test devices (n = 10) were applied by a single operator in a prospective randomized manner. Histamine (1 and 6 mg/mL) and control diluent were introduced at 6 randomized locations onto the upper and lower arms of healthy subjects. Wheal and flare reactions were measured independently by 2 masked technicians. Twenty-four subjects provided consent, and 768 skin tests were placed. Mean wheal diameter among devices differed from 3.0 mm (ComforTen; Hollister-Stier, Spokane, Wash) to 6.8 mm (UniTest PC; Lincoln Diagnostics, Decatur, Ill) using 1 mg/mL histamine (P < .001) and 4.8 mm (GREER Pick; Greer, Lenoir, NC) to 8.4 mm (Duotip-Test II; Lincoln Diagnostics, Decatur, Ill; and Sharp-Test; Panatrex, Placentia, Calif) using 6 mg/mL histamine (P < .001). The false-negative rates ranged from 0% to 45% with 1 mg/mL histamine. The analytical specificity was 100% for all devices tested. All devices were well tolerated, with average pain score of less than 4 on a 10-point visual analog scale. Pain scores were higher among women, but this did not reach statistical significance. The Multi-Test PC and the UniTest PC had the lowest pain scores compared with the other devices. All 10 skin prick test devices displayed good analytical sensitivity and specificity; however, 3 mm cannot arbitrarily be used as a positive threshold. The use of histamine at 1 mg/mL is unacceptable for certain devices but may be preferable for the most sensitive devices. On average, there was no pain score difference between multiheaded and single-head devices.

Lower airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in non-asthmatic patients with non-allergic rhinitis.

Potential associations between non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) and asthma have been verified epidemiologically, but these associations remain not very clear. It is necessary to further explore the possible implication of lower airway abnormities in NAR patients but without asthma. This study aims to determine lower airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), inflammation and lung function in non-asthmatic patients with NAR. We recruited 262 non-asthmatic patients with NAR, 377 with AR and 264 healthy subjects. All subjects were non-smokers who underwent meticulous history taking, nasal examination, allergen skin prick test (SPT), blood routine test, measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), methacholine bronchial challenge test and induced sputum eosinophil count, in this order. Compared with healthy subjects, non-asthmatic patients with NAR yielded markedly lower FEV1/FVC, maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF), mid-expiratory flow when 50% of FVC has been expired (MEF50%) and mid-expiratory flow when 75% of FVC has been expired (MEF25%) (P<0.05). Differences in spirometry between group AR and NAR were unremarkable (P>0.05). Patients with NAR yielded higher rate of AHR and higher FeNO levels than healthy subjects but lower than those with AR. The proportion of lower airways disorders (sputum eosinophilia, high FeNO levels or AHR) was highest in group AR (70.8%), followed by NAR (53.4%) and healthy subjects (24.2%) (P<0.01). However, sputum eosinophils in NAR patients were not higher compared with healthy subjects (P>0.05). Sputum eosinophils and FeNO had significant correlation with positive AHR and MMEF in group AR but not in NAR. Non-asthmatic patients with NAR harbor lower AHR, small airways dysfunction and inflammation, despite being less significant than those with AR. This offers clues to unravel the link between NAR and asthma.

Effects of maternal geohelminth infections on allergy in early childhood

BackgroundMaternal geohelminth infections during pregnancy may protect against allergy development in childhood.ObjectiveWe sought to investigate the effect of maternal geohelminths on the development of eczema, wheeze, and atopy during the first 3 years of life.MethodsA cohort of 2404 neonates was followed to 3 years of age in a rural district in coastal Ecuador. Data on wheeze and eczema were collected by means of questionnaire and physical examination at 13, 24, and 36 months of age. Atopy was measured based on skin prick test (SPT) reactivity to 9 allergens at 36 months. Maternal stool samples were examined for geohelminths by microscopy. Data on potential confounders was collected after birth by questionnaire.ResultsGeohelminths were observed in 45.9% of mothers. Eczema and wheeze were reported for 17.7% and 25.9%, respectively, of 2069 (86.1%) children with complete follow-up to 3 years, and allergen SPT reactivity to any allergen was present in 17.2% and to house dust mite in 8.7%. Maternal geohelminth infections were not significantly associated with eczema (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.26; 95% CI, 0.98-1.61), wheeze (adjusted OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.82-1.27), and SPT reactivity to any allergen (adjusted OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.61-1.01). In subgroup analyses maternal geohelminths were associated with a significantly reduced risk of SPT reactivity to mite and other perennial allergens, and maternal ascariasis was associated with an increased risk of eczema and reduced risk of SPT reactivity to all allergens.ConclusionOur data do not support a protective effect of maternal infections with geohelminth parasites during pregnancy against the development of eczema and wheeze in early childhood, although there was evidence in subgroup analyses for a reduction in SPT reactivity to house dust mites and perennial allergens.

Eucalyptus pollen allergy and asthma in children: a cross-sectional study in South-East Queensland, Australia.

ObjectivesTo investigate Eucalyptus (gum tree) pollen allergy in children in relation to geography, particularly vegetation, and its relationship to asthma.MethodsMales (n = 180) and females (n = 200) aged 9 to 14 participated. Some were healthy (asymptomatic), some had asthma, and some had other symptoms associated with atopy. School students were from three urban coastal schools and one school from a nearby semi-rural elevated area (range) near Brisbane, Australia. Coastal and range locations featured different distributions of Myrtaceae family vegetation (including Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Leptospermum species). Skin prick test (SPT) responses to 15 commercial allergens were compared. As well, responses from coast versus range groups, and ‘asthma’ (n = 97) versus ‘healthy’ status (n = 107) groups, were compared.ResultsSPT responses (≥3mm wheal diameter) indicate that children with asthma are 31.1 times more likely to be allergic to Eucalyptus pollen extract (OR: 31.1; 95%CI 4.1- 235.7) compared to healthy children. Dust mite (p = .018), Eucalyptus (p = .046) and cockroach (p = .047) allergen SPT responses (wheals ≥3mm) were significantly greater in participants located on the coast versus range as determined by Fisher’s Exact Test (α .05). For each location, percentage of positive responses (wheals ≥3mm) was greatest for ‘dust mite’ (30.9%-46%), ‘cockroach’ (18.1% -35%) and ‘Bermuda grass’ (10.6%-19.4%).ConclusionsThe results support the hypothesis that proximity to Myrtaceae vegetation is related to positive SPT response and that Eucalyptus is an important allergen for children with asthma. Substantial response to olive allergen, in the absence of olive trees, suggests that the response may be driven by substances in other plants, perhaps Melaleuca quinquenervia, which abounds in coastal areas.ImplicationsResponse to Eucalyptus allergen indicates that changes in gardening practice in schools and public areas may be appropriate. The findings pose validity questions regarding the use of some commercial allergens due to cross-reactive responses and the sources of those responses.

IL-5, IL-8 and MMP -9 levels in exhaled breath condensate of atopic and nonatopic asthmatic children

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, and a great majority of pediatric patients with asthma demonstrate atopic characteristics and develop a Th2 type cytokine response. Nonatopic asthma, on the other hand, is seen more rarely. In this study, levels of IL-5, IL-8 and MMP-9 were measured in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of the subjects to demonstrate the extent of tissue damage as well as eosinophilic and neutrophilic inflammation in children with atopic and nonatopic asthma. A total of 37 children with atopic asthma and 37 children with nonatopic asthma were enrolled in the study. Patients who exhibited protease positive aeroallergen (House dust mite, mould mix, olea, grass mix) sensitivity in allergen skin prick test were included in the atopic asthma group. To evaluate the EBC, the fluid content of the breath was collected by having the patients exhale into an EBC device, after which the IL-5, IL-8 and MMP-9 levels were assayed using the ELISA method. The atopic asthmatics exhibited significantly higher IL-5 levels in their EBC samples than the nonatopic asthmatics (0.271 [0.198-0.489]pg/ml and 0.198 [0.125-0.344]pg/ml, respectively, p=0.04), while no significant differences were observed in the levels of IL-8 and MMP-9 in the EBC samples of the atopic and nonatopic asthmatics. IL-5 levels, as a marker of eosinophilic inflammation, were demonstrated to be higher in the children with atopic asthma when compared to those with nonatopic asthma in EBC. The fact that no significant difference was apparent in the IL-8 levels between the groups suggests that it is the severity of the disease rather than the atopic state that plays an important role in IL-8 levels. Since no difference was recorded between the groups interms of MMP-9 levels, lung damage in asthma sufferers seems to develop independent of atopia.

The association between flexural eczema, rhinitis, asthma and atopic sensitization in Albanian schoolchildren

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, relapsing, inflammatory skin disease that primarily affects young children, in which allergic sensitization is present in only a part of patients. Patients with AD may develop allergic rhinitis and asthma at certain ages. In Albania, prior to the ISAAC Phases survey, very little was known about the prevalence of allergic disorders. To give a recent view of the situation was conducted ALB- ISSAC study during the school year 2011-2012 in Tirana, Albania. Methods ALB- ISAAC study was based on ISAAC protocols. Symptoms core and risk factor questionnaires, allergen skin prick tests, examination for visible flexural dermatitis were completed in a schedule according to the study protocol. In August 2011, a randomized sample of schools was chosen until a predefined sample of 3000 children for each of three age groups; 6-7, 10-11 and 13-14 years old were achieved. Results In 6-7 years old the frequency of eczema ever and visible flexural dermatitis were respectively 1.8% and 1.3%, in 1314 years old were 2.5% and 0.6%, and in 10-11 years old were 1.7% and 1.3%. The prevalence of sensitization for any allergen was 24.3 % (258/1093). Wheeze ever (OR= 1.50, 95% CI 1.04- 2.17), asthma ever (OR= 2.72, 95% CI 1.36-5.43) and hay fever ever (OR= 2.24, 95% CI 1.244.07) were more common among the children with positive skin prick test. While, wheeze past 12 months (OR= 1.71, 95% CI 0.98-2.98) and Nose/eyes past 12 months (OR= 1.74, 95% CI 0.96-3.15) were more frequent among 10-11- years -old with positive SPT, but with no statistical significance. Visible flexural dermatitis was three times more frequent among 10-11-year-olds with positive skin prick tests in 2011-2012 (OR =3.16, 95% CI 1.47-6.82). Discussion The prevalence of eczema symptoms, and visible flexural dermatitis at examination, already below the global average in 1995, has remained stable. Alb-ISAAC study found a significant increase in the prevalence of atopic sensitization. Our study found that, the visible flexural dermatitis, wheeze ever, hay fever ever, asthma ever were more frequent among 10-11 years old with positive skin prick test. Different authors tend to identify different phenotypes of atopic dermatitis and even different phenotype of atopy to evaluate the progression toward rhinitis and asthma. It seems that only the allergic extrinsic form follow the distribution and risk pattern that have been assign to asthma and hay fever.

Allergen Skin Prick Test Should Be Adjusted by the Histamine Reactivity

Background: Skin prick test results are mostly reported as mean wheal diameter obtained with one concentration of allergen. Differences in technique between personnel causes variation in wheal size. The research question was whether the influence of differences in skin prick test technique among assistants and centers can be reduced by relating the allergen wheal response to that of histamine. Methods: Two methods for estimating skin reactivity, the method of Nordic Guidelines using histamine as a reference and the method of Brighton et al. [Clin Allergy 1979;9:591-596] not using histamine as a reference, were applied to data from two biological standardization trials, using the same batch of freeze-dried timothy pollen preparation. Results: The concentration defining the Nordic biological unit, defined as a concentration of allergen eliciting a wheal of the same size as that of histamine dihydrochloride 10 mg/ml, did not differ between the centers. When not using histamine as a reference, applying the method of Brighton et al., there was a 15-fold difference in the estimate of the biological activity between the trials that was eliminated by adjusting the allergen response to that of the histamine reference. Conclusions: To reduce the influence of differences in test technique among assistants and centers responses to allergen-induced skin prick tests should be compared to that of histamine.

Adenoid hypertrophy in children with allergic disease and influential factors

ObjectivesAdenoid hypertrophy (AH) may cause several comorbid conditions including sleep apnea, chronic serous otitis and sinusitis. Such conditions are more common among children with allergic diseases. In our study, we aimed to determine the patient profile associated with higher incidence of adenoid hypertrophy and the related influential factors. MethodsThe study included 1322 children being treated and followed up for allergic conditions. 100 children with no allergic diseases presenting during the same period to the clinic were included as the control group. Skin prick test for the same allergens was performed for all patients. Adenoid tissue was analyzed by an ENT specialist and the diagnosis was confirmed based on the patient history, endoscopic physical examination and radiology. ResultsOf the patients, 765 (57.9%) were males and 557 (42.1%) were females and their mean age was 5.9±3.3 years. In the control group, 56 (56%) children were males and 44 (44%) were females and their mean age was 6.3±4.1 years. Children with allergic disease and control subjects did not differ significantly by age and gender. Adenoid hypertrophy was identified in 164 (12.4%) of the patients with allergic disease and in 3 (3%) of the controls. Allergic children were divided into two groups, as children with and without AH, respectively. The groups did not differ statistically significantly by gender, age or familial history of atopic disease. However, cigarette smoke exposure at home and presence of allergic rhinitis was significantly more frequent in the group of patients with AH. In the logistic model investigating the effect of variables on AH presence (according to age, gender, cigarette smoke exposure, asthma, AR, AD presence, atopy presence, sensitivity to house dust, pollen, epithelium, Alternaria alternata and cockroach), AR presence and cigarette smoke exposure were statistically significant. ConlusionsAH frequency is higher in children with allergic disease compared to controls. The most common sensitivity to allergens among patients with AH was to house dust. Presence of allergic rhinitis and cigarette smoke exposure are risk factors for developing AH. Children with these risk factors should be questioned for AH during their routine examinations.

Questions and commentary on the article ‘Daily changes of peak expiratory flow and respiratory symptom occurrence around a soy processing factory’

Dear Editor, An interesting article by Heederik D et al. was published in a recent number of Ann Agric Environ Med. (2014, vol. 21, no 1, 5–10) concerning the relationship between, on the one hand, concentration of soy allergens in the proximity of a factory producing soy oil and intensity of respiratory symptoms, daily changes of peak expiratory flow (PEF) and bronchodilator utilization [1]. The authors tested daily changes of PEF, bronchodilator use and respiratory symptoms in two groups of people: those living in the vicinity of the soy oil factory and habitants living in the control area located about 5 km from the factory. They found positive skin prick tests (SPTs) to common allergens among 81% of participants and positive results of SPTs to soy in 11–12% examined people. The authors concluded that sensitization to soy allergen was not increased among the people living in the proximity of the factory; however, the soy-sensitized individuals living in the surroundings of the factory reported more respiratory symptoms, greater bronchodilator utilization, and lower PEF after having been downwind of the factory. Peak expiratory flow measurements, above all, are a useful method of evaluation of asthma control. Daily variability of PEF of more than 20% can be a symptom of pathological bronchial tree hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and bad asthma control [2]. BHR is an individual feature and is not directly correlated with the concentration of aeroallergens. Among people with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and without bronchial asthma and/or BHR, the daily variability of PEF could be slight and may be comprised in the normal value for healthy people. The authors found positive results of allergic skin prick tests in the majority of participants from both groups (81%). Unfortunately, they did not report the percentage of people with asthma in both groups. This is important information, insofar as, for example, a higher incidence of bronchial asthma and BHR among participants from the study group may have influence on the greater variability of PEF, respiratory symptoms and bronchodilator consumption. Additionally, on the other hand, the lack of people with bronchial asthma in the control group could result in small daily PEF changes, scant other symptoms. It is also worth considering the smoking status of the participants in the statistical analysis. In the study group, the percentage of current smokers was higher than in the control; obviously, tobacco addiction has a significant influence on bronchial hyperresponsiveness and value of spirometric function tests [3].

Allergic Skin Prick Test Results in Thai Children with Respiratory Allergy in 2011-2013

Allergic Skin Prick Test Results in Thai Children with Respiratory Allergy in 2011-2013