Severe Atopic Dermatitis: Clinical Confusion With Hyper IgE Syndrome

Cansunar R S, Özden G, Cevirme L, et al. (March 03, 2025) Cureus 17(3): e79976. doi:10.7759/cureus.79976

Abstract

Hyper IgE syndrome (HIES) is a rare primary immunodeficiency characterized by chronic eczema, recurrent staphylococcal infections on the skin and pulmonary system, and high serum IgE concentrations. The first clinical sign of HIES is eczema, usually in early infancy. Severe atopic dermatitis (AD) may also mimic HIES with findings of eczema, high serum immunoglobulin E levels, and eosinophilia. Therefore, differential diagnosis may be difficult.

Blood test results

Here, we present a case with eczematoid skin rashes, asthma, elevated serum IgE levels, and skin infections that started in infancy and were followed for nine years by the pediatric allergy and immunology clinic with the diagnosis of HIES, but in fact, had severe AD.

The role of wheezing subtypes in the development of early childhood asthma

Warden, D.E., Zhang, H., Jiang, Y. et al. Respir Res 26, 79 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12931-025-03153-5

Abstract

Background

Early childhood wheezing is associated with asthma risk at later ages, emphasizing the need for understanding wheezing patterns and their implications for asthma development.

Methods

Children in the F2-generation (n = 603) of the Isle of Wight Birth Cohort (IOWBC) were followed-up at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 72 months. Prevalence of wheeze and wheeze type (general, infectious, and non-infectious) were recorded. Group-based trajectory models covering ages 3 to 36 months were used to identify early childhood wheezing trajectories for each type of wheeze. These trajectories were examined for their association with asthma status and lung function at 6 years and later.

Results

Associations between wheezing subtype and F2-offspring asthma

Distinct trajectories for general (“Persistent”, “Transient”, “Progressive”, and “Infrequent/Never”), infectious (“Persistent”, “Transient”, and “Infrequent/Never”), and non-infectious (“Progressive”, “Early Occurrence”, and “Infrequent/Never”) wheezing were identified.

2024 Update of the RECOVER-Adult Long COVID Research Index

Geng LN, Erlandson KM, Hornig M et al; RECOVER Consortium. 2024 Update of the RECOVER-Adult Long COVID Research Index. JAMA. 2025 Feb 25;333(8):694-700. doi: 10.1001/jama.2024.24184. 

Key Points

Question  How do updated data from nearly 4000 additional participants and expanded symptom questionnaires inform the prior research classification for long COVID (LC) or post–COVID-19 condition?

Findings  In this prospective, observational cohort study, data from 13 647 adults participating in the Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER-Adult) study were used to update the research index for classifying symptomatic LC and 5 symptom subtypes that differ in associated demographic features and quality of life.

Meaning  The 2024 LC research index may help researchers identify people with symptomatic LC and its symptom subtypes. Refinement of the index will be needed as research advances and the understanding of LC deepens.

Abstract

Importance  Classification of persons with long COVID (LC) or post–COVID-19 condition must encompass the complexity and heterogeneity of the condition. Iterative refinement of the classification index for research is needed to incorporate newly available data as the field rapidly evolves.

Particularities of Chronic Urticaria in Latin American Countries: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and Treatment

Larco, JI., Ensina, L., Alvarez, L. et al.  Curr Treat Options Allergy 12, 4 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40521-024-00379-4

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Chronic Urticaria is a multifactorial disease. Despite international guideline recommendations each region has particular characteristics with unique needs. The aim of this review is to present the particularities of urticaria in Latin America (LATAM) and evaluate the clinical and investigation costs of CSU in LATAM and other regions.

CSU publications in LATAM 2010 to June 2024

Recent Findings

In the last 10 years there has been a significant increase in research on CSU in LATAM. At the molecular level, the presence of specific IgE against environmental allergens and eosinophils seems to be more frequent among CSU in LATAM than in other regions, suggesting a greater presence of type 2 inflammation, perhaps secondary to the characteristics of the environment in some areas of LATAM.

Understanding Angioedema in Urticaria, with Jonathan Bernstein, MD

 Angioedema is a complication that has a significant burden on patients with inflammatory skin conditions such as urticaria. While research is ongoing in the field to better treat angioedema, unmet needs in its management remain.

HCPLive spoke with Jonathan Bernstein, MD, adjunct professor, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine and past president of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) to get a sneak peek at the talk he will be giving during the #AAAAI/#WAO Joint Congress on updates in urticaria management. He discussed unmet needs in patients with angioedema and urticaria, including making appropriate decisions and implementing physician education to improve this. He also discussed progress in research in the space, and current research adding to the field’s understanding of the disease, including mast cells mechanisms.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/@HCPLiveNews 

Impact of asthma and allergic rhinitis control on sleep disordered breathing in pediatrics

Medalhas Rebelo da Silva CI, Martins R, Ferreira R. Sleep Med X. 2024 Oct 10;8:100129. doi: 10.1016/j.sleepx.2024.100129. 

Highlights

• Asthma and rhinitis in children are associated with sleep disordered breathing.
• Uncontrolled allergic respiratory diseases have a negative impact on sleep.
• Questionnaires are useful to assess allergic respiratory disease control and sleep.
• It is worth to screen early for sleep disturbance in children with allergic disease.

Abstract

Aim

The aim of our study is to assess the quality of sleep in children with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis, as well as the impact of the control of allergic respiratory diseases on sleep disturbances.

Materials and methods

It is an observational cross-sectional study on children attending pediatric allergy appointments at a portuguese tertiary hospital (G1), and compared to a control population (G2).

Nasal Symptoms Among Allergic Rhinitis Patients Could Contribute to Sexual Dysfunction

Zhang H, Zhang H, Jin P, Yu K, Zi X, Liang X, Zhang H, Zhao L. J Asthma Allergy. 2025;18:219-227
https://doi.org/10.2147/JAA.S483507

Abstract

Background:  Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory airway disease with a range of symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the severity of nasal symptoms and sexual function in AR patients.

Methods:  A case-control study involving 1034 AR patients and 422 healthy controls was conducted. Nasal symptoms were assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, while sexual function was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for males and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for females.

Results: In female AR patients, total FSFI scores, as well as scores for subjective arousal, orgasmic function, and intercourse satisfaction, were significantly decreased compared to controls. Nasal obstruction scores were significantly correlated with sexual desire, subjective arousal, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction, and total FSFI scores (r=− 0.3176, r=− 0.2106, r=− 0.6129, r=− 0.3430, r=− 0.5233). Dysosmia scores also correlated with subjective arousal, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction, and total FSFI scores (r=− 0.4331, r=− 0.3123, r=− 0.5259, r=− 0.5436). Overall disease severity correlated significantly with subjective arousal, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction and total scores (r=− 0.2908, r=− 0.3703, r=− 0.3739, r=− 0.4225).

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine and Nirsevimab Uptake Among Pregnant People and Their Neonates

Blauvelt CA, Zeme M, Natarajan A, Epstein A, Roh ME, Morales A, Bourdoud N, Flaherman VJ, Prahl MK, Gaw SL. JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Feb 3;8(2):e2460735. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.60735.

Key Points

• Question  What was the uptake of the bivalent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prefusion F protein–based (RSVpreF) vaccine during pregnancy and of infant monoclonal antibody against RSV (nirsevimab) during the introductory season?
• Findings  In this cohort study of 647 pregnant individuals, 64.0% of eligible pregnant individuals received the RSVpreF vaccine and 70.1% of eligible neonates received nirsevimab, which translated to more than 80% coverage against RSV during all but the first month of the study period. There was no significant association between RSVpreF vaccination and preterm birth in a nested case-control study.
• Meaning  This study suggests that an RSV prevention strategy that included both prenatal vaccination and infant monoclonal antibody administration had high uptake and reassuring perinatal outcomes.

Abstract

Importance  Two interventions to prevent severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants were approved in 2023—a bivalent prenatal RSV prefusion F protein–based (RSVpreF) vaccine and an infant monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab).