Diretriz Latino-americana sobre o Diagnóstico e Tratamento da Alergia Ocular ­ Em nome da Sociedade Latinoamericana de Alergia, Asma e Imunologia (SLAAI) / Latin American Guideline on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Ocular Allergy ­ On behalf of the Latin American Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (SLAAI)

A alergia ocular, também conhecida como conjuntivite alérgica (CA), é uma reação de hipersensibilidade mediada por imunoglobulina E (IgE) do olho desencadeada por aeroalérgenos, principalmente ácaros da poeira doméstica e pólen de gramíneas. Os sintomas geralmente consistem em prurido ocular ou periocular, lacrimejamento e olhos vermelhos que podem estar presentes durante todo o ano ou sazonalmente. A alergia ocular tem frequência elevada, é subdiagnosticada e pode ser debilitante para o paciente. É potencialmente danosa para a visão, nos casos em que ocasiona cicatrização corneana grave, e na maioria dos pacientes associa-se a outros quadros alérgicos, principalmente rinite, asma e dermatite atópica. É classificada em conjuntivite alérgica perene, conjuntivite alérgica sazonal, ceratoconjuntivite atópica e ceratoconjuntivite vernal. O diagnóstico procura evidenciar o agente etiológico e a confirmação se dá pela realização do teste de provocação conjuntival. O tratamento baseia-se em evitar o contato com os desencadeantes, lubrificação, anti-histamínicos tópicos, estabilizadores de mastócitos, imunossupressores e imunoterapia específica com o objetivo de obter o controle e prevenir as complicações da doença.

Ocular allergy, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, is an immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity reaction of the eye triggered by airborne allergens, primarily house dust mites and grass pollen. Symptoms usually consist of ocular or periocular itching, watery eyes, and red eyes that may be present year-round or seasonally. Ocular allergy has a high frequency, is underdiagnosed, and can be debilitating for the patient. It is potentially harmful to vision in cases of severe corneal scarring, and in most patients, it is associated with other allergic conditions, especially rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. It is classified as perennial allergic conjunctivitis, seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, and vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Diagnosis seeks to identify the etiologic agent, and confirmation is given by conjunctival provocation testing. Treatment is based on avoiding contact with triggers, lubrication, topical antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, immunosuppressants, and specific immunotherapy with the aim of achieving control and preventing disease complications.

Minimal clinically important difference for the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire in allergic rhinitis in Thai population

BACKGROUND: Clinical measurement of the severity of allergic rhinitis (AR) can be assessed by symptoms score and patient quality of life (QoL). The magnitude of change in both symptoms and patient QoL should be considered in the management of AR. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in AR in Thai population. METHODS: This prospective study recruited AR patients that attended our clinic during September 2011 to February 2012. The Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life (Rcq-36) questionnaire was used to evaluate patient QoL. The Global Rating of Change Scale (GRCS) was used to assess improvement or deterioration in condition. The MCID was determined using an anchor-based method based on the GRCS, which was compared to the MCID determined by a distribution-based method based on the standard deviation (SD). RESULTS: Three hundred seventy-two patients with chronic rhinitis were recruited. Eighty-four of those had positive skin prick test and be diagnosed as AR. Of those, 79 completed the study and were included in the final analysis. A change of 2 points on the GRCS yielded an MCID for overall QoL of 0.21 ± 0.57. When applying the distribution-based method, an SD of 1.5 SD yielded an MCID for QoL of 0.27. For the rhinitis symptoms domain, the MCID was 0.42 ± 0.72. CONCLUSIONS: The MCID for overall QoL and rhinitis symptoms in Thai AR patients was found to be 0.21 ± 0.57 and 0.42 ± 0.72, respectively. MCID can be applied for determining the clinical significance of treatment efficacy in AR.

Comparative study on quality of life between the patients with seasonal and perennial moderate severe persistent allergic rhinitis / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

OBJECTIVE To explore the differences in quality of life between the patients withseasonal and perennialmoderatesevere persistent allergic rhinitis.METHODS The patients with moderatesevere persistent allergic rhinitis were divided into two groups,seasonal group and perennial group.The distribution of allergens and the quality of life scores of the patients in the two groups were compared.The relationship between the quality of life and the number of allergens in all of the patients were analyzed.The number of allergens in two groups was compared.RESULTS The quality of life scores in seasonal group is higher than that of the perennial group with statistical significance.The patients' quality of life scores was significantly associated with the number of allergens.The seasonal group had a bigger proportion of patients with a variety of allergens.CONCLUSION There was a difference in the quality of life in patients with seasonal and perennial moderatesevere persistent allergic rhinitis.This may be related to the type of allergens,the quantity of allergens,and the patient's tolerance.

Comparison of Patient Satisfaction between Subcutaneous Immunotherapy and Sublingual Immunotherapy in Allergic Rhinitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Comparative clinical studies of sublingual and subcutaneous treatments have yielded heterogeneous results. In this study, we compared clinical outcomes in patients allergic to house dust mites (HDMs) that received at least 1 year of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The present study included 120 patients with HDM allergic rhinitis, 54 patients in the SCIT group and 66 patients in the SLIT group. Each patient was asked to answer a set of questionnaire before starting immunotherapy. The questionnaires included the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) and a patient satisfaction questionnaire. The patients were asked to answer the questions after undergoing at least 1 year of immunotherapy. RESULTS: RQLQ scores collected after immunotherapy in both SCIT and SLIT groups were decreased significantly. However, the SCIT group had a significantly higher decrease in RQLQ scores for non-nose/eye symptoms than the SLIT group (p-value=0.015). There were no differences in other satisfaction scores between the two groups. SCIT improved clinical symptoms faster than SLIT did within 6 months and 1 year (p-value=0.011, p-value=0.045 respectively). CONCLUSION: SCIT is more effective than SLIT in improving non-nose/eye symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis. SCIT may relieve the symptoms faster than SLIT.

Prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases in adolescents: nine-year follow-up study (2003-2012) / Prevalência de asma e doenças alérgicas em adolescentes: estudo evolutivo de nove anos (2003 a 2012)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of symptoms of asthma, rhinitis, and atopic eczema in adolescents (AD; 13-14 years) living in seven Brazilian cities, by applying the standardized written questionnaire (WQ) of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), and to evaluate the time trend nine years after the last assessment of ISAAC phase 3 (ISP3). METHODS: The ISAAC-WQ was answered by 20,099 AD from the Northern, Northeastern, Southeastern, and Southern Brazilian regions. Values obtained were compared to those observed in ISP3 using nonparametric (chi-squared or Fisher) tests, and the ratio of annual increment/decrement was established for each of the centers, according to the symptom assessed. RESULTS: Considering the national data and comparing to values of ISP3, there was a decrease in the mean prevalence of active asthma (18.5% vs. 17.5%) and an increase in the frequency of severe asthma (4.5% vs. 4.7%) and physician-diagnosed asthma (14.3% vs. 17.6%). An increase in prevalence of rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic eczema was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and atopic eczema in Brazil was variable; higher prevalence values, especially of asthma and eczema, were observed in regions located closer to the Equator. .

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência de sintomas relacionados à asma, à rinite e ao eczema atópico em adolescentes (13-14 anos, AD) residentes em sete cidades brasileiras com o questionário escrito (QE) padronizado do International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (Isaac) e verificar a tendência temporal passados nove anos da última avaliação do Isaac fase 3 (ISF3). MÉTODOS: O QE Isaac foi respondido por 20.099 AD (13-14 anos) moradores em centros das regiões Norte, Nordeste, Sudeste e Sul. Os índices obtidos foram comparados aos do ISF3 com o teste não paramétrico (qui-quadrado ou Fisher) e foi estabelecida a taxa de incremento/decremento anual para cada um dos centros segundo o sintoma avaliado. RESULTADOS: Em relação ao ISF3, considerando-se os dados nacionais, houve queda da prevalência média de asma ativa (18,5% vs. 17,5%) com elevação da frequência de asma grave (4,5% vs. 4,7%) e de asma diagnosticada por médico (14,3% vs. 17,6%). Aumento da prevalência de rinite e rinoconjuntivite e de eczema flexural também ocorreram. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de asma, rinite e eczema atópico no Brasil foi variável. Valores mais altos, sobretudo de asma e eczema, foram observados nos centros localizados mais próximos ao Equador. .

EFICACIA Y SEGURIDAD DE LA INMUNOTERAPIA CON EXTRACTOS DE ÁCAROS EN RINOCONJUNTIVITIS ALÉRGICA Y EN ASMA BRONQUIAL / Effi cacy and safety of immunotherapy with mite extract in patients with allergic rhinoconjuctivitis and asthma

Para evaluar la efi cacia y seguridad de la inmunoterapia subcutánea (ITSC) con extractos de ácaros, se realizó un ensayo clínico doble ciego controlado con placebo en 154 pacientes mayores de 18 años con rinoconjuntivitis alérgica y/o asma bronquial. La ITSC se administró en una fase de incremento de dosis durante 13 semanas y una fase de mantenimiento con inyecciones mensuales. Como placebo se dieron inyecciones de solución diluyente. Se evaluó la efi cacia según calidad de vida, consumo de medicamentos y frecuencia de las crisis. Se aplicaron los cuestionarios de calidad de vida para rinoconjuntivitis (RQLQ) y cuestionario de calidad de vida para asma (AQLQ). La seguridad se midió según eventos adversos locales y sistémicos. Concluyeron el estudio 136 pacientes (77 con tratamiento y 59 controles). En ambos grupos hubo incremento de la puntuación de los cuestionarios de calidad de vida, mayores en el grupo de estudio (p=0,010). El consumo de medicamentos descendió en rinoconjuntivitis y asma, tanto en el grupo de estudio como en el grupo placebo, sin diferencias signifi cativas entre ambos (p=0,083). La frecuencia de las crisis de rinitis y asma disminuyeron en la muestra, con más reducción en el grupo de tratamiento (p= 0,027). Se reportaron reacciones locales y sistémicas ligeras en ITSC, no así en el grupo placebo, p=0,0003. Los resultados revelan que la inmunoterapia subcutánea con ácaros es efi caz y segura en pacientes con rinoconjuntivitis alérgica y asma(AU)

To evaluate the effi cacy and safety of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) a double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial was performed with mite extracts in 154 patient's 18-years elders, with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and/or bronchial asthma. The SCIT was administered in an increased dosage phase for a 13 week period followed by a maintenance phase with monthly injections. Diluted solution injections were given as placebo. Effi cacy was evaluated according to quality of life, medication use, and frequency of crisis. Rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) and asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) were applied. Safety was measured according to local and systemic adverse events. 136 patients completed the study (77 with SCIT and 59 with placebo). In both groups there was an increase in the score of quality of life questionnaires, score was higher in SCIT (p = 0.010). Medication use declined in both rhinitis and asthma in the SCIT group as in the placebo group with no signifi - cant difference between them (p=0,083). The frequency of rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma crisis decreased in the study group, with a greater reduction in the treatment group (p=0.027). Slight local and systemic reactions were reported in SCIT, none in the placebo group, p=0.0003. The results indicate that subcutaneous immunotherapy with mites is effective and safe in patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma(AU)

Is allergic rhinitis a trivial disease?

BACKGROUND: Asthma and rhinitis often coexist, which potentially increases the disease severity and can negatively impact a patients' quality of life. However, there are few reports based on data obtained from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood examining asthma severity in combination with rhinitisrelated symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate whether current rhinitis and current rhinoconjunctivitis are associated with the development of asthma or its increasing severity in Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: The prevalence of current asthma was correlated with the prevalence of current rhinitis and current rhinoconjunctivitis in adolescents (13 to 14 year olds) from 16 Brazilian centers (based on Spearman's rank correlation index). The influence of current rhinitis and current rhinoconjunctivitis on asthma presentation was also evaluated using the chi-squared test and was expressed as odds ratios with 95 percent confidence intervals (95 percentCI). RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was observed between the prevalence of current asthma and current rhinitis (rs = 0.82; 95 percentCI: 0.60-0.93, p< 0.0001) and between the prevalence of current asthma and current rhinoconjunctivitis (rs = 0.75; 95 percentCI: 0.47-0.89, p < 0.0001). Current rhinitis was associated with a significantly increased risk of current asthma and of more severe asthma. Similar results were observed for current rhinoconjunctivitis. CONCLUSION: In this epidemiologic study of Brazilian adolescents, the presence of current rhinitis and current rhinoconjunctivitis was associated with a high risk of developing asthma and increased asthma severity. The mutual evaluation of rhinitis and asthma is necessary to establish an adequate treatment plan.

The prevalence of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema in Korean children: Nationwide cross-sectional survey using complex sampling design

To investigate the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema, we did a cross-sectional survey of 4,003 children aged 6-7 years (students in the 1st year of elementary school) and 4,112 students aged 13-14 years (students in the 1st year of middle school), chosen from a random sample of 45 primary and 40 middle schools across the nation. The Korean-translated modified version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire was used in this survey. The weighted 12-month prevalence of asthma symptoms from the questionnaires was 10.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.2 to 11.4) for children aged 6-7 years and 8.3% (95% CI, 7.4 to 9.2) for children aged 13-14 years. The weighted 12-month prevalence of allergic rhinoconjuctivitis symptoms was 18.9% (95% CI, 17.5 to 20.4) for children aged 6-7 years and 19.2% (95% CI, 17.9 to 20.6) for children aged 13-14 years. The weighted 12-month prevalence of eczema symptoms was 17.9% (95% CI, 16.6 to 19.3) for children aged 6-7 years and 11.2% (95% CI, 10.1 to 12.3) for children aged 13-14 years. Compared with results from a 2000 ISAAC study, the 12-month prevalence of asthma increased from 5.8% to 10.3% in children aged 6-7 years, but there was little change (from 8.7% to 8.3%) in children aged 13-14 years. The prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema has increased considerably in both age groups.

IgE cross-reactivity between Lolium multiflorum and commercial grass pollen allergen extracts in Brazilian patients with pollinosis

Lolium multiflorum (Lm) grass pollen is the major cause of pollinosis in Southern Brazil. The objectives of this study were to investigate immunodominant components of Lm pollen allergens and the cross-reactivity of IgE with commercial grass pollen allergen extracts. Thirty-eight serum samples from patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), 35 serum samples from patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) and 30 serum samples from non-atopic subjects were analyzed. Allergen sensitization was evaluated using skin prick test and serum IgE levels against Lm pollen extract were determined by ELISA. Inhibition ELISA and immunoblot were used to evaluate the cross-reactivity of IgE between allergens from Lm and commercial grass pollen extracts, including L. perenne (Lp), grass mix I (GI) and II (GII) extracts. IgE antibodies against Lm were detected in 100 percent of SAR patients and 8.6 percent of PAR patients. Inhibition ELISA demonstrated IgE cross-reactivity between homologous (Lm) and heterologous (Lp or GII) grass pollen extracts, but not for the GI extract. Fifteen IgE-binding Lm components were detected and immunoblot bands of 26, 28-30, and 32-35 kDa showed >90 percent recognition. Lm, Lp and GII extracts significantly inhibited IgE binding to the most immunodominant Lm components, particularly the 55 kDa band. The 26 kDa and 90-114 kDa bands presented the lowest amount of heterologous inhibition. We demonstrated that Lm extract contains both Lm-specific and cross-reactive IgE-binding components and therefore it is suitable for measuring quantitative IgE levels for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in patients with pollinosis sensitized to Lm grass pollen rather than other phylogenetically related grass pollen extracts.