March 17, 2025

Breaking down prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics


From fermented foods to chia seeds, registered dietician Vanessa Risseto breaks down gut health and gives tips on how to get your prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics naturally.

The prevalence and risk of allergic rhinitis in psoriasis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Untaaveesup, S., Amnartpanich, T., Leelakanok, N. et al. Sci Rep 15, 9009 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-86779-1

Abstract

A pooled prevalence of allergic rhinitis in patients with psoriasis
Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory systemic disease, may increase the risk of allergic diseases. This meta-analysis assesses the prevalence and risk of developing allergic rhinitis in psoriasis. We systematically searched MEDLINE, Scopus, and EMBASE for population-based studies documenting AR in psoriasis compared to those without from inception to December 2023. Meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects model.

March 12, 2025

Impact of Demographic and Clinical Subgroups in Google Trends Data: Infodemiology Case Study on Asthma Hospitalizations

Portela D, Freitas A, Costa E, Giovannini M, Bousquet J, Almeida Fonseca J, Sousa-Pinto B. J Med Internet Res. 2025 Mar 10;27:e51804. doi: 10.2196/51804. 

Abstract

Background:

Google Trends (GT) data have shown promising results as a complementary tool to classical surveillance approaches. However, GT data are not necessarily provided by a representative sample of patients and may be skewed toward demographic and clinical groups that are more likely to use the internet to search for their health.

Objective:

In this study, we aimed to assess whether GT-based models perform differently in distinct population subgroups. To assess that, we analyzed a case study on asthma hospitalizations.

Methods:

We analyzed all hospitalizations with a main diagnosis of asthma occurring in 3 different countries (Portugal, Spain, and Brazil) for a period of approximately 5 years (January 1, 2012-December 17, 2016).

Association between allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis and chronic respiratory diseases: a mendelian randomization study

Ren, F., Zhang, L., Zhao, D. et al. BMC Pulm Med 25, 109 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-025-03523-1

Abstract

Background

Schematic representation of Mendelian randomization on the
relationship between nasal disease and chronic respiratory diseases
Epidemiological investigations provide considerable evidence supporting the coexistence of upper airway ailments with lower airway disorders, but the association between common nasal diseases, such as allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and chronic respiratory conditions require further exploration.

Methods

In this study, a two-sample mendelian randomization was employed to explore the potential association between allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, and chronic sinusitis with various chronic respiratory diseases.

March 11, 2025

The new bilastine eye drop formulation protects against conjunctival dehydration and promotes corneal wound healing in a comparative in vitro study

Arana, E., Gonzalo, A., Andollo, N. et al.  Sci Rep 15, 7987 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-91743-0

Abstract

Quantitative determination of the protective effect of selected
antiallergic aye drop formulations against dehydration in Human
Primary Conjunctival Epithelial Cells (HConEpiC)
Bilastine is a non-sedating, highly selective H1-antihistamine with proven efficacy and safety in treating allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria in adults and children. Allergic conjunctivitis, a common ocular condition, negatively impacts quality of life. Topical eye drops are the standard treatment, though ocular bioavailability is often low. Incorporating biopolymers such as hyaluronic acid (HA) into topical formulations enhances adhesive properties, prolongs retention on the ocular surface, and ultimately improves drug bioavailability. This study evaluated the new multidose preservative-free bilastine 0.6% solution with sodium HA against eight commercially available antiallergic eye drops.

March 8, 2025

Definition of the Concept of Super-responders in Atopic Dermatitis: A Spanish Delphi Consensus

Liñán-Barroso JM, Hernández-Rodríguez JC, Ruiz-Villaverde R, Galán Gutiérrez M, Navarro-Triviño F, Domínguez Cruz J, Armario-Hita JC, Pereyra-Rodriguez JJ. Acta Derm Venereol. 2025 Mar 6;105:adv42240. doi: 10.2340/actadv.v105.42240.

Abstract
A consensus study of experts was conducted to establish a definition of the concept of super-responders (SR) in atopic dermatitis (AD). The study employed a Delphi methodology based on 2 rounds to define the concept of SR in AD, exploring the opinions of expert dermatologists in AD from across Spain regarding a series of statements developed after a systematic review. Consensus was predefined as an agreement of ≥ 80% among all respondents. In the first round, 4 statements reached consensus. In the second round, 2 additional statements reached consensus. To illustrate these definitions, a set of practical cases was provided, and the level of agreement among experts was evaluated.

March 6, 2025

Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis: An Incidental Diagnosis

Ayesha Khalid, Arfa Faiz and Alan Kaell Annals of Internal Medicine: Clinical Cases Volume 4, Number 3 https://doi.org/10.7326/aimcc.2024.0118

Abstract

A. Mast cell cluster with atypical spindled forms in bone marrow clot preparation
(hematoxylin–eosin stain; original magnification, ×200; Courtesy of Mark Girton, MD
and Nadine Aguilera, MD). B. CD117 strongly and diffusely stains a mast cell
cluster in bone marrow clot preparation (H&E stain; original magnification,
 ×200; Courtesy of Mark Girton, MD and Nadine Aguilera, MD).
Indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) is the most prevalent subtype of systemic mastocytosis, characterized by a clinical course progressing over several years to decades. We present a case of a 57-year-old woman with symptoms of flushing and occasional dizziness who was diagnosed with ISM after a colon polyp biopsy revealed CD3-, CD20-, and CD25-positive atypical mast cell infiltrates.

March 4, 2025

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.