Atopic Status Of Patients Research Articles

Antigen-specific T cell balance reveals Why patients with atopic dermatitis fail to achieve immune tolerance

The number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and how they behave in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) are still controversial. We identified and quantified Tregs, mite-specific Tregs, and mite-specific effector T cells (Teffs) in patients with AD and healthy controls (HCs). We collected peripheral blood and analyzed the cells using flow cytometry after stimulation with mite antigens. Mite-specific Tregs and mite-specific Teffs were recognized by the expression of CD137 and CD154, respectively. Patients with AD had more Tregs than HCs; however, when focusing on a single antigen, the ratio of mite-specific Tregs/Teffs was lower in patients with AD than in HCs. Furthermore, the mite-specific Teffs in patients with AD were more likely to produce proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13. This Teff-dominant imbalance is thought to be the cause of development of atopic status in patients with AD without immune tolerance.

Immunologic Parallels: Infectious Burden and Markers of Atopic Response Type

The relationship between serological markers of infections and the atopic status of patients with allergy symptoms (rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, recurrent cough, asthma attacks, recurrent skin rashes combined with skin itching) and an increased total Ig E level was investigated. The determination of an infectious burden included screening for bacterial pathogens, protozoa, and helminths. All patients also had specific—food and inhalation—Ig E testing done. The relationship between the infectious burden and a specific atopic status is ambiguous—different pathogens have different types of effects such as opposite, synergistic, or no effect in mono-exposure. In addition, it has been shown that the pattern of pathogen influence on specific IgE response can vary in different age periods. This is due to both cumulative effects associated with a prolonged antigen burden and “switching” of the immune response that forms a hyperimmune IgE response as a protective phenomenon against helminths.

Evaluation of exhaled breath temperature (EBT) as a marker and predictor of asthma exacerbation in children and adolescents

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Noninvasive and easy-to-use tools to monitor airway inflammation in asthma are needed to maintain disease control, particularly in pediatric population. The aim of the study was to evaluate exhaled breath temperature (EBT) in pediatric respiratory clinic setting. Methods: We evaluated 37 children and adolescents with asthma (5–17 years; median: 11 years). The patients were followed up in stable condition and during exacerbations (paired observations in n = 19 subjects). We evaluated medication use, EBT, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), spirometry and atopic status of patients. Results: EBT was significantly higher in children with asthma exacerbation {entire group: median [interquartile range (IQR)]: 32.3 [1.1]°C vs. 33.8 [1.7]°C; p < 0.001 and mean ± SD: 33.1 ± 1.0°C vs. 33.6 ± 1.1°C; p = 0.038 for paired observations}. Significant correlation was observed between EBT and FeNO in the entire group (r = 0.22; p = 0.03). No difference was observed in EBT median values in atopic and non-atopic subjects in the entire group (median [IQR]: 32.6 [1.6] vs. 32.7 [2.0]; p = 0.88) and in subgroups. There was no difference in EBT values in patients receiving systemic or inhaled glucocorticosteroids (p = 0.45 and 0.83). There was no significant correlation between EBT and body or room temperature. The only significant predictor of exacerbation in logistic regression model was EBT {aOR = 2.4; 95% [confidence interval (CI)]: 1.4–4.1}. ROC analysis demonstrated applicability of EBT as a marker of asthma exacerbation in children (AUC = 0.748; p < 0.001; cut-off = 33.3°C; sensitivity: 64.3%; specificity: 82.1%). Conclusions: We suggest that EBT may serve as marker and predictor of asthma exacerbation in children. EBT follow-up may be useful in asthma monitoring in children and adolescents.

Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Anaphylaxis: Single Center Experience with 109 Children

There has been increasing data on pediatric anaphylaxis. In this study, we aim to determine demographics and atopic status of patients, etiology, and clinical feature of anaphylaxis, its management and follow-up over the 9-year period. We made a retrospective medical chart review of patients diagnosed as anaphylaxis in the Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Department of Gazi University Hospital between January 2003 and May 2012. Diagnosis of anaphylaxis was reviewed by 2 pediatric allergists and those compatible with the criteria according to the second symposium on the definition and management of anaphylaxis were included in the analysis. During the study period, 109 patients (66 male, 43 famale) were diagnosed with anaphylaxis. The median age was 72 months. Fourteen patients (12.8%) had more than one episode before diagnosis. Anaphylactic episode was severe in 28 patients (25.7%). Cutaneous symptoms were the most frequent symptoms (91.7%). Blood pressure measurement had been done in 47 patients (43.1%). Treatment of anaphylaxis included antihistamines in 105 patients (96.3%), corticosteroids in 101 patients (92.7%), and adrenaline in 50 patients (45.9%). The most common cause of anaphylaxis differed according to age groups: food in infants (85%), drugs in older children (43.8%). Sixty-six patients were prescribed autoinjector. In follow-up, 10 patients (9.2%) experienced a second episode of anaphylaxis. Nine of them had adrenaline autoinjector, 3 of them carried the autoinjector with them but only one patient used it. Major etiologic factors of anaphylaxis differed according to the age of children. There were inadequancies in management of anaphylaxis related to physicians, such as blood pressure measurement and acute treatment of anaphylaxis in medical centers and related to patients as uncompliances to carry and use adrenaline autoinjector.

Differences in airway inflammation according to atopic status in patients with chronic rhinitis

BackgroundChronic rhinitis is a heterogeneous group of diseases that cause nasal inflammation. And the nose may be a window into the lung in the concept of "one airway one disease."ObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate differences between the different forms of chronic rhinitis in terms of lower airway inflammation.MethodsPatients that attended the allergy clinic and presented with moderate/severe persistent rhinitis symptoms for more than 1 year were enrolled. The patients with chronic rhinitis were classified into two groups (house dust mites [HDM]-sensitive allergic rhinitis [AR] or non-allergic rhinitis [NAR]) according to the presence of atopy, and additionally according to nasal polyposis and airway hyperresponsiveness, respectively. Medical records were reviewed and the mRNA expression levels of IL-5, IFN-γ, TGF-β1, IL-17A, and IL-25 were evaluated in induced sputum samples in each group.ResultsInduced sputum samples of 53 patients were evaluated. Patients with NAR were significantly older than patients with HDM-sensitive AR (p < 0.05). Nasal polyposis was more prevalent in NAR patients than in HDM-sensitive AR patients (10.2% vs. 62.5%, p < 0.001). The expression levels of IL-17A mRNA were higher in NAR patients, regardless of the presence of airway hyperresponsiveness (p = 0.005).ConclusionThese results suggest that patients with different forms of chronic rhinitis could have different inflammatory environments in their lower airway and NAR patients might have bronchial inflammation related to the elevated levels of IL-17A compared to HDM-sensitive AR patients.

Implementation of guidelines, allergy programs, and the October issue

As the prevalence of allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis increased worldwide, the role of not only allergy specialists but also general practitioners has become more important. During past years, international guidelines and consensus statement on allergic diseases have been developed. However, there is still huge gap between recommendations from guidelines and real practice. This issue of Asia Pacific Allergy features important issue on the management of allergic rhinitis in general practitioners by Wang [1]. The author describes that allergic rhinitis is one of the top-ten reasons for a visit to the primary care clinics and that allergic rhinitis was estimated to be 10-40% of the total patient visits in about 50% of the primary care clinics. Thus implementation of guidelines in general practitioners is essential for the standard management. For the successful implementation of guidelines, internal barriers such as doctor's prescription habits and preference and external barriers such as health insurance policy should be analyzed [2]. We have to find a way to overcome these barriers. In the same issue, Haahtela et al. [3] described the Finnish Allergy Program 2008-2018 and the scientific rationale and practical implementation. The 10-year implementation program is aimed to reduce burden of allergies both at the individual and societal levels. As an outcome, not only the awareness of healthcare professionals and allergic patients improved, but also emergency visits and hospital days caused by asthma are in steady decline (54% during the last 10 years). The authors suggest that networking of allergy experts with primary care doctors and nurses as well with pharmacists is the key for effective implementation. In Asia Pacific region, many countries such as Australia and Korea also run government-supported Allergy Programs [4]. It will be worthy to compare Allergy Programs from each country and to organize international network for Allergy Programs. Readers of this journal will also find a review article on eosinophilic esophagitis whose prevalence is increasing in both adult and children. Ridolo et al. [5] address the possible role of food and inhalant allergens in eosinophilic esophagitis. Radiocontrast media is a major cause of drug induced hypersensitivity reactions whose incidence is 3.8 to 12.7% (severe reactions: 0.1-0.4%) for hyperosmolar ionic contrast and 0.7 to 3.1% (severe reactions: 0.02-0.04%) for low-osmolar ionic contrast [6]. Ho et al. [7] reported the immediate hypersensitivity reactions to IV non-ionic iodinated contrast in computed tomography from Australia in this issue including a seasonal variation in the incidence. Readers will find original articles on differences in airway inflammation according to atopic status in patients with chronic rhinitis [8], the effect of interferon-alpha on airway eosinophila and hyperresponsiveness in a guinea pig asthma model [9], and contribution of serum IL-4 and IgE to the early prediction of horse serum allergies in guinea pigs [10]. Readers may have an idea how to tell the patients of atopic dermatitis about the effect of bathing during summer season [11]. This issue contains an interesting case report of biphasic anaphylaxis to gemifloxacin [12]. The prevalence of biphasic anaphylaxis is about 2.2-23% [13-15]. Intramuscular injection of epinephrine is the treatment of choice for anaphylaxis. Even anaphylaxis resolved immediately after epinephrine administration, it is recommended to observe patients for several hours for possible biphasic anaphylaxis. For example, patients with moderate respiratory or cardiovascular compromise should be monitored for at least 4 hours, and if indicated, for 8-10 hours or longer, and patients with severe or protracted anaphylaxis might require monitoring and interventions for days [15].

Total serum IgE levels and atopic status in patients with sarcoidosis

To date, two studies have reported lower total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and lower prevalence of atopy in patients with sarcoidosis compared with healthy subjects. However, those reports did not consider age or gender differences between cases and controls. In addition, the association between total serum IgE levels and clinical manifestations of sarcoidosis has not been clarified. This study assessed total serum IgE levels and prevalence of atopy in patients with sarcoidosis after taking age and sex differences into account and evaluated associations between total serum IgE levels and clinical manifestations of sarcoidosis. Total serum IgE levels and prevalence of atopy on initial visits were compared between 189 patients with sarcoidosis and 378 age- and sex-matched controls. Associations between total serum IgE levels and involvement of each affected organ were evaluated. Changes in total serum IgE levels during the clinical course of sarcoidosis were also evaluated. Total serum IgE levels were significantly lower in patients with sarcoidosis than in controls, independent of atopic status (atopic subjects, p = 0.025; nonatopic subjects, p < 0.001). Total serum IgE levels did not differ according to the involvement of different organs. Total serum IgE levels decreased further, albeit only slightly, after disease remission (p < 0.001). Increased susceptibility to sarcoidosis may be attributable to several underlying genetic or environmental factors that result in lower total serum IgE levels.

Atopy as a risk factor for dermatophytoses

Antagonism between cell-mediated immunity and humoral immunity that develops in atopic patients may be correlated with susceptibility of those patients to dermatophytoses. One hundred and one patients were included in this study from September 2002 to September 2003 to discover the association between atopy and dermatophytoses. The atopic status of patients did not act as a predisposing factor for different types of dermatophytoses, but it increased the susceptibility of such infections to become chronic rather than acute.

Bronchial Hyperreactivity and Allergic Status in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background: Despite the known systemic manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and a large number of reports associating lung disease and IBD, the frequency of atopy and bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) in IBD remains obscure. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of abnormal pulmonary function tests, BHR and the atopic status in patients with IBD. Methods: Thirty patients with IBD (19 with ulcerative colitis and 11 with Crohn’s disease; 19 male, 11 female) and 16 controls without any gastrointestinal disease (9 female, 7 male) were included. Patients were questioned with respect to pulmonary and allergic symptoms; subsequently, lung function tests, BHR, skin prick test positivity, peripheral eosinophilia and serum IgE levels were evaluated and compared with those of control subjects. Results: The mean duration of IBD was 5.3 ± 4.8 years. IBD patients had significantly more often respiratory symptoms in comparison with controls (odds ratio, OR: 9.0, p < 0.04). A previous diagnosis of asthma and antiasthmatic drug treatment were noted in 3/30 (10%) IBD patients. Allergic symptoms were more prevalent in IBD patients in comparison with the controls (OR: 13, p < 0.007), particularly in patients with ulcerative colitis (OR: 16, p < 0.004). The mean FEV₁was 3.1 ± 0.9 liters (96 ± 18% predicted), mean methacholine PD₂₀: 14.7 ± 3.6 mg/ml, mean IgE: 190.5 ± 305.6 IU/ml (normal value <94 IU/ml) and the percentage of peripheral eosinophils was 3.1 ± 3.3% in the IBD patients. These values did not result in statistically significant differences in comparison with controls. Furthermore, abnormal lung function and BHR were observed in 8/30 (27%) and 5/30 (17%) IBD patients, respectively. Abnormal lung function tests were more prevalent in the IBD patients than in the controls (OR: 12, p < 0.04). Skin prick tests were positive in 15/30 (50%) IBD patients. The risk of a positive skin prick test increased in the IBD patients in comparison with the controls (OR: 7.0, p < 0.02). Duration and activity of IBD did not influence the prevalence of BHR, allergic and respiratory symptoms, abnormal lung function, high serum IgE levels and skin test positivity. Conclusions: Allergic symptoms, respiratory symptoms, abnormal lung function tests and skin prick test positivity were more common among the IBD patients in comparison with the controls.

Atopic status in patients with brittle and non-brittle asthma: a case-control study.

Sensitization to inhaled and ingested allergens is an important process in determining the subsequent clinical expression of asthma. Allergen exposure has also been reported to be associated with admission to hospital with acute severe asthma. Patients with brittle asthma, characterized by widely variable peak expiratory flow are at increased risk of life-threatening episodes but the role of atopy in these patients is unknown. To determine the atopic status of patients with brittle asthma using a case-control design. We have assessed the atopic status by skin-prick tests to 19 common allergens, and total and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in 29 patients with well characterized brittle asthma and an age, sex and treatment-matched control group without brittle asthma. Mean weal diameters were higher in brittle compared to non-brittle asthma for grass pollen (4.64 vs 2.17; P = 0.01), horse hair (6.28 vs 2.64; P = 0.02), feathers (2.96 vs 1.52; P = 0.01), wheat (1.48 vs 0.66; P = 0.001) and chocolate (1.09 vs 0.41; P = 0.05). Mean radioallergosorbent (RAST) scores to house dust mite were also greater in brittle asthma patients (19.3 vs 7.65; P = 0.05). Patients with brittle asthma also exhibited a significantly greater degree of atopy when weal diameters to all 19 allergens were summated to produce an atopy score (brittle 44.35 vs non-brittle 23.72; P = 0.04). There were no significant differences between the two groups in either the number of positive skin tests (using a 4 mm definition of skin-test positivity), total IgE or RASTs (using a weak +ve score to define positivity). However, the use of differing definitions of atopy (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm skin test weal diameters) resulted in marked intra-group variation in atopic status in both brittle and non-brittle asthma patients. The greater degree of atopy seen may be an important factor in patients with brittle asthma. The varying interpretations of the classification of what constitutes the presence or absence of atopy, based on mean weal diameters of skin-prick tests, or from IgE or RAST positivity shows that there is considerable potential variation in the degree of difference between the two groups depending on what criteria are used. Although internationally agreed definitions of atopic status have been devised a more rigorous application, or review of these guidelines needs to accompany future epidemiological studies of allergic sensitization.

Atopy and IgE in patients with leprosy

The atopic status of patients with leprosy was assessed by medical history, physical examination, serum total IgE, and specific IgE antibodies to common allergens (by skin testing and RAST). Tests for specific IgE antibody to Mycobacterium leprae were performed by RAST and immunoblotting technique. We studied 28 patients with leprosy and 49 control subjects. The two groups did not differ significantly in the prevalence of atopic disease. The IgE level was significantly higher in the patients, however, than in the control subjects, whether there was atopy (296.1 versus 96.3 IU/ml) or not atopy (72.9 versus 18.9 IU/ml). Neither RAST nor immunoblotting technique detected significant levels of IgE antibodies to M. leprae. Our data indicate that leprosy was associated with increased total IgE level, but clinical atopy in patients with leprosy was similar to that in control subjects. The observed IgE increase in patients with leprosy appears to be generally nonspecific.