Histopathological, Cytological and Radiological Correlations in Allergy and Public Health Concerns: A Comprehensive Review

Oboma YI, Ekpenyong BO, Umar MS, Nja GME, Chelimo JJ, Igwe MC, Bunu UO. J Asthma Allergy. 2024;17:1333-1354

Abstract: Allergies represent a significant and growing public health concern, affecting millions worldwide and burdening healthcare systems substantially. Accurate diagnosis and understanding of allergy is crucial for effective management and treatment. This review aims to explore the historical evolution, current advances, and prospects of histopathological and cytological techniques in allergy diagnosis, highlighting their crucial role in modern medicine. Major biomedical, public health, and imaging databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE were used. The search strategy used include specific keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms related to histopathology, cytology, radiology, allergic diseases, and public health. Histopathological and cytological studies play a pivotal role in elucidating the underlying mechanisms of allergies, offering insights into the cellular and tissue-level changes associated with allergic responses.

Perceptions of the impact of individual allergic rhinitis symptoms: A survey of ARIA clinical experts.

Gil-Mata S, Teixeira T, Bedbrook A, Bousquet J, Sousa-Pinto B, Vieira RJ; ARIA group.  World Allergy Organ J. 2024 Dec 3;17(12):100999. doi: 10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100999. 

Abstract

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a highly prevalent disease. We aimed to assess the symptoms that physicians who see patients with AR perceive as the most bothersome in their patients.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study based on an online questionnaire sent to all members of the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) initiative. The survey included questions on the physicians' perceptions of patients' AR symptoms as well as of their own AR symptoms.

Most frequent (A) and most bothersome (B and C) allergic rhinitis symptoms
perceived in patients by ARIA members and reported by ARIA members.

Results: Among 401 respondents, 155 (38.7%) reported having AR. ARIA members reported nasal symptoms to be the most frequent (89.7%) and bothersome (80.0%) symptoms experienced by themselves.

Immune modules to guide diagnosis and personalized treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.

Seremet, T., Di Domizio, J., Girardin, A. et al. Nat Commun 15, 10688 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54559-6

Abstract

Module matching to treatment targets to enhance therapeutic efficacy

Previous advances have identified immune pathways associated with inflammatory skin diseases, leading to the development of targeted therapies. However, there is a lack of molecular approaches that delineate these pathways at the individual patient level for personalized diagnostic and therapeutic guidance. Here, we conduct a cross-comparison of expression profiles from multiple inflammatory skin diseases to identify gene modules defining relevant immune pathways.

An atlas of the shared genetic architecture between atopic and gastrointestinal diseases

Qi, C., Li, A., Su, F. et al. Commun Biol 7, 1696 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-024-07416-7

Abstract

Schematic visualization of the study workflow

Comorbidity among atopic diseases (ADs) and gastrointestinal diseases (GIDs) has been repeatedly demonstrated by epidemiological studies, whereas the shared genetic liability remains largely unknown. Here we establish an atlas of the shared genetic architecture between 10 ADs or related traits and 11 GIDs, comprehensively investigating the comorbidity-associated genomic regions, cell types, genes and genetically predicted causality. Although distinct genetic correlations between AD-GID are observed, including 14 genome-wide and 28 regional correlations, genetic factors of Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), celiac disease and asthma subtypes are converged on CD4+ T cells consistently across relevant tissues.

Is the Anamnesis Enough to De-Label Patients with Reported Beta-Lactam Allergy?

Rozłucka L, Rymarczyk B, Gawlik R, Glück J. J Clin Med. 2024 Nov 29;13(23):7267. doi: 10.3390/jcm13237267.

Abstract

Background: The decision whether to de-label patient with suspected BL hypersensitivity is based on risk stratification. The aim of this study was to prepare a characteristic of diagnostic risk groups and to create a model enabling the identification of the low-risk diagnostic group. Methods: We analyzed the medical records of patients hospitalized due to suspected hypersensitivity to BL antibiotics. Based on their medical-history data, patients were divided into three diagnostic risk groups, using the criteria proposed by Shenoy et al. Univariate and multivariate analysis models were used to create a diagnostic tool.

Sensitivity and specificity for the multivariate logistic regression
model of the low-diagnostic-risk group shown as a ROC
(Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve.

Results: Among 263 patients referred for BL hypersensitivity diagnosis, 88 (33.5%) were allocated to group I, 129 (49%) to group II, and 46 (17.5%) to group III. There were significant differences between diagnostic risk groups regarding history of hypersensitivity to penicillins (p < 0.001), cephalosporins (p < 0.001), >1 BL (p < 0.05), several episodes of BL hypersensitivity (p < 0.001), medical intervention (p < 0.001), documented hypersensitivity (p < 0.001), time from drug intake to symptoms (p < 0.001), and time from hypersensitivity to diagnosis (p < 0.001). In total, 81 patients (30.8%) were de-labeled: 52 (59.8%) in group I, 27 (20.9%) in group II, and 2 (4.3%) in group III. The univariate analysis model of the low-diagnostic-risk group applied to the de-labeled part showed 90% specificity and 21.93% sensitivity. NPV and PPV were estimated at 72.04% and 49.53%, respectively. The multivariate model had high specificity but low sensitivity; its NPV was 76%, with 68% PPV. Conclusions: The tool enabling the identification of low-diagnostic-risk patients based on anamnesis is not sensitive enough to de-label patients on its basis.

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Medication adherence in allergic diseases and asthma: a literature review

Malaya E, Piątkowska A, Panek M, Kuna P, Kupczyk M, Kardas G.  Front Pharmacol. 2024 Dec 2;15:1488665. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1488665. 

Abstract

5 Dimensions affecting adherence.

Patients' collaboration with healthcare providers, along with their individual dedication to follow medical recommendations, is a crucial component of effective therapy in chronic diseases. If a patient fails to fill their prescription, administers the medication improperly in terms of method and/or dosage, misses follow-up visits, or discontinues the treatment for any reason, these lapses can adversely affect disease management, impairing the effectiveness of symptom relief and prevention of progression and complications. A comparable situation pertains to allergic diseases, which require long-term and consistent treatment to achieve symptom alleviation and control. Research has shown that adherence rates for long-term therapy in chronic diseases have improved marginally over the years and continue to hover at approximately the figure published in a World Health Organization (WHO) report "Adherence to long-term therapies: evidence for action." from 2003, which had stated that only 50% of patients in developed countries follow medical recommendations and that this rate would be even lower in developing countries.

Efficacy and safety of SQ house dust mite sublingual immunotherapy-tablet (12 SQ-HDM) in children with allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis with or without asthma (MT-12): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III trial

Schuster A, Caimmi D, Nolte H et al. Lancet Reg Health Eur. 2024 Nov 26;48:101136. doi: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.101136. 

Abstract

Background: Allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis (AR/C) induced by house dust mites (HDM) often begins in childhood and negatively impacts a child's quality of life. The daily burden can be further compounded by comorbid asthma. Allergen immunotherapy is the only available treatment targeting the underlying cause of allergic disease. Efficacy and safety of the SQ HDM sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)-tablet has been demonstrated in adults and adolescents with HDM AR/C with or without asthma, but data are lacking for younger children.

Methods: Phase III, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in younger children (5-11 years) with HDM AR/C with or without asthma. Eligible subjects were randomised 1:1 to SQ HDM SLIT-tablet or placebo for ∼1 year and had free access to AR/C symptom-relieving medications. The primary outcome was the total combined rhinitis score (TCRS) during the final 8 weeks of the treatment period (∼1 year). Secondary outcomes included the rhinitis daily symptom score (DSS) and medication score (DMS), the rhinoconjunctivitis total combined score (TCS), and the Paediatric Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PRQLQ) score.

Practical Guide for Allergy and Immunology in Canada 2024: Allergen immunotherapy

Boursiquot, JN., Gagnon, R., Quirt, J. et al. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 20 (Suppl 3), 66 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13223-024-00935-2

Abstract

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a potentially disease-modifying therapy that is effective for the treatment of allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis, allergic asthma and stinging insect hypersensitivity. The decision to proceed with AIT should be made on a case-by-case basis, based on a comprehensive evaluation of the patient, allergy testing and a thorough discussion with the patient about treatment goals, risks vs. benefits, and long-term commitment to the treatment plan. For those with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma, it is also important to consider individual patient factors, such as the degree to which symptoms can be reduced by avoidance measures and pharmacological therapy, the amount and type of medication required to control symptoms, the adverse effects of pharmacological treatment, and patient preferences.

Indications, available allergens, contraindications and special considerations for AIT

Since AIT is associated with a risk of anaphylaxis, it should only be prescribed by physicians who are adequately trained in the treatment of allergic conditions.