Serum Specific IgE Levels Research Articles

Serum Periostin as a Potential Biomarker in the Evaluation of Allergic Rhinitis: A Pilot Study.

Although periostin has recently emerged as a new mediator in chronic allergic diseases, particularly in upper airway disease, its significance as a biomarker for allergic rhinitis (AR) is still unclear. Therefore, we aimed to assess the potential of periostin as a novel candidate biomarker for diagnosing and assessing the severity of AR. A total of 40 patients with AR and 22healthy controls, all aged over 18 years, were recruited for the study. Participants underwent examinations to assess serum levels of total IgE (tIgE), specific IgE (sIgE), periostin, and remodeling-related factors, as well as fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and fractional nasal nitric oxide (FnNO). Additionally, clinical characteristics questionnaire and nasal function assessments were completed by AR patients. The levels of serum periostin were significantly higher in patients with AR compared to healthy controls (Z=-3.605, p<0.001). There was a notable positive correlation between serum periostin and FeNO (r=0.398, p=0.012), FnNO (r=0.379, p=0.017), as well as the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for ocular tearing (r=0.351, p=0.026) in AR patients. Furthermore, the serum periostin levels were higher in moderate-to-severe AR compared to mild AR cases (Z=-2.007, p=0.045). The level of serum periostin in AR patients showed a sequential increase corresponding to shortness of breath scores from 0 to 3 (Z=10.137, p=0.017). The predicted probability of serum periostin demonstrated moderate diagnostic accuracy in detecting AR (AUC=0.773, p<0.001). Serum periostin shows potential as a candidate biomarker for detecting AR and can serve as a surrogate biomarker for assessing airway inflammation in AR patients.

Assessment of Serum Levels of Specific IgE to Cow Milk and Gluten Antigens in Autistic Children

Abstract Background Regimens of dietary restrictions of cow’s milk protein and wheat showed good impact on autistic children without clear explanation. Objective To investigate the possible link between serum levels of specific IgE to cow milk and gluten allergens and the severity of autism in a group of autistic children. Methods This pilot case-control study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University over a period of 6 months, from May 2022 to November 2022. Twenty four autistic children aged 4 to 12 years and twenty four age- and sex-matched healthy children were included after excluding children with any chronic, allergic or autoimmune disease. Diagnosis of autism was settled according to 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Serum levels of specific IgE for 4 cow’s milk proteins and gluten protein were assessed for the patients and healthy children using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Results Mean age of autistic patients was 6.48±2.54 years with 19 males and 5 females were studies who were age and sex matched with healthy children and served as a control group. Serum levels of specific IgE against cow’s milk protein and gluten were undetectable among the 2 groups as their level was below 0.35 ku/l. Boys had significantly higher levels of specific IgE against beta lactoglobulin compared to autistic girls in female ranging from (0.01-0.2) while in males (0.06-0.33) (p = 0.04). Specific IgE to casein was positively correlated to IQ level of the studied patients (r = 0.499, p = 0.13). Conclusion Although milk and gluten intolerance were identified in autistic children, the underlying mechanism is mostly not related to atopy. Further studies should be encouraged to identify the other possible mechanisms.

The role of basophil activation test in venom ımmunotherapy: comparative evaluation with specific IgE and skin prick tests, ınnovative approaches.

Background. In diagnosing insect venom allergy and making immunotherapy decisions, clinical history, skin tests, and specific serum IgE levels are commonly utilized. This study aims to emphasize the clinical significance of using the basophil activation test in accurately identifying sensitivities in individuals with insect venom allergy and to compare its effectiveness with other testing methods. Methods. This study included a total of 43 patients, who experienced at least one systemic allergic reaction following insect stings and were deemed suitable for immunotherapy.Basophil activation test, specific serum IgE levels, and skin prick test results utilized in making immunotherapy treatment decisions were recorded. Results. Our study determined that the overall clinical sensitivities of the basophil activation test (BAT), specific serum IgE (spIgE), and skin prick test (SPT) for apis mellifera were 95.5%, 95.7%, and 48.4% respectively, while for vespula vulgaris, they were 83.3%, 100%, and 33.3%. Based on these results, the prediction of systemic reactions to bee stings is ordered as spIgE > BAT > SPT. Additionally, early-stage skin prick tests showed a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 50% at a cut-off value of 1.5 mm, and 33% sensitivity and 83% specificity at 2.5 mm. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that the basophil activation test (BAT) can provide a high positive predictive value in immunotherapy treatment decisions and offer significant insights in clinical practices.

Association between specific IgE to staphylococcal enterotoxin B and the eosinophilic phenotype of asthma.

Sensitization to staphylococcal superantigens (SAgs) could contribute to asthma severity. However, its relevance with eosinophilic phenotype has not yet been clarified. This study aimed to investigate associations between serum specific IgE levels to SAg and eosinophilic airway inflammation in adult asthmatics. The serum specific IgE levels to 3 SAgs, including staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) and B (SEB), and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) were measured by ImmunoCAP in 230 adult asthmatic patients and 50 healthy controls (HCs). Clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters, including serum total/free IgE, and 2 eosinophil-activation markers, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), were analyzed according to blood eosinophil counts (BEC; 150 cells/μL) and serum specific IgE levels to 3 SAgs (0.35 kU/L). Asthmatic patients showed higher serum specific IgE levels to 3 SAgs than HCs (p < 0.05 for all). The serum total/clinfree IgE levels were significantly higher in asthmatics with positive IgE responses to 3 SAgs than those without (p < 0.05 for all). There were no significant differences in clinical parameters including age, asthma severity, comorbidities, or smoking according to IgE responses to 3 SAgs. Patients with positive IgE responses to SEB (not to SEA/TSST-1) had higher serum specific IgE levels to house dust mites and ECP/EDN as well as higher BEC with positive correlations between serum SEB-specific IgE levels and BEC/ECP/EDN (p < 0.05 for all). These findings suggest that serum SEB-specific IgE levels could contribute to eosinophil activation as well as IgE production in adult asthma.

Food Allergy and Food Intolerance – New Developments

It is crucial to accurately identify whether a patient's reaction to food is a result of a Food Allergy (FA) or Food Intolerance (FI), as this will determine the appropriate diagnosis and management plan. Medical practitioners should rely on verified diagnoses when discussing the prevalence of these conditions. Currently, obtaining a patient's clinical history, performing a skin prick test (SPT) or measuring serum specific IgE levels are typically the initial steps in diagnosing allergies. Additional methods, such as component-resolved diagnostics, basophil activation test (BAT) and oral food challenge (OFC) may be used, if available, to confirm the allergen causing symptoms when the results of first-line tests are equivocal or contradictory with history. Determining the prevalence of sensitization profiles to different allergens, considering geographical characteristics, is important for developing personalized therapeutic and preventive measures for children. Periodic reassessment of patients with FA through allergy tests and oral food challenges will allow for the possibility of reintroducing previously avoided foods if they develop tolerance over time and improve their quality of life.

A challenge in diagnosis and treatment in asthma patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: a review

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a common form of fungal-related asthma disease mainly caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. The increasing prevalence of asthma globally and the characteristic of Aspergillus are very easily dispersed in the air to inhale, leading to increased cases of ABPA in asthma patients. Inhalation of conidia Aspergillus spp. can trigger asthma exacerbations due to poor mucociliary clearance. However, the exact pathogenesis is still unclear. Clinical features commonly found in ABPA patients are productive cough with dark green or brown mucus or even hemoptysis. Several criteria for establishing the diagnosis of ABPA can be based on clinical features, laboratory examinations, and imaging, but none has become the gold standard. However, the primary laboratory test utilized for ABPA screening is the measurement of serum-specific IgE levels to A. fumigatus, owing to its high sensitivity. Despite the challenges in finding the most fitting universal consensus, most clinicians still follow the criteria proposed by Rosenberg et al. in 1977. The recommended ABPA treatment is prednisone and/or azole antifungal agents such as itraconazole. In addition, the potential of monoclonal antibodies in ABPA therapy is still under further research. Long-term diagnosis and treatment delays can lead to complications such as bronchiectasis and fibrosis. This review aimed to highlight ABPA in asthma patients, from etiopathogenesis to managing the disease

Serum levels of specific IgE to cow's milk and its components as predictors of anaphylaxis in Chinese children with cow's milk allergy.

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common food allergies in young children. As improved diagnostic tools, allergic tests are inconsistent and limited in predicting anaphylaxis. To explore risk factors for anaphylaxis and to determine practical cut-offs for allergic tests in predicting anaphylaxis. This is a prospective cohort study. Children with IgE-mediated CMA were enrolled and divided into three groups (Group 1: non-anaphylaxis; Group 2: GRADE I anaphylaxis; Group 3: GRADE II-IV anaphylaxis that warranted epinephrine). Prick-to-prick tests (PTPs) using fresh cow's milk (CM) were performed. Serum specific IgE (sIgE) against CM and its components, including casein, alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, and bovine serum albumin were measured. The 90% and 95% positive predictive value (PPV) decision points for predicting anaphylaxis were determined. Potential predictors of anaphylaxis were evaluated in logistic regression models. This study included 134 CMA patients with a median age of 14.4 months. The sensitization rate to any CM component was 89%. Group 3 was more likely to be sensitized to multiple CM components and have higher sIgE levels. The 95% PPV diagnostic decision points of casein-sIgE in predicting anaphylaxis was 13.0 kUA/L. For GRADE II-IV anaphylaxis, casein-sIgE ≥ 54.9 kUA/L could provide a PPV of 88.9%. The elevated casein-sIgE level (OR 14.0, P=0.025) and complicating respiratory allergic diseases (OR 4.8, P=0.022) were independent risk factors for GRADE II-IV anaphylaxis. High casein-sIgE levels are strongly associated with CM anaphylaxis. Detection of casein-sIgE may offer an additional value for the prediction of CM anaphylaxis.

Exposure to ambient fine particulate matter components during pregnancy and early childhood and its association with asthma, allergies, and sensitization in school-age children.

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been associated with allergic diseases, including asthma. However, information about the effects of specific PM2.5 components is limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of exposure to chemical components of PM2.5 during pregnancy and early childhood with the development of asthma, allergies, and sensitization in school-age children. This study included 2,408 children in the second grade of elementary school. Questionnaire surveys of respiratory/allergic symptoms and measurements of serum total IgE and specific IgE levels to house dust mite (HDM) and animal proteins were conducted. Exposures to ambient PM2.5 mass, sulfate (SO42-), nitrate (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+), elemental carbon (EC), and organic carbon (OC) of PM2.5 in participants' residences from conception to age six were estimated using predictive models. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association of respiratory/allergic symptoms and allergen sensitization with estimated exposure concentrations, after adjustment for survey year, sex, season of birth, feeding method during infancy, presence of siblings, history of lower respiratory tract infection, use of childcare facilities, passive smoking, presence of pets, mother's age, history of allergic diseases, smoking during pregnancy, and annual household income. No significant association was found between PM2.5 and its component concentrations and asthma. However, wheezing significantly increased with mean NO3- concentrations during pregnancy (odds ratio of 1.64 [95% confidence interval: 1.10, 2.47] for an interquartile range increase). Significant associations were also found between EC in the second trimester of pregnancy and PM2.5, NO3-, EC, and OC concentrations in early childhood. Higher PM2.5, SO4-, and NH4+ concentrations during the second trimester increased the risk of rhinitis. Sensitizations to HDM and animal proteins were significantly associated with exposure to components such as SO42- and NH4+ during pregnancy but not with postnatal exposure. Exposures to NO3-, EC, and OC during pregnancy and early childhood were associated with wheezing. SO42- and NH4+ exposures during pregnancy were associated with sensitization to HDM and animal proteins. Asthma was not associated with exposure to PM2.5 and its main components at any period.

Dust mite component Analysis: Identifying key allergens components for effective immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to examine the frequency of sensitization to house dust mite (HDM) components among allergic rhinitis patients receiving subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), and to assess the correlation between SCIT efficacy and specific IgE (sIgE) levels for allergenic HDM components. MethodsSerum samples and clinical data were collected from 38 allergic rhinitis patients receiving HDM-SCIT at baseline and after 1 year of treatment. Effective treatment was defined as a therapeutic index (TI) of at least 50% after 1 year. Cytokine levels were analyzed using commercial ELISA kits, while serum total and specific IgE levels were determined by the fluoroenzymeimmunoassay technique. The ALLEOS 2000 magnetic particle chemiluminescence system was used to measure sIgE levels for Der f, Der p 1, Der p 2, Der p 10, and Der p 23. ResultsAllergic rhinitis patients undergoing HDM-SCIT had a high rate of allergic sensitization to the HDM major allergens Der p (100%), Der f (100%), Der p 1 (94.74%), Der p 2 (94.74%), and Der p 23 (36.84%). Patients who responded to SCIT had higher levels of IgE for HDM components at baseline, while those with ineffective treatment showed an opposite performance, particularly for Der p 1 (P＜0.05). After 1 year of treatment, effective and ineffective patients showed opposite trends in sIgE for dust mite components (decreased in effective patients, increased in ineffective patients). HDM-SCIT led to a significant reduction in IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and EOS% (P＜0.05). IgE for Der p, Der f, Der p 1, Der p 2, and HDM sIgE were significantly positively correlated (P < 0.001). The correlation heatmap analysis based on changes in values reveals a negative correlation between CSMS score changes and sIgE for Der f and Der p 1, and a positive correlation with IL-2, IL-10, and TNF (P < 0.05). ConclusionsThe molecular sensitization profiles during HDM-SCIT are variable and relate to treatment efficacy. Molecular diagnosis can assist allergists in identifying patients eligible for HDM-SCIT, thereby enhancing the treatment's clinical efficacy. Serum cytokine levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6，and EOS% may serve as useful biomarkers for monitoring HDM-SCIT efficacy.

Mitochondrial dynamics modulate the allergic inflammation in a murine model of allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common allergic disorder, afflicting thousands of human beings. Aberrant mitochondrial dynamics are important pathological elements for various immune cell dysfunctions and allergic diseases. However, the connection between mitochondrial dynamics and AR remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine whether mitochondrial dynamics influence the inflammatory response in AR. In the present study, we established a murine model of AR by sensitization with ovalbumin (OVA). Then, we investigated the mitochondrial morphology in mice with AR by transmission electron microscopy and confocal fluorescence microscopy, and evaluated the role of Mdivi-1 (an inhibitor of mitochondrial fission) on allergic symptoms, inflammatory responses, allergic-related signals, and reactive oxygen species formation. There was a notable enhancement in mitochondrial fragmentation in the nasal mucosa of mice following OVA stimulation, whereas Mdivi-1 prevented aberrant mitochondrial morphology. Indeed, Mdivi-1 alleviated the rubbing and sneezing responses in OVA-sensitized mice. Compared with vehicle-treated ones, mice treated with Mdivi-1 exhibited a reduction in interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and specific IgE levels in both serum and nasal lavage fluid, and shown an amelioration in inflammatory response of nasal mucosa. Meanwhile, Mdivi-1 treatment was associated with a suppression in JAK2 and STAT6 activation and reactive oxygen species generation, which act as important signaling for allergic response. Our findings reveal mitochondrial dynamics modulate the allergic responses in AR. Mitochondrial dynamics may represent a promising target for the treatment of AR.

Egg allergy and yellow fever vaccination

ObjectiveEvaluate biomarkers capable of safely guiding Yellow fever vaccine (YFV) vaccination among individuals suspicious of hen's egg allergy, and identify factors associated with a higher risk for adverse events after immunization (AEAI). MethodsPatients underwent skin prick test (SPT) for standardized allergens: whole egg, egg white, egg yolk; YFV (1:10 dilution; Biomanguinhos-Fiocruz), and intradermal test (IDT; YFV 0.02 mL, 1:100 dilution) and positive and negative controls. Serum levels of specific IgE (sIgE) for a whole egg, egg white, egg yolk, egg albumin, ovomucoid, lysozyme, and conalbumin (ImmunoCap®; ThermoFisher®) were obtained. Patients sensitized to YFV were submitted to YFV desensitization, and those negatives received YFV (0.5mL) and remained under surveillance for at least one hour. Results103 patients were enrolled, 95% under 12 years old. 71% (81/103) of patients had reactions: 80% immediate, 11% mixed, and 9% delayed. There was an association between positive skin test results with YFV and the severity of the reaction (OR:7.64; 95%CI:1.61-36.32; p = 0,011). Only the presence of sIgE to ovomucoid was associated with clinical symptoms (p = 0,025). Thirty patients underwent the YFV desensitization protocol. ConclusionThere is a relationship between the positivity of the egg's components and the severity of the clinical reaction. Furthermore, the relationship between the positivity of the tests with the YFV and egg's components may show a tendency to look at ovomucoid and conalbumin, but it is not a certainty. Therefore, further studies are needed to confirm these associations, and for now, the authors still recommend using the vaccine for testing when necessary.

Comparative analysis of serum total IgE levels and specific IgE levels in children aged 6 to 9 years with tic disorder and normal children

ObjectiveThe study was to investigate serum total IgE levels and the distribution of specific IgE types in children aged 6–9 years with tic disorder, in order to provide knowledge for diagnosis and treatment of children with tic disorder.MethodsTotal serum IgE levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Specific IgE levels in 72 children with tic disorder and normal 31 children were detected by EUROblot, respectively.ResultsThe total serum IgE level of children with tic disorder aged 6–9 years was significantly higher than those of children in control group. Specific IgE distribution in tic disorder group was observed increased mainly including inhaled mugwort, dust mite combination 1 (house dust mite/dust mite), mold combination (penicillium point/mycobacteria/Aspergillus fumigatus/streptomyces), cockroaches in Germany respectively, and also food freshwater fish combination 1 (salmon/sea bass/carp), marine fish combination 1 (cod/lobster/scallop), egg white, and crab, while elevated specific IgE of normal children group was mainly food-based (egg white, milk, and soybean). The significant different specific IgE between two groups was dust mite combination 1 (house dust mite/dust mite) (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe total serum IgE level of children with tic disorder aged 6–9 years was significantly increased, which may be related to the disease. Specific IgE in children with tic disorder was mainly inhalation allergens, especially dust mite combination 1 (house dust mite/dust mite), which should be avoided in clinical diagnosis and daily life.

Clinical characteristics of children with IgE-mediated cow's milk protein allergy

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of children with IgE-mediated cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) and provide a basis for disease management and prevention. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze 142 children aged 0-12 years who were diagnosed with IgE-mediated CMPA in Capital Institute of Pediatrics Affiliated Children's Hospital from 2020 to 2022. There were 79 males (55.6%) and 63 females (44.4%), with an average age of 14 (8, 27) months. 61 cases (43.0%) were in the <1-year-old group, 54 cases (38.0%) in the 1-3-year-old group, and 27 cases (19.0%) in the >3-year-old group. Data on demographic data, clinical manifestations, mean wheel diameter of skin prick test and serum specific IgE level were collected. The serum cow's milk protein sIgE and component sIgE were measured by ImmunoCAP fully automated system of fluorescence enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and statistically analyzed using chi-square test, nonparametric tests, correlation. Results: Cutaneous symptoms were the first and most frequent in 142 children (97.9%, 139/142 cases), followed by digestive (29.6%, 42/142 cases) and respiratory symptoms (27.5%, 39/142 cases).The proportion of children with respiratory symptoms after consuming cow's milk was significantly higher in the>3 years age group than those in the infant and toddler groups(66.7% vs 19.7%,χ2=18.396,P<0.01;66.7% vs 16.7%,χ2=20.250,P<0.01), and the symptoms involving ≥3 systems were also significantly higher than those in the other two groups(37.0% vs 13.1%,χ2=6.597,P<0.05;37.0% vs 7.4%,χ2=12.120,P<0.01). The average cow's milk SPT diameter and serum sIgE levels in the>3 years age group were significantly higher than those in the infant and toddler groups (Z=-4.682, P<0.01; Z=-3.498, P<0.01); (Z=-4.463, P<0.01; Z=-6.463, P<0.01). The most common cow's milk component protein were β-lactoglobulin(65.1%,56/86 cases) and casein (57.0%, 49/86 cases). Multiple-sensitization rate of the patients were 54.9%. Egg white (43.7%, 62/142 cases) was the most common co-sensitization food allergen while mold (12.7%, 18/142 cases) and weed pollen (12.7%, 18/142 cases) were the main co-sensitization aeroallergens. The proportion of multiple-sensitization to aeroallergens in the children group was the highest (51.9%, 14/27 cases), followed by the toddler group (29.6%, 16/54 cases), and the infant group was the least (3.3%, 2/61 cases). There was a significant difference among these three groups (χ2=7.476, P<0.05). Conclusion: Skin and mucosal symptoms are the most common in CMPA patients. The proportion of respiratory symptoms and multisystem involvement increased with age as well as the wheal diameter in skin test and serum sIgE level elevated. CMPA patients older than 3 years had the highest proportion of aeroallergen sensitization and airway allergic diseases.

Symptom's resolution and growth outcome of children with cow's milk protein allergy consuming two hydrolyzed formulas: A retrospective study in Mexico.

Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is the leading cause of food allergy in infants and young children. An extensively hydrolyzed formula (eHF) is the first choice of dietary management, however, not all of them have similar peptide profiles and degree of hydrolysis. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the use of two commercially available infant formulas in the clinical management of CMPA in Mexico in terms of symptoms' resolution and growth trajectories. Medical records of 79 subjects from four sites in Mexico were included to retrospectively evaluate the trajectory of atopic dermatitis, other symptoms of cow's milk protein allergy and growth outcomes. The study formulas were based on hydrolyzed whey protein (eHF-W) and hydrolyzed casein protein (eHF-C). Medical records of 79 patients were enrolled, 3 were excluded from analysis based on previous formula consumption. Seventy-six children with confirmed CMPA based on skin prick test and/or serum specific IgE levels were included in the analysis. 82% of patients (n = 65) consumed the eHF-C, reflecting the doctors' preference for formulas with a higher grade of hydrolysis and the high incidence of positive reactions to beta-lactoglobulin amongst subjects. During their first visit to the doctors, 55% of the subjects consuming the casein-based formula and 45% of subjects consuming the whey-based formula presented with mild or moderate dermatological symptoms. Other frequently reported symptoms included respiratory issues, enteropathies and colitis which improved during the consumption of both formulas. All CMPA-related symptoms showed improvement during formula consumption. During the period of retrospective observation, growth significantly improved for both groups. Consumption of eHF-C and eHF-W effectively improved symptoms' resolution and growth outcomes among children with CMPA in Mexico. More preference was reported towards eHF-C due to its hydrolysate profile and lack of b-lactoglobulin. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04596059.

Outcomes of young children hospitalized with acute wheezing.

Wheezing in preschool children is a common symptom. The study aimed to determine an incidence of recurrent wheezing among young children who had been hospitalized with acute wheezing after 12 months. Factors associated with recurrent wheezing were explored. A longitudinal study was conducted among 236 children, aged between 6 months and 5 years, who were hospitalized with acute wheezing in 4 hospitals located in Bangkok and adjacent provinces, Thailand. Demographics, house environments and clinical characteristic data were collected at entry. Serum specific IgE levels against common food and inhalant allergens and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations were measured. At entry, the mean age was 24.4 months (SD = 15.7 months). Of 236 hospitalized children with acute wheezing, ninety-four cases (39.8%) were the first wheezing episode of life. By laboratory results, 197 (83.5%) and 56 (23.7%) children were atopic and had vitamin D insufficiency respectively. There were 195 cases completely followed for 12 months. One-year risk of emergency visits and hospitalization due to recurrent wheezing were 49.7% and 23.1% respectively. By multivariable analysis, being the second born child or more, vitamin D insufficiency, "ever wheeze", and allergic rhinitis were significantly associated with recurrent wheezing within 12 months with adjusted odds ratios of 2.5 (95% confidence interval: 1.3-5.3), 2.3 (95% confidence interval: 1.1-4.4), 1.9 (95% confidence interval: 1.2-3.5), and 1.6 (95% confidence interval: 1.3-2.9) respectively. Being the second born child or more, vitamin D insufficiency, ever wheeze, and allergic rhinitis were significant risks of recurrent wheezing.

Safety of House Dust Mite Subcutaneous Immunotherapy with a rush and cluster combination protocol in the build-up phase.

Conventional and cluster subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) are effective but may be time-consuming. Rush SCIT may offer a more convenient treatment option to patients and be of shorter duration; however, it is also associated with a higher incidence of systemic adverse reactions. Therefore, a combination of protocols between rush and cluster SCIT could have a superior risk-benefit ratio. To determine the safety of the combination of rush and cluster HDM-SCIT and to identify the risk factors for local and systemic adverse reactions. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who received HDM-SCIT, with rush and cluster combination protocols, at a tertiary care hospital between January 2009 and December 2020. Data were collected at the initial visit (demographic data; underlying allergic disease; current medication; and laboratory investigation results including skin prick test, serum specific IgE (sIgE) levels to aeroallergen, total IgE, and eosinophil count) and follow-up visits (rate and severity of local and systemic adverse reactions). In total, 698 injections (28 patients) were reviewed. Overall, 13 patients developed systemic adverse reactions, at 3% (21/698) per injection visit. All reactions occurred within 60 minutes. In total, 6 patients experienced large local reactions, at 1.1% (8/698) per injection visit. A high level of sIgE to D. pteronyssinus was significantly associated with systemic adverse reactions (HR = 1.02; P = 0.009). HDM-SCIT with a combination of rush and cluster schedules in the build-up phase could be used as an alternative protocol, given its acceptable systemic adverse reaction rate and shortened duration.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ КЛИНИКО-АНАМНЕСТИЧЕСКИХ ДАННЫХ И РОЛЬ СЕНСИБИЛИЗАЦИИ К РЕСПИРАТОРНЫМ АЛЛЕРГЕНАМ У ДЕТЕЙ С АТОПИЧЕСКОЙ БРОНХИАЛЬНОЙ АСТМОЙ

Objective: To analyze the profile of sensitization to airborne allergens in children with atopic bronchial asthma (BA) residing in Ufa referring to the main anamnestic and clinical data. Methods: The study was carried out in two phases and included general clinical examination along with specific allergy tests. In the 1st phase, allergy screening of 121 BA patients aged from 6 years to 17 years 11 months 29 days using a panel of respiratory allergens for detection of serum specific IgE was conducted. In the 2nd phase of the study, 114 children with a verified diagnosis of atopic BA with were selected based on sensitization to the respiratory allergens, while the remaining 7 patients were excluded from the study based on the exclusion criteria. In the 2nd phase of the study, allergen sensitization was evaluated by serum specific IgE levels determined by indirect immunofluorescence on a three-dimensional porous solid phase (ImmunoCAP® 250, Phadia). The obtained data were used for subsequent assessment of respiratory allergens sensitization profiles in children with atopic BA. Results: Manifestations of atopy and concomitant pathology at an early age were revealed in 89 patients (78%). In 73 children (64%) anamnestic data analysis revealed a family history of allergic diseases and BA, which was more often on the mother’s side (46 children, 63%); among them, the most common was a family history of BA (21 children, 46%). All 114 patients had clinical manifestations of bronchial obstruction and hyperreactivity as a result of the allergen exposure, and the influence of adverse environmental triggers and ecological microenvironment. The results of the allergen screening in the 1st phase of the study showed that more commonly Class III sensitization (increased level) was determined in the patients enrolled (40 children, 35%). The data from the 2nd phase of the study revealed polyvalent sensitization in 81 patients (71%). Among the pollen allergens, most commonly children with atopic BA showed sensitization to warty birch (Betula verrucosa) (t3). Conclusion: Modern diagnostic facilities allow to search and identify allergen sensitization in children with atopic BA, effectively and timely determining causal and exogenous factors for every patient, choosing rationale and most differentiated pharmacotherapy with a response and course prediction, optimization of diagnostics, prevention, and rehabilitation. Keywords: Bronchial asthma, children, sensitization, atopic phenotype, respiratory allergens, inhaled glucocorticoids.

Significance of total and specific IgE in asthma of Iraqi adult patients

A case-control retrospective study was conducted during January – June 2019 on 104 patients with asthma (50 females and 54 males) and 111 non-asthmatic healthy subjects matched patients for gender (54 females and 57 males) to assess role of total and specific IgE serum levels in patho-physiology of disease using ELISA and multiplex immunoblot kits. The mean age ± standard deviation of asthma patients was 37.9 ± 12.1 years, while it was lower among control (35.9 ± 10.5 years), but the difference was not significant. Males and females were similarly distributed among asthma cases (48.1 and 51.9%, respectively) and control (48.6 and 51.4%, respectively). Most of asthma cases were observed to have mild disease (49%), followed by moderate and severe asthma (93.4 and 11.5%, respectively). It was also observed that 51.9% of patients had a family history of asthma. With respect to allergen type, 21.2% of asthma cases were seropositive for mixed types of allergens. Median level of total IgE was significantly (p &lt; 0.001(elevated in sera of asthma cases (204.1 ng/ml) compared to control subjects (163.3 ng/ml). The level positively paralleled the severity of disease. The highest level was observed in severe cases (244.9ng/ml, while the lowest level was recorded in mild cases (189.7 ng/ml). The level of specific IgE showed some variations among asthma cases distributed according to the type of allergen, the highest median was recorded in seronegative cases (215.2 ng/ml), while a lowest level was observed in cases seropositive for animal dander (189.3 ng/ml). Logistic regression analysis revealed that total asthma patients, as well as male and female cases were at an increased risk to develop asthma episodes due to elevated serum level of IgE.ROC analysis demonstrated that elevated serum level of IgE occupied a significant (p = 0.001) area under curve (AUC), which was 0.828. In conclusion, the present study confirms the significant role of total and specific IgE in patho-physiology of bronchial asthma and its correlation with disease severity and allergen type in adults

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis presented as a unilateral nasal mass: A first case report from Thailand and literature review

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is a relatively new inflammatory sinonasal disease. Prevalence of the disease is reported to be highly different across Asia. A 23-year-old Thai male came to our hospital with left-sided nasal obstruction. Endoscopic examination found a mass originated from the left sphenoethmoidal recess. Incisional biopsy result of the mass indicated an inflammatory process and high level of serum specific IgE to several aeroallergens was found. Based on the biopsy results and other investigations, the diagnosis of AFRS was made and the patient was treated successfully with endoscopic sinus surgery and postoperative systemic/topical steroids. While AFRS is quite common in some regions, the disease is rarely encountered in Thailand and can be presented as a unilateral lesion, mimicking a tumor mass, which could lead to an incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Even though AFRS is rarely reported in our country, it still can be found and might be recognized falsely as a neoplastic process. High level of awareness of the disease features could help to minimize inappropriate disease management.

GARP Polymorphisms Associated with Susceptibility to House Dust Mite-Sensitized Persistent Allergic Rhinitis in a Chinese Population.

BackgroundGenetic variants in GARP (also known as LRRC32) have been reported to have significant associations with asthma and eczema in special populations, but little is known about allergic rhinitis. This study purposes to evaluate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GARP with house dust mite (HDM)-sensitized persistent allergic rhinitis (PER) in a population of Han Chinese.MethodsIn this hospital-based case–control study, 534 HDM-sensitized PER patients and 451 healthy controls were recruited from East China. In this population, six SNPs in GARP were identified. Serum total and specific IgE levels were measured with ImmunoCAP. Secondary structure and minimum free energy were predicted by RNAfold.Resultsrs79525962 was associated with the risk of HDM-sensitized PER (P < 0.05). The individuals with CT+TT genotype demonstrated a higher risk of HDM-sensitized PER than those with CC genotype (adjusted OR = 1.393, 95% CI = 1.019–1.904). The homozygous genotype CC of rs3781699 rendered a lower risk of HDM-sensitized PER than the wild-type genotype AA (adjusted OR = 0.646, 95% CI = 0.427–0.976); however, the genotype and allele frequencies of rs3781699 demonstrated no associations with HDM-sensitized PER (P > 0.05). rs79525962 increased the risk of HDM-sensitized PER in the subgroup aged ≥16 years (adjusted OR = 1.745, 95% CI = 1.103–2.760), and this high risk was also found in the females (adjusted OR = 1.708, 95% CI = 1.021–2.856). The G-C haplotype of rs1320646-rs3781699 rendered a lower risk of HDM-sensitized PER than the common haplotype G-A (adjusted OR = 0.819, 95% CI = 0.676–0.993). The secondary structure of GARP altered in response to different genotypes of rs79525962 and rs3781699.ConclusionSNP rs79525962 in the GARP gene marks a risk locus of HDM-sensitized PER in Chinese Hans.