The effect of short-term particular matter(2.5) exposure on asthma attacks in asthma children in Fukuoka, Japan / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether asthma attacks in asthmatic children were caused by short-term exposure to particulate matter(PM)2.5. METHODS: Subjects were 411 patients who received inhalation therapy in National Fukuoka Hospital, from March to May 2013. All subjects were outpatients. We surveyed the air quality measurement results in the stations closest to the address of the patients. Data were used from the City of Fukuoka website data on air pollution. We carried out a case-crossover study and compared PM2.5 concentration between 7 days after asthma attack occurred and the day asthma attack occurred and 1, 2 and 3 days before asthma attack occurred. RESULTS: Highest hourly concentration of the day (OR 1.013, 95%CI 1.000–1.025) showed a significant association with 1 day before PM2.5 concentration statistically. And 0–1 year-old infants were more vulnerable to the highest concentration of 1 day before PM2.5 concentration(P < 0.05). Average concentration of NO2 and O3 and asthma attack also showed a significant association. CONCLUSIONS: Maximal daily PM2.5 concentrations within 24 hours prior to the attack affect asthma exacerbation. 0–1 year-old infants are particularly vulnerable to PM2.5 concentration. Asthma exacerbation is aggravated by NO2 and O3 concentration on the day of the asthma attack.

The association between Staphylococcus aureus colonization and food sensitization in children with atopic dermatitis

PURPOSE: Atopic dermatitis is often accompanied by food allergies which occur through skin barrier defects. Especially Staphylococcus aureus colonization can exacerbate skin barrier defects that cause sensitization and increase specific IgE (sIgE) to food. We investigated the association between skin colonization and food sIgE changes in children with atopic dermatitis. METHODS: Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed by a pediatric allergist in patients between 3 months and 3 years of age. Total IgE and sIgE to egg white, cow's milk, wheat, and peanuts were taken. Eosinophil count and eosinophil cationic protein were also taken. Comparisons were done between the groups with and without S. aureus colonization. RESULTS: It was found that 50.3% of the 294 enrolled patients had S. aureus colonization on lesional skin. Statistically significant sensitization to wheat and peanut were increased with S. aureus colonization. Statistically significant increases in sIgE (above cutoff level) were also found in egg white, milk, wheat and peanut. Higher S. aureus colony counts also increased sIgE of all foods. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus showed no statistical difference compared to methicillin-susceptible S. aureus in severity and sIgE levels. CONCLUSION: S. aureus colonization increases the risk of food sensitization in children with atopic dermatitis.