October 19, 2021

Fatal anaphylaxis due to peanut exposure from oral intercourse

Abstract

Background

Intimacy-related allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are under-reported due to social stigma, lack of awareness, and misdiagnosis. The differential diagnosis for intimacy-related anaphylaxis is extensive and includes systemic human seminal plasma allergy, exercise-induced anaphylaxis, asthma exacerbation, latex allergy, and transference of food or drug allergens through saliva or seminal fluid.

October 18, 2021

Anaphylactic and nonanaphylactic reactions to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • Research
  • Open Access


Abstract
Background

Currently there is no systematic review and meta-analysis of the global incidence rates of anaphylactic and nonanaphylactic reactions to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in the general adult population.

Objectives

To estimate the incidence rates of anaphylactic and nonanaphylactic reactions after COVID-19 vaccines and describe the demographic and clinical characteristics, triggers, presenting signs and symptoms, treatment and clinical course of confirmed cases.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses [PRISMA] statement was followed.

October 15, 2021

Underdiagnosis of obstructive lung disease: findings from the French CONSTANCES cohort

  • Research
  • Open Access

Abstract
Background

The burden of undiagnosed obstructive lung disease (OLD) (mainly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is not fully established, and targets for corrective action are yet to be identified. We assessed the underdiagnosis of OLD and its determinants in France.

Methods

CONSTANCES is a French population-based cohort of adults aged 18–69 years at inception. We analysed data collected at inclusion in 2013–2014. Undiagnosed OLD was defined as spirometry-confirmed airflow limitation (FEV1/FVC < lower limit of normal) without prior diagnosis of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or bronchiectasis. Multivariate analysis was performed with weighted robust Poisson regression models to estimate the adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) of undiagnosed OLD.

October 12, 2021

The role of C1 inhibitor and complement as acute phase reactants: are we missing the diagnosis of hereditary angioedema?

Case Report Open Access


Peter StepaniukAna-Maria BosoneaPersia PourshahnazariAdrienne RoosAmin Kanani

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology volume 17, Article number: 103 (2021)

Abstract
Background
C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) and complement 4 (C4) have historically been referred to as positive acute phase reactants, however this has never been evaluated in hereditary angioedema (HAE) patients. Low function of C1-INH and low levels of C4 are important in the diagnosis of HAE type 1 and 2. If C1-INH and/or C4 are significant acute phase reactants, their levels may be falsely “normal” in patients with HAE when measured during times of infection or inflammation resulting in missed or delayed diagnosis.

October 8, 2021

Prostaglandin D2 metabolites activate asthmatic patient-derived type 2 innate lymphoid cells and eosinophils via the DP2 receptor

  • Research
  • Open Access

Abstract
Background

Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) signaling via prostaglandin D2 receptor 2 (DP2) contributes to atopic and non-atopic asthma. Inhibiting DP2 has shown therapeutic benefit in certain subsets of asthma patients, improving eosinophilic airway inflammation. PGD2 metabolites prolong the inflammatory response in asthmatic patients via DP2 signaling. The role of PGD2 metabolites on eosinophil and ILC2 activity is not fully understood.

Methods

Eosinophils and ILC2s were isolated from peripheral blood of atopic asthmatic patients. Eosinophil shape change, ILC2 migration and IL-5/IL-13 cytokine secretion were measured after stimulation with seven PGD2 metabolites in presence or absence of the selective DP2 antagonist fevipiprant.

September 27, 2021

Differences in allergic symptoms after the consumption of egg yolk and egg white

Abstract

Hen’s eggs are one of the most common causes of food allergy. Although hen’s eggs are known to cause more gastrointestinal symptoms than other foods, it is not known whether there is a difference in organ-specific symptoms between egg yolk (EY) and egg white (EW). The present study aimed to determine whether there are organ-specific differences in the immediate symptoms of EY and EW in patients with hen’s egg allergies. We retrospectively investigated the immediate symptoms and treatment contents of those who had a positive result in an oral food challenge (OFC) of boiled whole EY or 10 g of boiled EW in our hospital from January 2013 to July 2019.

September 26, 2021

Relationship between allergic rhinitis and diamine oxidase activity: A preliminary report

 2021; 5: 187–194.




PMCID: PMC8240126
PMID: 34235375

Abstract

Aim: To analyze the diamine oxidase (DAO), the main catabolic enzyme of histamine, degradation activity and its relation with symptoms of persistent allergic rhinitis. 
Methods: In this descriptive and analytical observational study, we collected DAO activity levels and the nasal peak inspiratory flow. 
Results: Enzymatic activity deficit in 108 patients was 46.3% (95% CI, 0.44 – 0.63), 33.33% in mild and 47.92% in moderate/severe rhinitis (p = 0.376). The nasal peak inspiratory flow in patients with a deficit in DAO activity was 76.30 ± 28.40 L/min compared to 93.62 ± 37.50 L/min in patients with normal enzymatic activity (p = 0.010). 
Conclusions: It seems that the lower the catabolic activity of DAO, the lower the nasal peak inspiratory flow observed. Although DAO activity levels could be a severity biomarker in allergic rhinitis, a cause-effect association cannot be concluded. The enzyme could be another actor in the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis.

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September 14, 2021

COVID-19 pandemic: different roles for scientific publications and funding face to epidemiological data—an European, country-based perspective

Abstract
COVID-19 has represented an unprecedented challenge to be faced also concerning the spread of information, with scientific literature being often the sole source of trustworthy knowledge for the global community. However, a massive waste in research was noticed during pandemic, preventing the scientists to produce totally novel and original results, and the citizenship to have the complete support they needed from science. The present work investigated the relationship between planned funding, research grants, scientific publications and epidemiology in the 27 EU countries, retrieving a significant correlation between scientific publications and COVID-19 cases and deaths, as well as with economic data.