July 14, 2021

Personalized medicine and allergen immunotherapy: the beginning of a new era?

  • Commentary
  • Open Access

Abstract
The concept of personalized medicine as a diagnostic and therapeutic approach tailored to the medical needs of each patient is currently revolutionizing all fields of medicine and in particular allergology. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) meets the three main needs for precision medicine: identification of molecular mechanism of disease, diagnostic tools for the mechanism and treatment blocking the mechanism itself.

July 7, 2021

Systemic reactions to subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy: real-world cause and effect modelling

  • Research
  • Open Access

Abstract

Background

Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is an effective treatment for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. However, adverse events, including life-threatening systemic reactions, may occur. The purpose of this project is to identify risk factors for systemic reactions to SCIT and to provide practice-based solutions using a quality improvement (QI) framework.

Methods

A QI initiative was performed in a hospital-based, Canadian Allergy clinic administering SCIT in a 12-month period.

June 30, 2021

Management of allergic rhinitis with leukotriene receptor antagonists versus selective H1-antihistamines: a meta-analysis of current evidence

  • Review
  • Open Access

Abstract
Background

Inconsistencies remain regarding the effectiveness and safety of leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) and selective H1-antihistamines (SAHs) for allergic rhinitis (AR). A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to compare the medications.

June 24, 2021

Real-life evidence of low-dose mepolizumab efficacy in EGPA: a case series

  • Letter to the Editor
  • Open Access

Abstract

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare, small vessel, necrotizing vasculitis. The disease is mainly characterized by hypereosinophilia and asthma with frequent sinonasal involvement, although multiple organs can be affected, including the heart, lungs, skin, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and nervous system. IL-5 production is pathogenetically central for the development of the disease by promoting proliferation, transvascular migration and functional activation of eosinophils.

June 23, 2021

Genetics and Epigenetics of Nasal Polyposis: A Systematic Review

J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2021; Vol 31(3) : 196-211
doi: 10.18176/jiaci.0673

Martin MJ1,2,3, Garcia-Sanchez A1,2,4, Estravis M1,2,4, Gil-Melcón M5, Isidoro-Garcia M1,2,6,7, Sanz C1,2,8, Davila I1,2,4,9

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory disease of the nose and paranasal sinuses that is often associated with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) in the most severe cases. As in other complex diseases, genetic factors are thought to play an important role in the risk and development of the disease. Environment may also modulate the epigenetic signature in affected patients. In the present systematic review, we aimed to compile all published data on genetic and epigenetic variations in CRSwNP since 2000. We found 104 articles, 24 of which were related to epigenetic studies. We identified more than 150 genetic variants in 99 genes involved in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis. These were clustered into 8 main networks, linking genes involved in inflammation and immune response (eg, MHC), cytokine genes (eg, TNF), leukotriene metabolism, and the extracellular matrix. A total of 89 miRNAs were also identified; these are associated mainly with biological functions such as the cell cycle, inflammation, and the immune response. We propose a potential relationship between genes and the miRNAs identified that may open new lines of investigation. An in-depth knowledge of gene variants and epigenetic traits could help us to design more tailored treatment for patients with CRSwNP. 

PDF

June 14, 2021

HealthSWEDE: costs with sublingual immunotherapy—a Swedish questionnaire study

  • Research
  • Open Access

Abstract
Background

The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to compare the health-economic consequences for allergic rhinitis (AR) patients treated with sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) in terms of direct and indirect costs with a reference population of patients receiving standard of care pharmacological therapy.

IL-31, itch and hematological malignancies

 

Review Open Access


Abstract
Pruritus is one of the most common symptoms experienced by neoplastic patients. The pathogenesis of neoplastic itch is complex and multifactorial and could be due to an unbalanced production of humoral mediators by altered immune effector cells. IL-31 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by CD4 + T helper cells. The aim of this review was to evaluate the role of this Th2 cytokine and its receptor IL-31RA, in the onset of neoplastic pruritus.