Tree Pollen Sensitization Research Articles

Case series of seven cases of urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis (LTP syndrome) due to foods (nuts, lentils, and citrus foods) related to tree pollen (Prosopis juliflora and Holoptelea integrifolia) sensitization

Lipid transfer protein syndrome (LTPS) results from a primary sensitization to LTP belonging to the PR-14 family of pathogenesis-related PR-proteins which are plant food allergens, stable against heat and digestive enzymes, and can induce systemic reactions of urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis. Here, we report a case series of seven patients with nsLTP syndrome. Our six cases of LTPS were significantly sensitized to Prosopis juliflora and Holoptelea integrifolia and one case was sensitized to H. integrifolia only. In our seven cases, we hypothesized that symptoms of hypersensitivity reaction to foods were due to cross-reactivity by IgE reactive protein of ns-LTP as a major allergenic protein in foods.

The characteristics and change of aeroallergens in children from 2015 to 2020 in a hospital of pediatric in Beijing

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of clinical distribution and change of aeroallergens in children with allergic diseases from 2015 to 2020. Methods: Children who visited Capital Institute of Pediatrics affiliated Children's Hospital, suspected of allergic diseases and received serum aeroallergens specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) test were retrospectively enrolled (1 to 14 years old). sIgE was detected by Phadia1000 system with radioallergosorbent test fluorescent enzyme-linked immunoassay. The characteristics and change of the aeroallergens among the 6 years was analyzed. Enumeration data were expressed by percentage and categorical variables were compared by the independent samples t-test and Pearson χ2 test. Results: In total 4 608 tests (4 575 patients) of children were enrolled, the average age was (5.4±2.9) years old, with the median age of 5.0 years old. 3 176 were boys (68.9%), and 1 432 were girls (31.1%). 4 294 children were from the north of China (93.2%), 295 children were from the south of China (6.4%), and 19 children were from unknown regions (0.4%). In total the most common aeroallergen was mold mixture (1 956/4 457 tests, 43.9%) and Alternaria alternata (276/630 tests, 43.8%), followed by Artemisia (300/889 tests, 33.7%), Humulus scandens (12/38 tests, 31.6%) and grass mixture (909/2 874 tests, 31.6%). Among the 6 years, mold, grass pollen and tree pollen sensitization increased, and mold [38/130 (29.2%) vs 1 574/3 233 (48.7%)], grass pollen [11/77 (14.3%) vs 1 069/3 072 (34.8%)] increased significantly (χ2 was 18.953 and 49.559, respectively, P=0.000). Positive rate of tree pollen increased [1/10 (10.0%) vs 516/2 122 (24.3%)], but did not have statistical significance (χ²=1.111, P=0.292). Dust mite [36/146 (24.7%) vs 321/1 408 (22.8%)] and hair of pets [7/33 (21.2%) vs 321/1 408 (17.1%)] sensitization didn't change greatly (χ2 =0.258, P =0.611; χ2 =0.379, P =0.538). In 2015, the most common aeroallergens was mold (38/130, 29.2%), followed by dust mite (36/146, 24.7%), while in 2020, the most common aeroallergens was still mold (1 574/3 233, 48.7%), with grass pollen (1 069/3 072, 34.8%) and tree pollen (516/2 122, 24.3%) ranked after. Conclusion: Mold might be the most common aeroallergens in allergic children in Beijing area. With time went on, dust mite was gradually exceeded by grass pollen and tree pollen.

Emergence of pollen food allergy syndrome in asthmatic children in Paris.

Over the last few decades, the level of pollen from birch and homologous trees has increased in parts of Europe. Sensitization to birch pollen allergens (principally Bet v 1) has been associated with food cross-reactivity called pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS). To evaluate changes in allergic diseases due to IgE sensitization over 25years in asthmatic children. This was a cross-sectional retrospective study conducted in Paris. We analyzed two cohorts of asthmatic children with similar characteristics explored between 1993-1999 (old cohort=OC) and 2012-2018 (recent cohort=RC). 121 children were in the OC and 120 in the RC. An increase in sensitization to tree pollens was found especially for birch pollen, which was 11.6% in the OC and 31% in the RC (P=.0002). Allergic rhinitis prevalence was significantly higher in the RC than in the OC (96% vs 52%, respectively, P<.0001). IgE-mediated food allergy increased from 6% to 16% in the OC and RC, respectively, (P=.01) mainly due to PFAS. In the RC, a higher mean Bet v 1-specific IgE level was observed in children with PFAS compared to children without (105.7 KU/L±17.8 and 48.9 kU/L±15.7, respectively, P<.05). Allergic rhinitis and food allergy with tree pollen sensitization have increased in Paris over 25years mainly due to PFAS. Environmental factors could be responsible for these modifications as described in the literature.

Pollen allergen sensitization feature of seasonal allergic rhinitis in children and adolescents in northern China

Objective:The prevalence of seasonal allergic rhinitis（SAR） is high in children and adolescents population. The aim of this study is to explore the feature of pollen allergen sensitization of SAR in children and adolescents . Method:Children and adolescents with self-reported seasonal allergic rhinitis in an allergy center of a tertiary hospital were enrolled and received skin prick test（SPT） of 13 common pollen allergens. SAR was defined with positive SPT to any pollen allergen. SPSS software was applied to analyze the differences in age, gender, sensitization pattern. Result:In total, 374（85.6%） SAR cases with self-reported seasonal allergic rhinitis were enrolled,including 213 males （57%） and 161 females （43%）. There are 198 children （2-12 years old） and 176 adolescents （13-17 years old）. The highest sensitization rate was presented in Chenopodium （73.8%） , Humulus（67.6%） and Artemisia （64.7%）.The severe sensitization was presented in Artemisia（53.7%）, Humulus（46.8%） and Chenopodium （42.0%）. No gender difference was found among different pollen allergens and sensitization patterns（P>0.05）. No age difference was found between different pollen allergens and sensitization patterns except that Cupressaceae was higher in adolescent group than that in children group（55.1% vs 42.9%, P=0.023）. Poly-sensitization rate was 57.2% in tree pollens, 59.6% in weed pollens and 81.3% in total. Significant correlation was found among different tree pollens and weed pollens（P<0.01）. Tree pollen sensitization was significantly correlated with weed pollens except Cupressaceae（P<0.01）. The mono-sensitization rate is low in all 4 weed pollen allergens ranged from 1% to 8% while 49.2% of SAR patients were allergic to all of the 4 weed pollen allergens. Conclusion:The prevalent pollen allergens in SAR were similar in children and adolescent comparing to adults. No obvious gender and age differences were found. An extensive co-sensitizations were found among pollens especially in weed pollens.

Pru p 9, a new allergen eliciting respiratory symptoms in subjects sensitized to peach tree pollen.

Peach tree (PT) pollen sensitization is highly prevalent in subjects living in areas where this tree is widely cultivated. None of the allergens responsible for these sensitizations have been identified so far. Our aim was to identify the most relevant PT pollen allergens and analyze their capacity for inducing respiratory symptoms. We studied sixty-two individuals sensitized to PT pollen who developed symptoms after its exposure. The IgE binding profile on peach pollen extract by means of immunoblotting using sera from these subjects was analyzed. Protein extract was fractionated by anion-exchange chromatography and HPLC, fractions run in SDS-PAGE and proteins were identified from IgE-binding bands by mass spectrometry. Several allergenic proteins in the PT pollen extract were recognized by patients' IgE: a glucan endo-1,3-beta-glucosidase-like, a polygalacturonase, an UTP-glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase and a PR-1a protein. This PR-1a protein is a novel allergen frequently recognized with a molecular mass of 18 kDa, named as Pru p 9 following the WHO-IUIS nomenclature. Skin Prick Test (SPT) performed with this allergen was positive in 41% of the PT pollen-sensitized clinical cases. Most of them had rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis, but a significant percentage experienced asthma with seasonal symptoms during the period of PT flowering. Nasal Provocation test (NPT) with Pru p 9 was positive in all cases with positive SPT to this new allergen eliciting nasal symptoms similar to those challenged with PT pollen. We demonstrate that PT pollen can induce sensitization and allergy in an exposed population, being Pru p 9 a relevant allergen responsible of respiratory symptoms. Considering the extensive peach worldwide production with a large number of people involved, our results add a great value for the diagnosis and management of subjects allergic to this pollen.

Tree Pollen Sensitization and Cross-Reaction of Children with Allergic Rhinitis or Asthma

Objectives Tree pollen causes allergic rhinitis and asthma. We investigated children who diagnosed as rhinitis or asthma, living in Busan, for tree allergen sensitization, component allergen, oral allergy syndrome, and the relationship between pollen counts and allergen sensitization. Methods Pollen were collected in Busan, from January 1 to December 31, 2017, using a Rotorod sampler and enumerated using a microscope. We conducted a study of children with rhinitis or asthma at Busan St. Mary's Hospital in 2017, administered an ISAAC questionnaire, and an oral allergy syndrome survey. Serum specific Ig E tests were performed. Results Among the 57 patients, the mean age was 9.3 years. The pollen counts in decreasing order were as follows: pine, alder, oak, juniper, beech, ginkgo, and birch. For sensitization, birch and alder 35.1%, Japanese cedar 19.3%, juniper 17.5%, pine 10.5%, and Japanese cypress 8.2%. The component Ig E was tested in 27 patients. Bet v 1 had a high correlation with birch, alder, and peach. Bet v 2 showed a statistically significant correlation with all tree pollen except cypress. Bet v 4 did not have any apparent correlation. Bet v 6 had the same pattern as Bet v 2, but correlation coefficient was higher than that of Bet v 2. Oral allergy syndrome was noted in 7 patients, including peach, peanut, apple, tomato, kiwi, and sesame. Conclusions Alder and juniper are clinically important tree pollens in Busan. These pollens cause sensitization to birch and Japanese cedar by cross-reaction.

Using high-resolution residential greenspace measures in an urban environment to assess risks of allergy outcomes in children

Despite reported health benefits of urban greenspace (gs), the epidemiological evidence is less clear for allergic disease. To address a limitation of previous research, we examined the associations of medium- and high-resolution residential gs measures and tree and/or grass canopies with allergic outcomes for children enrolled in the longitudinal cincinnati childhood allergy and air pollution study (ccaaps). We estimated residential gs based on 400 m radial buffers around participant addresses (n = 478) using the normalized differential vegetation index (ndvi) and land cover-derived urban greenspace (ugs) (tree and grass coverage, combined and separate) at 30 m and 1.5–2.5 m resolution, respectively. Associations between outdoor aeroallergen sensitization and allergic rhinitis at age 7 and residential gs measures at different exposure windows were examined using multivariable logistic regression models. A 10% increase in ugs-derived grass coverage was associated with an increased risk of sensitization to grass pollens (adjusted odds ratio [aor]: 1.27; 95% confidence interval = 1.02–1.58). For each 10% increase in ugs-derived tree canopy coverage, nonstatistically significant decreased odds were found for grass pollen sensitization, tree pollen sensitization, and sensitization to either (aor range = 0.87–0.94). Results similar in magnitude to ugs-tree canopy coverage were detected for ndvi and allergic sensitizations. High-resolution (down to 1.5 m) gs measures of grass- and tree-covered areas showed associations in opposite directions for different allergy outcomes. These data suggest that measures strongly correlated with tree canopy (e.g., ndvi) may be insufficient to detect health effects associated with proximity to different types of vegetation or help elucidate mechanisms related to specific gs exposure pathways.

Relation of allergic rhinitis, allergen sensitization, and air pollutants in preschool children

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the prevalence and allergen sensitization of allergic rhinitis (AR) in preschool children. We as sessed the relationship of AR, allergen sensitization, and air pollutants. Methods: Between 2012 and 2016 in Jincheon, skin prick testing and questionnaire survey were performed on 2,958 children. AR have diagnosed on the basis of current symptoms and sign of AR on the Korean International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire and 1 or more proven allergen sensitization. Results: A total of 2,052 children completed survey and skin prick testing, and were included in the analysis. The prevalence of AR symptom within last 12 months and AR were 27.0% and 10.9%, respectively. During study, both prevalences were increased from 20.1% and 8.6%, respectively in 2012 to 29.1% and 12.8%, respectively in 2016. The total inhalant allergen sensitization rate was 32.6%. The most common inhalant allergen was Dermatophagoides farinae (23.1%), followed by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (22.5%), tree pollens (5.3%), weed pollens (5.2%), fungi (4.7%), dog hair (4.5%) cat fur (3.6%), grass pollens (1.1%), and cockroach (0.8%). Although there was no difference tree or weed pollen sensitization, pollen seasonal prevalence of current AR symptoms is highest in spring (80%) versus autumn (52.3%). Seasonal PM10 (particulate matter with a median aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 μm in diameter) and SO2 (sulfur dioxide) levels were correlated with the prevalence of seasonal AR symptoms. Pollen sea sonal current AR symptoms were significantly related to seasonal pollen sensitization, but not inhalant allergens including dust mites. Conclusion: There was a rapid increasing prevalence of AR in preschool children in the areas of urbanization and industrialization. Pollen seasonal current AR symptoms have a close relationship with PM10 and seasonal pollen sensitization. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2018;6:197-205)

An analysis of spectrum of allergen sensitization among patients with tree pollen allergy in Beijing

Objective:To explore the feature of allergic sensitization of tree pollen and the relationship between tree pollen and airborne pollen in Beijing. Method:Two thousand five hundred and twenty-one patients with allergic diseases were enrolled between January to July in 2017 in an allergy department. All patients received SPT of 8 kinds of tree pollen. Result:①The overall tree pollen positive rate of SPT was 49.3% (1 244/2 521). Male had a higher positive rate than female (56.4% vs 45.0%, P<0.01) while child group had a higher positive rate than adult group (55.9% vs 48.6%, P<0.05). The poly sensitization was observed with a rate of 26.3%, take the percentage of 53.3% of the overall positive subjects. ②The highest sensitization rate was found in March (62.2%), followed by May (52.1%), the lowest was January (27.9%). There was a positive correlation between tree pollen sensitization rate and pollen count of each month (r=0.929, P<0.01). ③Cypress had the highest positive rate (34.6%), followed by poplar (21.3%), the lowest was sophora (13.3%). The sensitization rate was positively correlated with pollen count among different tree pollen (r=0.714, P<0.05). Conclusion:The main allergic pollen in Beijing was cypress. The tree pollen sensitization showed a seasonality with the peak in March. The sensitization status was tightly associated with the amount of airborne pollen.

Pollen food allergy syndrome in Turkey: Clinical characteristics and evaluation of its association with skin test reactivity to pollens.

There is limited data regarding pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS) in Turkey. To investigate the clinical characteristics and possible risk factors of PFAS in Turkey, and to evaluate if there was an association between skin test reactivity to pollens and presence of PFAS. A total of 254 consecutive adult patients with pollen sensitivity were prospectively recruited. Patients were interviewed with a questionnaire including a list of pollen-associated foods. Patients were classified as having PFAS if they reported clear allergic symptoms compatible with PFAS. All participants underwent skin prick tests (SPT) to a panel of common aeroallergens, prick-to-prick tests with culprit fresh foods were performed in patients who gave consent. Self-reported PFAS was observed in 49 patients (19.3%). The most common culprit foods were kiwi, peach, tomato, melon and watermelon. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that potential risk factors for PFAS were having asthma (OR=2.392, P=0.044) and tree pollen sensitization (OR=2.904, P=0.004). There were no significant differences in the SPT wheal sizes to individual pollen extracts between patients with and without PFAS with a positive SPT result for that pollen extract (P>0.05). PFAS is frequent in pollen sensitized adults in Turkey. The most commonly implicated foods are kiwi, peach,tomato, melon and watermelon, in our geographical region. SPT wheal sizes to pollen extracts seems to be similar in patients with and without PFAS.

Prevalence and allergen of allergic rhinitis in Korean children.

In recent decades, the amount of data about allergic rhinitis (AR) in Korean National Health Insurance Service has increased. To investigate the prevalence and quality of sensitized allergens of AR in Korean children and adolescents. This study obtained the results of the Korean International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaires and the skin-prick test (SPT) results of 14,356 students who participated in a health screening from 2010 to 2014. AR was defined as one with current symptoms of AR with at least one or more positive results of an SPT with inhalant allergens. The prevalence of AR in children was 20.8%. Positive rates of the allergen group were 87.3% for house-dust mites, 37.0% for pollen, 12.4% for mold, and 8.4% for pets. The common allergens in descending order were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Betula, Humulus, Alnus, and Alternaria. As the children became older, pollen-sensitization rates tended to increase (p value for trends, <0.001). In metropolitan and middle inland areas, weed pollen was the most common pollen. The rates of tree-pollen sensitization were the highest at the seaside and in the southern inland. The most common comorbid allergic diseases associated with AR were pollen allergy and allergic conjunctivitis at 37.0% and 34.5%, respectively. This was the first study conducted in Korea to investigate the prevalence of AR in the general population by using both questionnaires and SPTs. The allergens used for the SPTs were chosen based on the common allergens in this study, and this current pollen data will contribute to establish the cause of increasing AR prevalence in Korea.

The natural history of peanut sensitization and allergy in a birth cohort

Information on the natural history of peanut-induced allergic sensitization (PAS) and clinical peanut allergy (PA) remains limited. Most previous studies selected children who were given a diagnosis of PA, which does not provide the population perspective and probably ignores those with low levels of sensitization.1,2 There are no population-based studies on the natural history of PAS or PA. To provide a population perspective, we used the Isle of Wight birth cohort (n = 1456) and determined the natural history of PAS and PA, focusing on incidence, persistence, and remission.

Efectos de la reforestación en la sensibilización al polen de árboles en habitantes de Nuevo León, México

Climate change has implications for health, ecology and society. Urban green areas are a key element in the planning of cities, promoting citizen interaction with the environment, as well as health. Lack of planning and design of these areas as well as the selection of ornamental trees can be a trigger of pollen allergy in the surrounding population. Reforestation is among the programs implemented by the government that have an impact on allergy. Environmental reforestation programs do not take into account the allergenic potential of some species. In the last 4 years, the government of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, has planted nearly 18,000 Quercus species trees, in addition to an unknown number of Fraxinus species trees that are listed as tree species with high pollen production. To identify changes in tree pollen sensitization, based on environmental reforestation programs. A retrospective and descriptive study was done in which positive skin prick tests to pollen from trees in the interval of 2010-2014 were analyzed, correlating between tree species used for reforestation and increased sensitivity to the former. A statistically significant increase in pollen sensitization to species with which Nuevo Leon was reforested was found, along with a decrease in sensitization to the species that were not reforested. Reforestation contributes to some extent to the change in the pattern of positive skin tests and may result in more frequent exacerbations of respiratory diseases. It is an activity that should always be regulated and assisted by experts in the according field.

Characterization of tree allergy prevalence in children younger than 4 years

Characterization of tree allergy prevalence in children younger than 4 years

Allergen sensitization linked to climate and age, not to intermittent-persistent rhinitis in a cross-sectional cohort study in the (sub)tropics.

BackgroundAllergen exposure leads to allergen sensitization in susceptible individuals and this might influence allergic rhinitis (AR) phenotype expression. We investigated whether sensitization patterns vary in a country with subtropical and tropical regions and if sensitization patterns relate to AR phenotypes or age.MethodsIn a national, cross-sectional study AR patients (2-70 y) seen by allergists underwent blinded skin prick testing with a panel of 18 allergens and completed a validated questionnaire on AR phenotypes.Results628 patients were recruited. The major sensitizing allergen was house dust mite (HDM) (56%), followed by Bermuda grass (26%), ash (24%), oak (23%) and mesquite (21%) pollen, cat (22%) and cockroach (21%). Patients living in the tropical region were almost exclusively sensitized to HDM (87%). In the central agricultural zones sensitization is primarily to grass and tree pollen. Nationwide, most study subjects had perennial (82.2%), intermittent (56.5%) and moderate-severe (84.7%) AR. Sensitization was not related to the intermittent-persistent AR classification or to AR severity; seasonal AR was associated with tree (p < 0.05) and grass pollen sensitization (p < 0.01). HDM sensitization was more frequent in children (0-11 y) and adolescents (12-17 y) (subtropical region: p < 0.0005; tropical region p < 0.05), but pollen sensitization becomes more important in the adult patients visiting allergists (Adults vs children + adolescents for tree pollen: p < 0.0001, weeds: p < 0.0005).ConclusionsIn a country with (sub)tropical climate zones SPT sensitization patterns varied according to climatological zones; they were different from those found in Europe, HDM sensitization far outweighing pollen allergies and Bermuda grass and Ash pollen being the main grass and tree allergens, respectively. Pollen sensitization was related to SAR, but no relation between sensitization and intermittent-persistent AR or AR severity could be detected. Sensitization patterns vary with age (child HDM, adult pollen). Clinical implications of our findings are dual: only a few allergens –some region specific- cover the majority of sensitizations in (sub)tropical climate zones. This is of major importance for allergen manufacturers and immunotherapy planning. Secondly, patient selection in clinical trials should be based on the intermittent-persistent and severity classifications, rather than on the seasonal-perennial AR subtypes, especially when conducted in (sub)tropical countries.

Thunderstorm‐related asthma epidemic owing to Olea Europaea pollen sensitization

AllergyVolume 66, Issue 11 p. 1510-1511 ALLERGY Net Thunderstorm-related asthma epidemic owing to Olea Europaea pollen sensitization L. Losappio, L. LosappioSearch for more papers by this authorE. Heffler, E. HefflerSearch for more papers by this authorF. Contento, F. ContentoSearch for more papers by this authorC. Cannito, C. CannitoSearch for more papers by this authorG. Rolla, Corresponding Author G. Rolla Allergologia ed Immunologia ClinicaAO Mauriziano “Umberto I”Largo Turati 6210128 TorinoItalyTel.: +390115082083Fax: +390115682588E-mail: grolla@mauriziano.itSearch for more papers by this author L. Losappio, L. LosappioSearch for more papers by this authorE. Heffler, E. HefflerSearch for more papers by this authorF. Contento, F. ContentoSearch for more papers by this authorC. Cannito, C. CannitoSearch for more papers by this authorG. Rolla, Corresponding Author G. Rolla Allergologia ed Immunologia ClinicaAO Mauriziano “Umberto I”Largo Turati 6210128 TorinoItalyTel.: +390115082083Fax: +390115682588E-mail: grolla@mauriziano.itSearch for more papers by this author First published: 02 September 2011 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2011.02699.xCitations: 24 This is the first report of thunderstorm-related asthma owing to olive tree pollen sensitization. Allergic patients should be informed of the risk of severe asthma attack during thunderstorms. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume66, Issue11November 2011Pages 1510-1511 RelatedInformation

Immunotherapy with depigmented‐polymerized mixed tree pollen extract: a clinical trial and responder analysis

Rhinoconjunctivitis because of tree pollen sensitization is common in Northern Europe. Specific subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is the only disease-modifying treatment, but unmodified allergen extracts carry a risk of allergic side-effects. Our objective was to examine efficacy and safety of a depigmented-polymerized mixed tree pollen extract. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 184 tree pollen allergic adults was performed. SCIT consisted of four increasing doses at 7-day intervals, then maintenance injections every 6 weeks for 18 months. Primary outcome was combined symptom and medication score during the 2008 season. Secondary outcomes included analysis at different levels of pollen exposure and a responder analysis. Adverse events were classified using the EAACI scale. Birch pollen-specific IgE and IgG(4) were measured before and after treatment. The combined symptom and medication score of actively treated patients was significantly lower than those on placebo (P < 0.04). Increased efficacy was seen at high pollen exposure (median score 2.1 for active [IQR 0.7-3.4] vs 4.2 [IQR 2.4-5.3] for placebo for days with 500 or more pollen grains per m(3) , a 50% reduction, P < 0.01). A modified responder analysis revealed 64% responders in the active and 32% in the placebo group (P < 0.01). There were 17 systemic reactions. All were mild (grade 1 or 2) and required no treatment. Serum birch-specific IgG(4) increased in the SCIT group (P < .01). SCIT with depigmented- polymerized tree pollen extract was clinically effective and well tolerated. Responder analysis suggested that one-third of patients treated with immunotherapy may not respond.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy with pollen allergoids in the treatment ofhay fever in children

Background. The research of effective methods of allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) with good tolerability is important in children with allergic disorders. The aim of the study was to investigate effectiveness and safety of ASIT with pollen allergoids for hay fever treatment in children. Methods. 71 patients 5 to 17 years old with diseases caused by tree pollen sensitization: allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in 36 patients, rhinitis combined with pollen asthma in 17, combined with atopic dermatitis in 1, and pollen asthma in 17, were included in the study. 2 courses of subcutaneous ASIT out of flowering season were conducted in every child using commercially available pollen allergoids. ASIT effectiveness was assessed using 4-point scale where 4 points represents complete disease remission, and 1 point represents lack of effectiveness. Local and systemic side effects were registered as parameters of ASIT safety. Results. Total dose of allergen was 13 768 PNU after the 1st course of ASIT, and 12 700 PNU after the 2nd course. Effectiveness of the 1st course of ASIT was 4,0 points out of 4,0 and of the 2nd course - 4,0 points. Local side effects (infiltration larger than 25 mm, itching and oedema in injection site) in 19,7% patients and systemic side effects (allergic rhinitis exacerbation, urticaria) in 11,3% patients were stopped after allergoid dose adjustment. Conclusion. ASIT with pollen allergoids is effective for hay fever treatment in children. Children with bronchi al asthma are at higher risk for adverse events and need individual dose adjustment.

Changes in Allergy Symptoms and Depression Scores Are Positively Correlated In Patients With Recurrent Mood Disorders Exposed to Seasonal Peaks in Aeroallergens

Although growing evidence supports an association between allergy, allergens and depression, it remains unknown if this relationship is between “states” (possible triggers) or “traits” (possible vulnerabilities). We hypothesized that patients with recurrent mood disorders who are sensitized to tree pollen (as determined by allergen specific IgE antibodies), in comparison to those who are not sensitized, would report larger negative changes in mood during exposure to tree pollen in spring. We also hypothesized that differences between high and low tree pollen periods in self reported allergy symptoms would correlate positively with differences in self reported depression scores. We present 1-year preliminary data on the first 51 patients with unipolar or bipolar disorder (age: 19-63 years, 65% female, twelve patients were tree-pollen IgE positive). Ratings of mood and allergic disease status were performed once during the peak airborne pollen counts and once during the period of low airborne pollen counts, as reported by two local pollen counting stations. Linear regression models were developed to examine associations of changes in depression scores (dependent variable) with tree pollen sensitization, changes in the allergy symptom severity score, adjusted for gender and order of testing. We did not confirm the hypothesized relationship between a specific tree pollen sensitization and changes in mood during tree pollen exposure. We did confirm the hypothesized positive relationship between the changes in allergy symptoms and changes in subjects' depression scores (adjusted p<0.05). This result is consistent with previous epidemiological evidence connecting allergy with depression, as well as our recent reports of increased expression of cytokines in the prefrontal cortex in victims of suicide and in experimental animals sensitized and exposed to tree pollen. A relationship between changes in allergy symptom scores and changes in depression scores supports a state-level rather than only trait-level relationship, and thus lends optimism to future causality-testing interventional studies, which might then lead to novel preventative environmental interventions in mood disorders.

Grass allergy increases the risk of tree pollen sensitization: A warning to urban planners

Grass allergy increases the risk of tree pollen sensitization: A warning to urban planners