Guia prático de atualização em dermatite atópica - Parte I: etiopatogenia, clínica e diagnóstico. Posicionamento conjunto da Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia e da Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria / Updated practical guide on atopic dermatitis - Part I: etiopathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis. Joint position paper of the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology and the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics

A dermatite atópica (DA) é uma doença crônica e recidivante que acomete principalmente pacientes da faixa etária pediátrica. A fisiopatologia inclui fatores genéticos, alterações na barreira cutânea e imunológicas. A prevalência da DA no Brasil, entre adolescentes, oscila entre 7,1% e 12,5%, com tendência à estabilização. O diagnóstico é clínico, e exames complementares auxiliam na determinação dos fatores desencadeantes. A identificação dos fatores irritantes e/ou desencadeantes envolvidos permite melhor controle das crises. Entre os fatores desencadeantes destacam-se os agentes infecciosos, alérgenos alimentares e aeroalérgenos. Tomando-se como ponto de partida o "Guia Prático para o Manejo da Dermatite Atópica ­ opinião conjunta de especialistas em alergologia da Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunopatologia e da Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria" publicado em 2006, foi realizada revisão e atualização dos conceitos apresentados por grupo de alergologistas, dermatologistas e pediatras especializados no tratamento de pacientes com DA. O objetivo desta revisão foi elaborar um documento prático e que auxilie na compreensão dos mecanismos envolvidos na DA, assim como dos possíveis fatores de risco associados a sua apresentação, bem como sobre a avaliação subsidiária disponível para a identificação dos fatores associados à DA.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurrent skin disease that mainly affects pediatric patients. The pathophysiology of AD includes genetic factors, skin barrier abnormalities, and immunological factors. The prevalence of AD in Brazil, among adolescents, ranges from 7.1% to 12.5%, with a trend towards stabilization. The diagnosis of AD is clinical, and complementary tests can help determine the triggering factors. Identification of the irritating and/or triggering factors involved allows better control of exacerbations. Among the triggering factors, infectious agents, food allergens, and aeroallergens stand out. Taking as a starting point the Practical Guide for the Management of Atopic Dermatitis ­ joint opinion of specialists in allergology of the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunopathology and of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, published in 2006, the present paper describes the results of the review and update of different concepts related to AD, conducted by a group of allergists, dermatologists, and pediatricians specializing in the treatment of patients with AD. The objective of this review was to design a practical document that can help improve our understanding of the mechanisms involved in AD, possible risk factors associated with its presentation, as well as ancillary tests available to identify factors associated with AD.

Relación entre dermatitis atópica y alergia alimentaria / Relationship between atopic dermatitis and food allergy

La denominada "marcha alérgica" se caracteriza por diferentes manifestaciones atópicas relacionadas y sucesivas a lo largo de la vida del individuo. Los niños que presentan alergia alimentaria (AA) tienen mayor predisposición al desarrollo de otras enfermedades alérgicas entre las cuales destacan dermatitis atópica (DA), asma y rinitis alérgica. La DA y AA coexisten en mayor medida en los pacientes que presentan DA de comienzo precoz, agresiva y persistente. Por su parte, la AlA es un factor precipitante de DA en un subgrupo de pacientes especialmente aquellos con AA mediadas por IgE, y también existiría correlación con las manifestaciones de AA de tipo retardadas. La disfunción en la barrera epitelial principalmente atribuida a mutaciones en el gen de la filagrina se ha descrito como posible desencadenante de la sensibilización a alérgenos por aumento de la permeabilidad cutánea. Se describen las características generales de la DA y evidencias de investigaciones actuales con respecto al rol de la AA sobre el desarrollo de la DA, su manejo y estrategias de prevención. Se discute la utilidad de los exámenes para el diagnóstico y las indicaciones de tratamiento y prevención en el manejo de niños con DA y AA. La restauración de las alteraciones de la barrera cutánea para prevenir la sensibilización antigénica tendría un rol importante para evitar el desarrollo de enfermedades alérgicas especialmente respiratorias.

The term "allergic march" refers to the history of different atopic manifestations throughout the patient's life. Children with food allergy (FA) are more predisposed to the development of other allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma and allergic rhinitis. AlD and FA coexist to a greater extent in patients with early signs of AD, aggressive and persistent symptoms. Meanwhile, FA is a precipitating factor to AlD especially in patients with IgE-mediated FA. Correlation to delayed manifestations of FA may also be found. Epithelial barrier dysfunction, mainly attributed to mutations in the filaggrin gene, has been described as a possible trigger for allergen sensitization by increasing skin permeability. This study describes general characteristics of DA and current research evidence regarding the role of FA in the DA development, management and prevention strategies. Also, the utility of diagnostic tests, treatment and prevention in children with DA and FA are discussed. The restoration of impaired skin barrier to prevent sensitization to antigens may have an important role to prevent the development of allergic diseases, especially respiratory diseases.

Determinação de IgE específica in vivo e in vitro após a imunoterapia específica com veneno de himenópteros: é parâmetro para avaliação do sucesso do tratamento? / In vivo and in vitro specific IgE determination after specific immunotherapy with Hymenoptera venom: parameter to evaluate treatment success?

OBJETIVO: Comparar os níveis séricos de anticorpos IgE veneno-específicos e a reatividade em testes cutâneos antes e após 3 anos de imunoterapia específica com veneno de himenópteros. MÉTODO: Pacientes foram selecionados para imunoterapia de acordo com a história clínica e pesquisa de anticorpos IgE veneno-específicos (ImmunoCap, Phadia, Brasil) e testes cutâneos (prick test e intradérmico). Após 3 anos de imunoterapia, os pacientes foram avaliados sobre ferroadas acidentais e foram repetidos a IgE sérica e o teste cutâneo. RESULTADOS: Trinta e cinco pacientes foram avaliados. Dos que fizeram imunoterapia com veneno de abelha, 56% tiveram diminuição dos níveis de IgE por ImmunoCap, 71% permaneceram com teste cutâneo positivo, e 5% apresentaram sensibilização ao veneno de vespa, que não havia sido detectada na avaliação inicial. Para os que fizeram imunoterapia com veneno de vespa, 80% tiveram diminuição no nível de IgE sérica, 88% apresentaram teste cutâneo negativo, e 5% apresentaram sensibilização ao veneno de abelha. Dos que fizeram imunoterapia com veneno de formiga, 92% tiveram diminuição dos níveis de IgE sérica específica, 78% permaneceram com teste cutâneo positivo, e 10%, apresentaram sensibilização para abelha e vespa. Não houve reação sistêmica dos pacientes que apresentaram ferroadas acidentais (86% dos pacientes alérgicos a abelha, 75% a vespa e 82% a formiga). CONCLUSÃO: A imunoterapia por pelo menos 3 anos foi efetiva, pois todos os pacientes que foram ferroados acidentalmente não apresentaram reações sistêmicas. Nossos resultados também demonstraram que tanto a IgE sérica específica assim como os testes cutâneos não servem como parâmetros de sucesso no tratamento, pois a maioria permanece com positividade, no entanto sem reatividade clínica.

Objective: To compare serum levels of venom-specific IgE antibodies and skin test reactivity before and after 3 years of specific immunotherapy with Hymenoptera venom. Method: Patients were selected for immunotherapy according to clinical history, presence of venom-specific IgE (ImmunoCAP, Phadia, Brazil), and positive skin tests (prick test and intradermal test). After 3 years of immunotherapy, patients were inquired about accidental stings, and both serum IgE and skin tests were repeated. Results: Thirty-five patients were evaluated. Among those who had received bee venom immunotherapy, 56% showed lower levels of specific IgE on ImmunoCAP, 71% had positive skin tests, and 5% showed sensitization to wasp venom that was not detected at baseline. Of those who had received immunotherapy with wasp venom extract, 80% showed lower levels of serum IgE, 88% had negative skin tests, and 5% showed sensitization to bee venom. Finally, among patients treated with fire ant immunotherapy, 92% showed lower specific IgE levels; 78% had positive skin tests, and 10% presented sensitization to bee and wasp venoms. There were no systemic reactions in patients who had been accidentally stung (86% of patients allergic to bee, 75% to wasp, and 82% to fire ant). Conclusion: Immunotherapy for at least 3 years was effective, as none of the patients accidentally stung showed systemic reactions. Our results also showed that neither serum specific IgE nor skin tests are reliable parameters for the evaluation of treatment success, as the majority of patients remained positive, however without clinical reactivity.

Frecuencia de sensibilización alimentos y aero-alergenos en pacientes recibidos en el laboratorio de Corpodiagnostica C.A. durante el periodo 2010-2011 / Frequency of sensitization for food and aero-allergens in patients reciived in a Venezuelan laboratory during 2010-2011 period

La alergia tipo I se ha definido como una reacción inmunológica adversa mediada por IgE que se produce después de una exposición repetida al alérgeno. La prevalencia de las alergias ha aumentado considerablemente en los últimos 20 años, lo que aumenta la necesidad del estudio de la respuesta a varios alérgenos. El objetivo fue evaluar la frecuencia de sensibilización a alimentos y aero-alérgenos en los pacientes referidos al Laboratorio de Corpodiagnostica C.A. durante el periodo 2010-2011. Se determinó niveles de IgE específica a 2445 pacientes, usando el método inmunoblot in vitro RIDA Allergy-screen (r-Biopharm, Alemania). La tasa de sensibilización total medida por IgE específica a alimentos fue de 30,43%, donde los alimentos más comunes fueron Leche, Queso, Trigo, Maíz y Cerdo; mientras que la tasa de sensibilización para aero-alérgenos fue de 46,16%; de los cuales los más comunes fueron los ácaros mayores y B. tropicalis. Este estudio provee de una herramienta importante para la identificación de los alérgenos alimentarios y respiratorios de mayor prevalencia en la población venezolana.

Type I allergy had been defined as an adverse immunologic reaction mediated by IgE that occurs after a repeated exposure to the allergen. The prevalence of the allergies has increased considerably in the last 20 years, thus increasing the need of study the response to several allergens. The objective was to evaluate the frecuency of foods and respiratory allerges sensitization in patients referred to Corpodiagnostica Laboratory (Caracas, Venezuela, ISO 9001:2008 certified laboratory) in the period that correspond from January 2010 to July 2011. We determinated specific IgE levels to 2445 patients, by the in vitro RIDA® Allergy-screen immunoblot method (r-biopharm®, Germany). The total sensitization rate mediated by specific IgE to food allergen was 30,43% where the foods most common were milk, cheese, wheat flour, corn and pork; while the sensitization for aero-allerges was 46,16%; the most common were the major mites and B. tropicalis. This study provides an important tool for the identification of food and aero-allergens with major prevalence in the Venezuelan population.

Sensibilidad de la IgE vs. IgE específica en contra alérgenos de ácaros y hongos para el despistaje de alergias tipo I en una población de trabajadores / Total IgE sensitivity against specific IgE against mites and molds in Workers for the screening of type I allergy

Las alergias mediadas por IgE (tipo 1) son enfermedades crónicas que afectan a más del 20% de la población en algunos países. Se analizaron muestras de un grupo de 55 trabajadores del IUPOLC, Caracas, Venezuela, que manifestaron presentar síntomas relacionados con Alergias tipo I, mediante el uso de un cuestionario especialmente diseñado para tal fin. En ichas muestras se determinó la IgE Total Sérica por ELISA (Dr. Fooke Laboratorien, Alemania) y simultaneamente se ensayó un panel de IgE específica compuesto por ácaros y hongos de conocida prevalencia local por la técnica de Allergy Screen® (r-biopharm, Alemania), en aras de calcular la sensibilidad diagnósticada de la IgE Total sérica como marcador para el diagnóstico de Alergias Tipo I ante el hallazgo de valores significativos de IgE Específica para los alergenos seleccionados. Se escogieron los valores de referencia de IgE Total utilizados en la mayoría de los laboratorios clínicos de Venezuela. El valor de sensibilidad diagnóstica obtenido en el estudio para la IgE Total sérica fue de 66,67%, con una especificada de 100%. Valor Predictivo VPP de 100%. Valor Predicitivo Negativo 61,29%. Se discutió la posibilidad de que este valor de sensibilidad pudiese ser incluso menor con la inclusión de mayor número de alergenos y/o pruebas de piel. En conclusión, la utilización de la IgE Total sérica como herramienta diagnóstica de primera instancia (tamizaje y/o screening) de alergia tipo I, debe estar acompañada de la historia clínica del paciente y la prescripción de otros ensayos como la IgE específica. Los laboratorios clínicos locales deben procurar la utilización de mejores esquemas de interpretación (valores de referencia) de la IgE Total sérica que contribuyan a un mejor diagnóstico de esta patología.

IgE mediated allergies (Type I)are chronic diseases that effect more than 20% the population in some countries. We analyzed 55 blood samples from workers of Universitary Institute of Scientific Police, IUPOLC Caracas, Venezuela, that presented Allergies related symptyoms at the moment ofthe study. We used a specially designed survey to register that information. We tested serum Total IgE by ELISA method and a specific IgE using an immunoblott nitrocellulose paner composed with mites and molds allergens of well know local prevalence, in order to calculate the diagnostic sensitivity of serum Total IgE as a marker for screening Type I Allergies compared with allergen sensitivities detected on the individuals. We selected the most common reference values for serum Total IgE used in Venezuela. The sensitivity obtained for serum Total IgE was 66,67% specificity 100%, Positive Predictive Value 100%, and Negative Predictive Value 61,29%. We discussed the possibility that the sensitivity obtained for Total IgE could be oven lower if more number of allergens and skin tests were included on the study. We conclude that the use of Total IgE as screening diagnostic tool for allergies must be used together with clinical history of the patient and other assays like i.e. Specific IgE. Local Clinical Laboratories should promote of better interpretation schemes (reference values) for Total IgE that actually helps to a better diagnosis of this disease.

Prevalencia de sensibilización hacía ácaros y hongos en trabajadores con alergia tipo I / Prevalence of sensibilization to mites and moulds on workers with allergy tipe I

Empleados de oficinas que actualmente trabajan dentro de edificaciones con sistemas cerrados de aire acondicionado, pudiesen estar expuestos a hongos y ácaros en su lugar de trabajo. Las condiciones pudiesen ser peores si estos sistemas no son mantienen de forma apropiada. El Instituto Universitario de Policía Científica de Caracas” (IUPOLC, Venezuela), pudiese ser un ejemplo de esta situación. Analizar la prevalencia de los niveles de IgE Específica en contra de ácaros (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Blomia Tropicalis) y hongos ambientales (Penicillium notatum, Cladosporium herbarum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria tenuis/alternata) en una población que reporta sintomatología relacionadas con Alergias tipo I (Mediadas por IgE), y que labora en Instituto Universitario de Policía Científica de Caracas, IUPOLC. De la totalidad de trabajadores del edificio del IUPOLC, actualmente 47 empleados reportaron poseer síntomas asociados con Alergias Tipo I al momento de la toma de la muestra para este estudio. Se evaluó los niveles de IgE específica en contra de ácaros y hongos utilizando el sistema de Allergy Screen® de r-biopharm, (Actualmente utilizado en más de 70 países), el cual es un método de fase solida de nitro celulosa. El laboratorio que realizó el estudio está suscrito al esquema de control de calidad externo UK NEQA) (Reino Unido) y además organiza el único sistema disponible para tal fin en Venezuela. 82.98% de los pacientes estudiados presentaron sensibilizaciones en contra de ácaro y/o hongos. 53,19% mostraron valores significativos hacía ácaros; Dentro de ellos el más frecuente fue Blomia tropicalis, (25 casos), seguido Dermatophagoides pteronissynus por Dermatophagoides farinae. Dentro de los hongos los más frecuentes resultaron Cladosporium herbarum (10 casos), Aspergillus fumigatus, (9 casos) Penicillium notatum (4 casos) y Alternaria alternata (1 caso)...

Office employees that actually work inside buildings with air-conditioned closed systems are well known to be exposed to fungi and storage mites in their workplace. The conditions could be worst when those systems aren’t properly maintained. The “Instituto Universitario de Policía Científica de Caracas” (IUPOLC, Venezuela) could be an example for that situation. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of sensitization to moulds and mites though Specific IgE levels determinations, on workers of the IUPOLC that presented clinical symptoms associated with allergy type I at the moment of the study. From the total population of workers of the IPUOLC facility, actually 47 employees of IUPOLC presented one or more clinical symptoms associated with allergy at the moment of the study. The level of serum-specific IgE to mites and moulds were evaluated, using the Allergy Screen® r-biopharm methodology enzymatic solid phase method in nitro-cellulose in all subjects (Actually used in more than 70 countries). The Laboratory that performed the tests is actually subscribed to the UK NEQAS (United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Service), and also they organize the only Allergy External Quality Scheme available in Venezuela. 82.98% of the patients analyzed presented one or more increased values for mites or molds. 53,2% resulted with positive values for Mites; the most frequent mites involved on the population were Blomia tropicalis, (with 25 cases), Dermatophagoides pteronissynus and Dermatophagoides farinae. On molds the most frequent sensibilizations resulted on Cladosporium herbarum (10 cases), Aspergillus fumigatus, (9 cases) Penicillium notatum (4 cases) and last Alternaria alternata (1 case). This study suggests an important role of fungi and mites as occupational allergens for IUPOLC workers. The prevalence of allergic symptoms among employees of IUPOLC was relatively high...