Egg allergy and yellow fever vaccination

Abstract Objective Evaluate biomarkers capable of safely guiding Yellow fever vaccine (YFV) vaccination among individuals suspicious of hen's egg allergy, and identify factors associated with a higher risk for adverse events after immunization (AEAI). Methods Patients underwent skin prick test (SPT) for standardized allergens: whole egg, egg white, egg yolk; YFV (1:10 dilution; Biomanguinhos-Fiocruz), and intradermal test (IDT; YFV 0.02 mL, 1:100 dilution) and positive and negative controls. Serum levels of specific IgE (sIgE) for a whole egg, egg white, egg yolk, egg albumin, ovomucoid, lysozyme, and conalbumin (ImmunoCap®; ThermoFisher®) were obtained. Patients sensitized to YFV were submitted to YFV desensitization, and those negatives received YFV (0.5mL) and remained under surveillance for at least one hour. Results 103 patients were enrolled, 95% under 12 years old. 71% (81/103) of patients had reactions: 80% immediate, 11% mixed, and 9% delayed. There was an association between positive skin test results with YFV and the severity of the reaction (OR:7.64; 95%CI:1.61-36.32; p =0,011). Only the presence of sIgE to ovomucoid was associated with clinical symptoms (p =0,025). Thirty patients underwent the YFV desensitization protocol. Conclusion There is a relationship between the positivity of the egg's components and the severity of the clinical reaction. Furthermore, the relationship between the positivity of the tests with the YFV and egg's components may show a tendency to look at ovomucoid and conalbumin, but it is not a certainty. Therefore, further studies are needed to confirm these associations, and for now, the authors still recommend using the vaccine for testing when necessary.

Vaccination strategies for people living with inborn errors of metabolism in Brazil

Abstract Objective: Through a literature review, make recommendations regarding immunizations in people living with Inborn Error of Metabolism (IEM) in Brazil, assess the possible impact on metabolic decompensations after immunization, and if this specific population may have an impaired immune response to vaccines. Source of data: The MeSH Terms vaccination OR vaccine OR immunization associated with the term inborn error of metabolism AND recommendation were used in combination with search databases. Only articles published after 1990, in the languages English, Spanish, French or Portuguese, human-related were included. Synthesis of data: A total of 44 articles were included to make the following recommendations. Individuals with IEMs need to be up to date with their immunizations. Regarding which vaccines should be offered, children and adults should follow the routine immunization schedules locally available, including the COVID-19 vaccines. The only exception is the rotavirus vaccine for hereditary fructose intolerance. The benefit of immunization outweighs the very low risk of metabolic decompensation. Since not all patients will have an adequate immune response, measuring antibody conversion and titers is recommended Conclusions: All patients should receive age-appropriate immunizations in their respective schedules without delays. The only situation when vaccination may be contraindicated is with oral rotavirus vaccine in hereditary fructose intolerance. Monitoring the levels of antibodies should be done to detect any immune dysfunction or the necessity for boosters. A personalized immunization schedule is ideal for patients with IEMs. The reference organizations could improve their recommendations to address all IEMs, not only some of them.

Immune system: development and acquisition of immunological competence

Abstract Objectives: To describe the ontogeny of the immune system and the adaptive mechanisms of the immune system in the neonatal period, with an emphasis on transplacental antibody transport and breastfeeding. Source of data: Non-systematic literature review in the PubMed database. Summary of the findings: The last two decades have witnessed a great advance in the knowledge of the immune system since conception. Several investigation tools have provided insight on phenomena that were previously inadequately understood. Still expanding, the functional and molecular investigation of various aspects of the immune system will make it possible to understand how intra-uterus maternal-fetal exchanges, the maternal microbiota interacting with the fetus and newborn, and the acquisition of immunological competence occur in healthy and disease scenarios. Conclusions: In-depth knowledge of the development of the immune system and of the adaptive mechanisms that allow a safer transition to the extrauterine environment are fundamental components of optimizing maternal and young infant vaccination, as well as the strategies associated with full postnatal development, and the early diagnosis and treatment of innate errors of immunity.

Guia prático de atualização: medicamentos biológicos no tratamento da asma, doenças alérgicas e imunodeficiências / Practical update guide: biological drugs in the treatment of asthma, allergic diseases and immunodeficiencies

O presente guia apresenta revisão extensa sobre imunobiológicos utilizados, liberados e ainda sob estudo, para o tratamento da asma, doenças alérgicas e imunodeficiências. Além das características físico-químicas de alguns desses fármacos, são revisadas as indicações e os resultados de estudos clínicos realizados para avaliar eficácia e segurança. Separados por doença específica, são apresentados os principais agentes disponíveis e aprovados para utilização segundo as normas regulatórias nacionais.

This guide presents an extensive review of immunobiological drugs used, approved and/or under investigation for the treatment of asthma, allergic diseases and immunodeficiencies. In addition to the physicochemical characteristics of some of these drugs, their indications and results of clinical studies evaluating efficacy and safety are reviewed. The main agents available and approved for use in each specific disease according to national regulatory standards are presented.

Prevalence and factors associated with smoking among adolescents / Prevalência e fatores associados ao tabagismo entre adolescentes

Abstract Objective: Despite anti-smoking prevention programs, many adolescents start smoking at school age. The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with smoking in adolescents living in Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in adolescents (12-19 years), enrolled in municipal schools, who answered a self-administered questionnaire on smoking. Results: 798 adolescents were enrolled in the study, with equal distribution between genders. The tobacco experimentation frequency (ever tried a cigarette, even one or two puffs) was 29.3%; 14.5% started smoking before 12 years of age and 13.0% reported smoking at least one cigarette/day last month. Having a smoking friend (OR: 5.67, 95% CI: 2.06-7.09), having cigarettes offered by friends (OR: 4.21, 95% CI: 2.46-5.76) and having easy access to cigarettes (OR: 3.82, 95% CI: 1.22-5.41) was identified as factors associated with smoking. Having parental guidance on smoking (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.45-0.77), having no contact with cigarettes at home in the last week (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.11-0.79) and knowing about the dangers of electronic cigarettes (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.21-0.92) were identified as protection factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of smoking among adolescents in Uruguaiana is high. The implementation of measures to reduce/stop tobacco use and its new forms of consumption, such as electronic cigarettes and hookah, are urgent and imperative in schools.

Resumo Objetivo: Apesar dos programas de prevenção antitabagista, muitos adolescentes começam a fumar na idade escolar. Foram objetivos do estudo determinar a prevalência e os fatores de risco associados ao consumo de tabaco em adolescentes moradores do município de Uruguaiana, RS, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal, feito com adolescentes de 12 a 19 anos, matriculados em escolas do município, que responderam questionário autoaplicável sobre tabagismo. Resultados: Participaram 798 adolescentes com igual distribuição entre os gêneros. A frequência de experimentação de tabaco (Alguma vez tentou fumar um cigarro, mesmo que uma ou duas tragadas) foi de 29,3%, 14,5% começaram a fumar antes dos 12 anos e 13% deles afirmaram ter fumado pelo menos um cigarro/dia no último mês. Foram identificados como associados ao tabagismo: ter amigo tabagista (OR: 5,67, IC95%: 2,06-7,09), ter oferta de cigarro pelo amigo (OR: 4,21, IC95%: 2,46-5,76) e facilidade de conseguir cigarros (OR: 3,82, IC95%: 1,22-5,41). Ter orientações dos pais sobre tabagismo (OR: 0,67, IC95%: 0,45-0,77), não ter contato com cigarro em casa na última semana (OR: 0,51, IC95%: 0,11-0,79) e saber os malefícios do cigarro eletrônico (OR: 0,88, IC95%: 0,21-0,92) foram identificados como de proteção. Conclusões: A prevalência de tabagismo entre os adolescentes de Uruguaiana é alta. A implantação de medidas nas escolas para reduzir ou acabar o consumo de tabaco e de suas novas modalidades, como os cigarros eletrônicos e o narguilé, é urgente e imperiosa.

The Challenge of Diagnosis and Indication for Treatment in Fabry Disease

Abstract Fabry disease, caused by deficient alpha-galactosidase A lysosomal enzyme activity, remains challenging to health-care professionals. Laboratory diagnosis in males is carried out by determination of alpha-galactosidase A activity; for females, enzymatic activity determination fails to detect the disease in about two-thirds of the patients, and only the identification of a pathogenic mutation in the GLA gene allows for a definite diagnosis. The hurdle to be overcome in this field is to determine whether a mutation that has never been described determines a ''classic'' or ''nonclassic'' phenotype, because this will have an impact on the decision-making for treatment initiation. Besides the enzymatic determination and GLA gene mutation determination, researchers are still searching for a good biomarker, and it seems that plasma lyso-Gb3 is a useful tool that correlates to the degree of substrate storage in organs. The ideal time for treatment initiation for children and nonclassic phenotype remains unclear.

Associação entre o ganho de peso e a prevalência e gravidade de sibilância e asma no primeiro ano de vida / Association between weight gain and the prevalence and severity of wheezing and asthma in the first year of life

Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre diferentes padrões de ganho de peso no primeiro ano de vidae a prevalência e gravidade de sibilância e asma em crianças. Métodos: Foram analisadas asrespostas ao questionário EISL de 9.159 pais moradores das cidades de São Paulo, Recife, Cuiabá,Curitiba e Belém. Os dados referidos do peso de nascimento e com um ano de vida foram convertidos em escore z (z). Foram considerados como tendo ganho de peso acelerado aqueles com diferença entre os pesos superior a 0,67 z, e ganho de peso excessivo aqueles com diferença superior a 2,01 z. Resultados: Ganho de peso acelerado foi observado em 55,7% dos lactentes,e ganho excessivo em 20,8%. Lactentes com ganho de peso acelerado apresentaram, de modosignificante, maior prevalência de sibilância recorrente (18,9% vs 18,2%) e de hospitalizaçãopor sibilância (8,9% vs 7,5%). Entre os lactentes com ganho de peso excessivo houve, de modo significante, maior prevalência de hospitalização por sibilância (10,1% vs 7,8%) e do diagnóstico médico de asma (8,7% vs 7,3%). A presença de aleitamento materno por pelo menos seis mesesfoi associada de forma significante com menor prevalência de ganho de peso acelerado (45,2% vs 51,4%). Conclusões: A maioria dos lactentes avaliados apresentou ganho de peso superior ao esperado durante o primeiro ano de vida. Ganho de peso acelerado e ganho de peso excessivono primeiro ano de vida foram associados a formas mais graves de sibilância, enquanto que oganho de peso excessivo foi associado ao diagnóstico médico de asma, independentemente dapresença do aleitamento materno.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between different patterns of weight gain in the first year of life and the prevalence and severity of wheezing and asthma in infants. Methods: Responses of 9,159 parents to the questionnaire of the Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes (EISL, International Study of Wheezing in Infants) were analyzed. Families lived in the cities of São Paulo,Recife, Cuiabá, and Belém. Reported weight at birth and at one year were converted to z scores (z). Rapid weight gain was defined as a difference in weight greater than 0.67z, and excessive weight gain, greater than 2.01z. Results: Rapid weight gain was observed in 55.7% of the infants,and excessive weight gain in 20.8%. Infants with rapid weight gain showed a significantly higher prevalence of recurrent wheezing (18.9% vs. 18.2%) and hospitalization for wheezing (8.9% vs. 7.5%). Infants with excessive weight gain had a significantly higher prevalence of hospitalizationfor wheezing (10.1% vs. 7.8%) and medical diagnosis of asthma (8.7% vs. 7.3%). Breastfeeding for at least six months was significantly less frequent among infants with rapid weight gain (45.2% vs. 51.4%). Conclusions: The majority of the infants evaluated showed weight gain above theexpected in the first year of life. Rapid weight gain and excessive weight gain in the first year of life were significantly associated with more severe patterns of wheezing in infancy, and excessive weight gain was also associated with a medical diagnosis of asthma, regardless of the presence of breastfeeding.