Telemedicine in allergy/immunology in the era of COVID-19: a Canadian perspective

• Research
• Open Access
• 
  

• Sarah Edgerley, 
• Rongbo Zhu, 
• Ariba Quidwai, 
• Harold Kim & 
• Samira Jeimy 

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology volume 18, Article number: 16 (2022) 

• details

Abstract

Background

In the era of COVID-19, utilization of telemedicine has dramatically increased. In addition to reduced travel times, patient expenses, and work or school days missed, telemedicine allows clinicians to provide continued care while minimizing face-to-face interactions, maintaining social distancing, and limiting potential COVID-19 exposures. Clinical Immunology and Allergy (CIA), like many specialties, has adapted to incorporate telemedicine into practice. Previous studies have demonstrated similar patient satisfaction between virtual and in-person visits. However, evidence from fully publicly funded health care systems such as Canada has been limited.

Participation in scheduled asthma follow-up contacts and adherence to treatment during 12-year follow-up in patients with adult-onset asthma

• Research article
• Open Access
• 
  

Jaana Takala, 

Iida Vähätalo, 

Leena E. Tuomisto, 

Onni Niemelä, 

Pinja Ilmarinen & 

Hannu Kankaanranta 

BMC Pulmonary Medicine volume 22, Article number: 63 (2022) 

• details

Abstract

Background

Poor treatment compliance is a common problem in the treatment of asthma. To our knowledge, no previous long-term follow-up studies exist on how scheduled asthma follow-up contacts occur in primary health care (PHC) versus secondary care and how these contacts relate to adherence to medication and in participation to further scheduled asthma contacts. The aim of this study was to evaluate occurrence of scheduled asthma contacts and treatment compliance in PHC versus secondary care, and to identify the factors associated with non-participation to scheduled contacts.

Allergic rhinitis, allergic contact dermatitis and disease comorbidity belong to separate entities with distinct composition of T-cell subsets, cytokines, immunoglobulins and autoantibodies

• Research
• Open Access

• Wenjia Chai, 
• Xuyi Zhang, 
• Meixiong Lin, 
• Zhuo Chen, 
• Xiaolin Wang, 
• Changqing Wang, 
• Aoyan Chen, 
• Caisheng Wang, 
• Hongwu Wang, 
• Honghong Yue & 
• Jingang Gui 

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology volume 18, Article number: 10 (2022) 

• details

Abstract

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) are prevalent allergic diseases and have significant impacts on patients’ daily life. Despite many studies on AR or ACD have been conducted separately, little is known about the immune responses in patients of AR combined with ACD and the interplay between AR and ACD. Our study compared various aspects of immune elements in patients with AR or/and ACD, aiming to characterize the immune responses in AR, ACD, and AR combined with ACD.

Modified oral food challenge protocol approach in the diagnosis of Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome

• Short report
• Open Access
• 
  

• Jessica Sultafa, 
• Lundy McKibbon, 
• Hannah Roberts, 
• Jumana Sarraj & 
• Harold Kim 

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology volume 18, Article number: 8 (2022) 

• details

Abstract

Background

Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) is a non-IgE mediated food allergy most commonly presenting in infants. The most common food triggers include soy, cow’s milk and grains. Symptoms may include intractable vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, pallor, abdominal distention, hypotension and/or shock. Oral food challenges (OFCs) given at food protein dose of 0.06–0.6 g/kg in 3 equivalent doses administered over a few hours are recommended in guidelines to confirm a diagnosis.

NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease: a population study

ERJ Open Res. 2022 Jan; 8(1): 00462-2021.

Published online 2022 Jan 24. doi: 10.1183/23120541.00462-2021

Heidi Andersén,1,2,3 Pinja Ilmarinen,1,4 Jasmin Honkamäki,1 Leena E. Tuomisto,4 Hanna Hisinger-Mölkänen,5 Helena Backman,6 Bo Lundbäck,7 Eva Rönmark,6 Tari Haahtela,5 Anssi Sovijärvi,5,8 Lauri Lehtimäki,1,9 Päivi Piirilä,5,8 and Hannu Kankaanranta1,4,7

Abstract 
Background
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may exacerbate respiratory symptoms. A recent European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology position paper recommended the use of an acronym, N-ERD (NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease), for this hypersensitivity associated with asthma or chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyposis. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of N-ERD and identify factors associated with N-ERD.

The risk of anaphylaxis behind authorized COVID-19 vaccines: a meta-analysis

• Research
• Open Access
• 
  

Marharyta Sobczak & 

Rafał Pawliczak 

Clinical and Molecular Allergy volume 20, Article number: 1 (2022) 

• details

Abstract

Background

A serious allergic reaction that may occur in response to medical products is anaphylaxis, which potentially can lead to anaphylactic shock. In the light of recent COVID-19 pandemic, much public attention had been paid to the severe allergic reactions occurring after COVID-19 vaccination. Therefore, in our study we would like to investigate the risk of authorized COVID-19 vaccines to induce anaphylactic reaction, anaphylactoid reaction, anaphylactic shock and anaphylactoid shock.

IgE is associated with exacerbations and lung function decline in COPD

• Research
• Open Access
• 
  

• Marek Lommatzsch, 
• Timotheus Speer, 
• Christian Herr, 
• Rudolf A. Jörres, 
• Henrik Watz, 
• Achim Müller, 
• Tobias Welte, 
• Claus F. Vogelmeier & 
• Robert Bals 
• for the COSYCONET study group

Respiratory Research volume 23, Article number: 1 (2022) 

• details

Abstract

Background

Both allergen-specific IgE and total IgE in serum play a major role in asthma. However, the role of IgE in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is poorly understood. It was the aim of this study to systematically analyze the relationship between serum IgE levels and disease characteristics in large COPD cohorts.

Hereditary angioedema due to C1 inhibitor deficiency: real-world experience from the Icatibant Outcome Survey in Spain

Mar Guilarte, 

Anna Sala-Cunill, 

María Luisa Baeza, 

Rosario Cabañas, 

María Dolores Hernández, 

Ethel Ibañez, 

Carlos Hernando de Larramendi, 

Ramon Lleonart, 

Teófilo Lobera, 

Luis Marqués, 

Blanca Sáenz de San Pedro, 

Jaco Botha, 

Irmgard Andresen & 

Teresa Caballero 

for the IOS Study Group

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology volume 17, Article number: 137 (2021)

• details

Abstract

Background

The Icatibant Outcome Survey (IOS) is an international registry monitoring the use of icatibant, a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist indicated for the acute treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks. Our goal was to assess disease characteristics and icatibant treatment outcomes in patients with HAE due to C1 inhibitor deficiency (HAE type 1 or 2 (HAE-1/2)) from Spain relative to other countries participating in IOS.

The association between allergy and sinusitis: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES 2005–2006

• Research
• Open Access
• 
  

• Song Li, 
• Chu-Jin Zhao, 
• Hong-Li Hua, 
• Yu-Qin Deng & 
• Ze-Zhang Tao 

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology volume 17, Article number: 135 (2021) 

Abstract

Background

The relationship between allergies and sinusitis, though extensively studied, remains poorly defined. While several studies proposed a cause-and-effect relationship between allergy and chronic sinusitis, several others reported the lack of any existing association. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between allergy and sinusitis.

Adult-onset mast cell activation syndrome following scombroid poisoning: a case report and review of the literature

Isabelle Brock, 

Nicole Eng & 

Anne Maitland 

Journal of Medical Case Reports volume 15, Article number: 620 (2021) 

• details

Abstract

Background

Mast cells are closely associated with epithelium, serving as sentinels responsible for the recognition of tissue injury and coordination of the initial inflammatory response. Upon detection of the injured cell content, mast cells then tailor the release of preformed and newly produced chemical mediators to the detected challenge, via an array of pathogen receptors. In addition to immunoglobulin E receptor-triggered mast cell activation, commonly referred to as allergic or atopic disorders, non-immunoglobulin E receptor mediated mast cell activation follows engagement of toll-like receptors, immunoglobulin G receptors, and complement receptors. Upon containment of the extrinsic challenge, acute inflammation is downregulated, and repair of the injured tissue ensues.

Potential prophylactic efficacy of mast cell stabilizers against COVID-19 vaccine-induced anaphylaxis

• Letters to the Editor
• Open Access
• 
  

• Itsuro Kazama 

Clinical and Molecular Allergy volume 19, Article number: 25 (2021) 

• details

Abstract

To fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the vaccination is currently the most effective approach. However, in addition to common systemic side effects, the vaccines can cause serious allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. In anaphylaxis, the exposure to the allergen causes a sudden release of chemical mediators from mast cells, for which adrenaline is the drug of first choice. In our previous basic studies, in addition to adrenaline, anti-allergic drugs (olopatadine, loratadine, tranilast and ketotifen), antibiotics (clarithromycin), corticosteroids (hydrocortisone and dexamethasone) and certain food constituents (caffeine and catechin) inhibited the process of exocytosis and showed their effectiveness as highly potent mast cell stabilizers.