Rinitis alérgica asociada al grado de compromiso pulmonar por COVID-19 en pacientes de un hospital general peruano / Allergic rhinitis associated with the degree of pulmonary involvement due to COVID-19 in patients from a peruvian general hospital

Objetivos. Evaluar la asociación entre rinitis alérgica y el grado de compromiso pulmonar en pacientes con COVID-19 y evaluar las frecuencias de las variables principales. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio de tipo observacional, transversal y analítico mediante la revisión de historias clínicas de pacientes atendidos en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia entre el año 2020 y 2021 con diagnóstico de COVID-19. Se determinó el antecedente de rinitis alérgica, y el compromiso pulmonar se evaluó mediante una tomografía sin contraste usando el puntaje tomográfico (PT), además de, variables sociodemográficas y clínicas. Se estimaron razones de prevalencias tanto crudas (RP) como ajustadas (RPa) con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza (IC) al 95% y se empleó un modelo lineal generalizado de la familia Poisson con función de enlace logarítmica y varianzas robustas. Resultados. Se evaluaron 434 pacientes predominantemente varones, mayores de 60 años y sin antecedentes médicos relevantes. El 56,2% tenía el antecedente de rinitis alérgica y el 43,1% tuvo un compromiso pulmonar moderado a severo. En el modelo de regresión ajustado, se encontró que el antecedente de rinitis alérgica disminuyó la gravedad de COVID-19 evaluada a través del compromiso pulmonar según el PT (RPa: 0,70; IC 95%: 0,56-0,88; p=0,002). Conclusiones. El antecedente de rinitis alérgica representó una disminución en la gravedad de COVID-19 según el PT score del 30,0% en pacientes hospitalizados.

Objectives. To evaluate the association between allergic rhinitis and the degree of pulmonary involvement in patients with COVID-19 and to determine the frequencies of the main variables. Materials and methods. An observational, cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out by reviewing the medical records of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from the Cayetano Heredia National Hospital between 2020 and 2021. We obtained information regarding the history of allergic rhinitis; pulmonary involvement was assessed by non-contrast tomography results using the chest computed tomography (CT) score. Data regarding sociodemographic and clinical variables was also obtained. Both crude (PR) and adjusted (aPR) prevalence ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. We also used a generalized linear Poisson family model with log link function and robust variances. Results. We evaluated 434 patients, who were mostly male, older than 60 years and had no relevant medical history. Of these, 56.2% had a history of allergic rhinitis and 43.1% had moderate to severe pulmonary involvement. The adjusted regression model showed that the history of allergic rhinitis reduced the severity of COVID-19 according to the pulmonary involvement assessed by the CT score (aPR: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.56-0.88; p=0.002). Conclusions. The history of allergic rhinitis resulted in a 30.0% decrease in COVID-19 severity according to the CT score in hospitalized patients.

Distribution characteristics and results of allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis in Ningxia area / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the distribution of allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis （AR） in Ningxia, and provide theoretical data for the prevention and treatment of AR in this region. Methods:A total of 1664 patients diagnosed with AR in the Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department of Yinchuan First People's Hospital Outpatient Clinic from January 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected. Use the allergen sIgE antibody detection kit （immunoblotting method） to detect inhalation and ingestion allergens in patients.Results: ①Among all AR patients, 1 158 cases were detected positive, resulting in the detection rate was 69.59%; ②The detection rate of inhalation allergen was 65.87%, and the detection rate of ingestion allergen was 19.83%; ③Mugwort was the most sensitive allergen, and 76.32% of the patients having a positive grade ≥3; ④Out of the patients, 294 cases （25.39%） were allergic to only one allergen, 244 cases （21.07%） were allergic to two allergens, and 620 cases （53.54%） were allergic to three or more allergens; ⑤During different seasons, the highest number of positive allergens detected was in the summer, with 968 cases （83.59%）. Mugwort was the main allergen during this season （69.01%）. After the COVID-19 epidemic, the total positive rate of sIgE tests in AR patients decreased compared to before, and the difference was statistically significant （P<0.001）; ⑥Mugwort, dog epithelium, mold combination, egg, peanut, soybean, Marine fish combination and fruit combination all showed statistically significant differences between different gender groups （P<0.05）; ⑦Common ragweed, mugwort, dust mite combination, cockroach, egg, milk, Marine fish combination, shrimp, fruit combination and nut combination all showed statistically significant differences among different age groups （P<0.05）; ⑧There were statistically significant differences in hay dust among different ethnic groups （P<0.05）. Conclusion:Artemisia argyi is the main allergen in Ningxia, and the distribution characteristics of different allergens are influenced by treatment season, the COVID-19 epidemic, gender, age, ethnicity, and other factors, showing certain distribution patterns and rules.

Omalizumab for the treatment of 74 patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria accompanied by other allergic diseases: a clinical analysis / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of omalizumab in the treatment of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria accompanied by other allergic diseases.Methods:Clinical data were retrospectively collected from 74 patients, who were clinically diagnosed with chronic spontaneous urticaria and other allergic diseases, and received subcutaneous injections of omalizumab in the Department of Allergy, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from June 2020 to September 2022. Types of allergic diseases, serum total IgE (tIgE) and allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) levels before treatment, treatment outcomes and adverse drug reactions were analyzed. Differences before and after treatment were assessed using paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test. Results:A total of 74 patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria were involved, including 29 with complicated allergic asthma (39.2%) , 61 with complicated allergic rhinitis (82.4%) , 6 with complicated atopic dermatitis (8.1%) , and 4 with food allergy (5.4%) . Before treatment, elevated serum tIgE or sIgE levels were observed in 44 (59.5%) patients. After the first omalizumab treatment, the urticaria control test (UCT) score significantly increased compared with that before treatment (16.00 [13.0.0, 16.00] vs. 6.00 [5.75, 9.00], Z = 7.39, P < 0.001) ; after 4 sessions of the omalizumab treatment, 82.5% (33/40) of the patients achieved complete control of urticaria symptoms or showed complete response. After omalizumab treatment, asthmatic attacks were decreased in 29 patients with allergic asthma, and asthma control test (ACT) scores significantly increased compared with those before treatment (21.07 ± 2.88 points [after the first treatment] vs. 18.48 ± 3.20 points [before treatment], t = 8.87, P < 0.001) ; among 61 patients with allergic rhinitis, global rhinitis symptom-based visual analog scale (VAS) scores (before treatment: 5.89 ± 1.29 points; after the first treatment: 3.28 ±1.46 points) and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) scores (before treatment: 60.10 ± 20.53 points; after the first treatment: 37.26 ± 18.83 points) both significantly decreased after the first treatment ( t = 15.04, 10.01, respectively, both P < 0.001) , and rhinitis symptoms were relieved at the same time; skin itching was relieved in 4 patients with atopic dermatitis, and allergic symptoms after contact with food allergens were also relieved in the 2 patients with food allergy after omalizumab treatment. During the treatment, only 1 patient experienced erythematous swelling, induration, and pain at the injection site. Conclusions:In the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria accompanied by allergic diseases, the use of omalizumab not only effectively improved urticaria symptoms, but also well controlled allergic diseases, with a good safety profile. Multiple benefits may be achieved by the use of omalizumabin in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria accompanied by other allergic diseases.

Efficacy of Yupingfeng granule combined with cetirizine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and its effects on serum inflammatory factor level / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of Yupingfeng granule combined with cetirizine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and its effects on serum inflammatory factor level. Methods:A total of 162 patients with allergic rhinitis admitted to Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from January 2021 to March 2022 were included in this prospective controlled study. They were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group ( n = 81/group). The control group was treated with cetirizine and the observation group was treated with Yupingfeng granule combined with cetirizine. All patients were treated for 4 weeks. Clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups after 4 weeks of treatment. Main symptom score, nasal function indexes (total nasal airway resistance, nasal minimal cross-sectional area, and 0-5 cm nasal cavity volume), levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin-4, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10), and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire scores were compared between the two groups before and after 4 weeks of treatment. Results:Total response rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [92.59% (75/81) vs. 79.01% (64/81), χ2 = 6.13, P < 0.05]. After 4 weeks of treatment, the scores of nasal congestion, nasal itching, and sneezing in the observation group were (0.63 ± 0.20) points, (0.70 ± 0.21) points, and (0.54 ± 0.17) points, which were significantly lower than (1.07 ± 0.23) points, (1.08 ± 0.24) points, and (0.89 ± 0.22) points in the control group ( t = 12.99, 10.72, 11.33, all P < 0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, total nasal airway resistance in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(0.17 ± 0.05) kPa·s -1·L -1vs. (0.26 ± 0.06) kPa·s -1·L -1, t = 10.37, P < 0.05]. Nasal minimal cross-sectional area and 0-5 cm nasal cavity volume in the observation group were (0.94 ± 0.17) cm 2 and (9.74 ± 0.89) cm 3, respectively, which were significantly higher than (0.76 ± 0.10) cm 2 and (8.43 ± 0.78) cm 3 in the control group ( t = 8.21, 9.96, both P < 0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, serum levels of interleukin-4 and interleukin-6 in the observation group were (67.79 ± 9.94) ng/L and (6.74 ± 1.42) ng/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than (104.31 ± 14.45) ng/L and (10.29 ± 2.56) ng/L in the control group ( t = 18.74, 10.91, both P < 0.05). Serum level of interleukin-10 in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(17.97 ± 2.54) ng/L vs. (12.48 ± 2.46) ng/L, t = 13.97, P < 0.05]. After 4 weeks of treatment, Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(27.43 ± 8.82) points vs. (38.95 ± 7.76) points, t = 8.82, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Yupingfeng granule combined with cetirizine is highly effective on allergic rhinitis. The combined therapy can reduce clinical symptoms and inflammatory reactions, improve nasal function, and thereby improve quality of life.

Brazilian guidelines for the monitoring and treatment of pediatric allergic conjunctivitis / Diretrizes brasileiras sobre o monitoramento e tratamento da conjuntivite alérgica pediátrica

ABSTRACT Allergic conjunctivitis is an increasingly frequent condition with a higher prevalence in children. It can be debilitating and is responsible for a great economic burden. These guidelines were developed on the basis of the medical literature (PubMed/Medline database) and the experience of an Expert Committee composed of members of the Brazilian Society of Pediatric Ophthalmology, the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology, the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, and the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology. Allergic conjunctivitis is considered to be controlled when the ocular symptoms are not uncomfortable or are present, at most, on 2 days a week; the visual analog scale score is below 5; and the degree of conjunctival hyperemia is graded 0 or 1 on the Efron scale. Allergic conjunctivitis should be classified as mild, moderate, severe, and vision-threatening for adequate treatment and monitoring of frequency. The present document is a guideline for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring pediatric allergic conjunctivitis considering the clinical and demographic aspects of allergic conditions in Brazil.

RESUMO A conjuntivite alérgica (CA) é uma condição frequente, debilitante e responsável por grande impacto econômico, proporcionalmente maior quando acomete crianças. Essas diretrizes foram desenvolvidas com base na literatura científica (PubMed/Medline) e na experiência de um Comitê de Especialistas composto por membros da Sociedade Brasileira de Oftalmologia Pediátrica, do Conselho Brasileiro de Oftalmologia, da Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria e da Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia. A conjuntivite alérgica é considerada controlada quando os sintomas não são desconfortáveis ou estão presentes por dois dias na semana; o escore visual pela escala analógica é inferior a 5 e o grau de hiperemia conjuntival é de 0-1 pela escala de Efron. A conjuntivite alérgica deve ser classificada em leve, moderada, grave e com risco de perda visual para tratamento e frequência de monitoramento adequados. Esta diretriz orienta o diagnóstico, tratamento e monitoramento da conjuntivite alérgica pediátrica, considerando aspectos clínicos e demográficos das condições alérgicas no Brasil.

Allergic rhinitis improvement after septorhinoplasty in a sample of allergic rhinitis patients with septal deviation: a quasi-experimental study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects almost 30% of the adult population. OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the evolution of symptoms in patients diagnosed with AR and septal deviation prior to and following septoplasty (STP). DESIGN AND SETTING: Quasi-experimental study developed in A Coruña University Hospital. METHODS: Patients aged 18-65 years who had been diagnosed with AR and septal deviation were recruited. Obstruction airflow was evaluated before and after surgery, by means of anterior rhinomanometry (RNM). Severity symptoms and quality of life were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the ESPRINT questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 50 subjects underwent STP and 42 were included in this study. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 34.16 ± 9.74 years (range 18-64). Significant reductions in mean VAS and ESPRINT were observed after surgery (P < 0.01). These outcomes were considered to represent an overall improvement in quality of life. The RNM results also improved significantly, from mean values of 478.07 ± 165.4 cm3/s before STP to 826.4 ± 175.5 cm3/s afterwards (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The negative correlations of VAS and ESPRINT with RNM, from before and to after STP, demonstrate the efficacy of scales and questionnaires as objective methods for determining obstruction in the absence of rhinomanometry. Patients with allergic rhinitis and septal deviation showed improvements in obstruction severity and medication use after STP.

Short-term efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy in patients with allergic rhinitis of all ages / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the short-term efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy in patients with allergic rhinitis of all ages.Methods:The data of 230 patients with allergic rhinitis of all ages who received sublingual immunotherapy in The Third People's Hospital of Bengbu from November 2020 to September 2021 were included in this study. Patient distribution characteristics were analyzed. Ninety-three patients were randomly selected and divided into child, adolescent, and adult groups according to different ages. Total nasal symptom scores measured before and 4 months after sublingual immunotherapy were compared among patients of different ages to evaluate the short-term efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy. The skin prick test was used to determine the allergic state of patients. Change in total nasal symptom score after treatment relative to that before treatment was used to evaluate the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy.Results:The age range of patients receiving sublingual immunotherapy was large (3-71 years), but the average age was only 17.70 years. Ninety-three patients were followed up, including 50 children and 43 adolescents or adults. After 4 months of sublingual immunotherapy, total nasal symptom score in children and adolescents or adults were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment [(3.66 ± 1.69) points vs. (6.60 ± 1.96) points, (3.49 ± 1.72) points vs. (6.28 ± 2.28) points, both P < 0.001]. Before and after treatment, there was no significant difference in total nasal symptom score between children and adolescents or adults (both P > 0.05). Conclusion:Patients with allergic rhinitis who receive sublingual immunotherapy tend to be young. Short-term sublingual immunotherapy is effective for allergic rhinitis. There is no remarkable difference in the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy between patients with allergic rhinitis of all ages.

Effect of WeChat applet in immunotherapy of children with combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of WeChat mini program in immunotherapy management of pediatric patients with combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome (CARAS).Methods:Using the convenient sampling method, 101 children with CARAS who received sublingual immunotherapy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2019 to January 2020 were selected as the research objects. The standardized management team of immunotherapy clinic was established. The newly developed specific immunotherapy Wechat applet was used to establish a new model of nurse-patient interaction and communication. The disease knowledge was regularly pushed, medication reminder, nurse telephone intervention and other standardized management were delivered through the Wechat applet to implement continuous nursing for children. The effects of this management model on medication compliance, rhinitis symptoms and asthma control were analyzed.Results:A total of 101 children were included in this study, 3 cases were lost to follow-up, and a total of 98 cases completed the study. After 12 months of intervention, the drug possession score of dust mite drops increased from (83.43±3.68) to (91.78±3.71), the symptom score of allergic rhinitis decreased from (5.83±1.32) to (1.94±0.98), and the score of asthma test questionnaire increased from (18.12±3.99) to (24.97±3.09), the proportion of children with complete control of asthma increased from 48.0% to 90.8%, and the proportion of children without control of asthma decreased from 10.2% to 1.0% (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The immunotherapy management of pediatric patients with combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome based on WeChat mini program can effectively improve the compliance of children and their family, improve the control level of allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Research progress in the effects of atopic dermatitis on progression of allergic reactions in children / 中国基层医药

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that appears in the early days of life. Atopic dermatitis is reportedly associated with various allergic diseases. It may affect the progression of allergic reactions in children. This review collects the data regarding the incidence of atopic dermatitis and the relationship between atopic dermatitis and allergic diseases, providing great clinical significance for further understanding the annual increase in the incidence of allergic diseases in children.

Desloratadine combined with Tongqiao Biyan capsule for the treatment of allergic rhinitis / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of desloratadine combined with Tongqiao Biyan capsule on allergic rhinitis. Methods:100 patients with allergic rhinitis who received treatment in The Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Ningbo University from February 2018 to February 2020 were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to receive treatment with either desloratadine tablets (control group, n = 50) or desloratadine tablets combined with Tongqiao Biyan capsule (observation group, n = 50) for 21 days. Improvement in clinical symptoms and changes in inflammatory factors were observed in each group. Results:Scores of nasal itch, nasal obstruction, runny nose, and sneezing in the observation group were (1.42 ± 0.10) points, (1.20 ± 0.13) points, (1.25 ± 0.13) points, and (1.33 ± 0.14) points, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(1.80 ± 0.12) points, (1.68 ± 0.15) points, (1.68 ± 0.11) points, (1.68 ± 0.13) points, t = 17.20, 17.10, 17.85, 12.95, all P < 0.001]. After treatment, interleukin -4, -6, -8 levels in the observation group were (16.12 ± 5.05) ng/L, (5.33 ± 2.10) ng/L, (37.16 ± 9.80) ng/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(21.52 ± 5.58) ng/L, (8.12 ± 2.15) ng/L, (48.55 ± 9.65) ng/L, t = 5.07, 6.56, 5.86, all P < 0.05]. Interferon-γ level was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group [(26.58 ± 2.58) ng/L vs. (23.68 ± 2.69) ng/L, t = 5.50, P < 0.001]. After treatment, the total score of the quality of life questionnaire was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group [(61.58 ± 8.57) points vs. (40.98 ± 8.35) points, t = 12.17, P < 0.001]. There was no significant difference in total incidence of adverse reactions between observation and control groups [10.00% (5/50) vs. 14.00% (7/50), χ2 = 0.38, P > 0.05]. Conclusion:Desloratadine combined with Tongqiao Biyan capsule can better improve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and better reduce inflammation without increasing adverse drug reactions compared with desloratadine alone.

Clinical study on Sun's sequential therapy of allergic rhinitis with lung deficiency and cold syndrome / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of Sun's sequential therapy (SST) of Chinese Medicine on allergic rhinitis with lung deficiency and cold syndrome.Methods:A total of 60 AR patients with lung deficiency and cold syndrome in otolaryngology clinic of Guang'anmen Hospital, from January to July 2020, who met the inclusion criteria, were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the random number table method, with 30 patients in each group. The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) group was treated with oral Yupingfeng Powder and Cang'erzi Powder and the SST group was treated with oral and nasal steaming of Yupingfeng Powder and Cang'erzi Powder. Both groups were treated for 14 days. The clinical symptoms were scored before and after treatment, and the Nasal mucosa eosinophil (EOS) count was graded by Sheldon method to evaluate the clinical efficacy.Results:Twenty five patients in the SST group and 28 in the TCM group were analyzed. The total effective rate was 88.0% (22/25) in the SST group and 89.3% (25/28) in the TCM group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=2.83, P=0.883). The scores of nasal obstruction, runny nose, sneeze and total score in the SST group were significantly lower than those in the TCM group ( P<0.01), and the difference of Nasal mucosa EOS grade in SST group (2.76±0.27 vs. 1.52±0.36) was significantly higher than that of the TCM group ( P=0.01). Conclusion:The SST of Chinese medicine can improve the symptoms of nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing in AR patients with lung deficiency and cold syndrome, and reduce the distribution of Nasal mucosa EOS.

Data mining of medical rule in Lingnan TCM masters for treating Allergic rhinitis / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To analyze the characteristics of prescription about Lingnan Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) masters for Biqiu treatment based on data mining, so as to provide reference for the clinical practice and patent drug research and development of rhinorrhea in Lingnan district.Methods:By searching journal documents and medical records in CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, Chinese BioMedical Database (SinoMed) and Duxiu Data Retrieval Platform, we selected the articles and famous TCM medical records that met the criteria on the TCM medical rules of treating Biqiu. We screened database in strict accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria and extracted prescription information from medical cases. The software Ancient and Modern Consilia Cloud Platform (V 1.5) was used for data mining analysis and medical case standardization, and SPSS Clementine 12.0 software were used to conduct frequency statistics, association analysis and cluster analysis of drugs in medical cases. Results:A total of 31 articles and 42 medical cases including 73 prescriptions were screened. The frequency results showed that there were 40 kinds of high frequency TCMs (frequency more than 5), mainly including drugs for benefiting the qi and strengthening the spleen, medicine to relieve cold and promote nasal passages, which was the same as the frequency statistics of the effects of herbal medicine. Seven drug groups were obtained by cluster analysis. The results of rule analysis showed that 16 association rules for drug pairs and 18 association rules for 3 TCMs pairs were obtained.Conclusions:While treating allergic rhinitis, Lingnan medical doctors focus on tonifying spleen qi, dispersing wind and cold, and promoting the nasal passages, which reflect the treatment theory of cultivating earth and generating gold, and attacking and tonifying. Lingnan medical doctors commonly used Guangdong medicinal herbs, which have distinct regional characteristics. The data mining methods can comprehensively summarize and explore the potential rules of Lingnan prominent practitioners' treatment of allergic rhinitis, and provide reference for guiding the treatment of congested nose and congested nose in TCM.

Association between keratoconus, ocular allergy, and sleeping behavior / Associação entre ceratocone, alergia ocular e comportamento ao dormir

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the severity and laterality of keratoconus according to allergic rhinitis, scratching and sleeping habits, and manual dexterity. Methods: Objective assessments regarding allergic rhinitis, eye itching, and slee­ping position among patients with keratoconus (diagnosed based on corneal tomography) were conducted. Diagnostic criteria and classification were based on the Amsler-Krumeich classification. Results: Ocular pruritus was reported by 29 of 34 participants (85.29%). Eighteen participants (62.07%) reported equal scratching of both eyes, six (20.69%) more on the right eye, and five (17.24%) more on the left eye. Comparison of the main sleeping position and the eye with more severe presentation of the disease using Fisher's exact test revealed some correlations (0.567 and 0.568 in the right and left eye, respectively). However, these correlations were not statistically significant. Conclusions: The association between higher keratometry values and sleeping position appears to be more significant than that reported between keratometry and itching, or manual dexterity.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a gravidade e a lateralidade do ceratocone de acordo com a rinite alérgica, os hábitos de coçar e dormir e a destreza manual. Métodos: Foram realizadas questões objetivas sobre rinite alérgica, prurido ocular e posi­ção do sono em pacientes com ceratocone, diagnosticados com base na tomografia corneana. Esses exames foram analisados e classificados de acordo com a classificação de Amsler-Krumeich. Resultados: O prurido ocular foi referido por 29 (85,29%) dos 34 voluntários. Dezoito sujeitos (62,07%) relataram coçar ambos os olhos igualmente, 6 (20,69%) mais no olho direito e 5 (17,24%) mais no olho esquerdo. Comparando-se a posição de dormir principal e o olhos com apresentação mais grave da doença, foi encontrada alguma relação baseada no teste exato de Fisher (0,567 no olho direito e 0,568 no olho esquerdo), embora nenhuma comparação parecesse estatisticamente significante. Conclusões: A associação entre maiores valores de ceratometria e posição do sono parece ser mais importante do que entre ceratometria e prurido ou destreza manual.

Mild moxibustion plus loratadine tablets for children with allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To explore the efficacy of mild moxibustion plus loratadine tablets for children with allergic rhinitis (AR).Methods: A total of 80 children were randomized into a control group and an observation group, with 40 cases in each group. The control group was treated with loratadine tablets, and the observation group was treated with mild moxibustion plus loratadine tablets. Before and after treatment, the total nasal symptom score (TNSS) was evaluated, and the serum eosinophils (EOS) count, and the interleukin (IL)-27 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels were measured. Clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment. Results: The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the TNSS in both groups decreased (P<0.05), and the TNSS in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05); the serum EOS count in both groups decreased (P<0.05), and the serum EOS count in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The serum IL-27 level in the control group had no statistical difference compared with the same group before treatment (P>0.05), and the serum MIF level decreased after treatment (P<0.05). The serum IL-27 level in the observation group increased after treatment (P<0.05), and the serum MIF level decreased after treatment (P<0.05), and were both statistically different from those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Mild moxibustion plus loratadine tablets is effective in treating children with AR. It can significantly improve the nasal symptoms and reduce the serum EOS count, which may be related to the regulation of the serum IL-27 and MIF levels.

Value of peripheral blood eosinophils in predicting the therapeutic effect of sublingual specific immunotherapy in patients with allergic rhinitis / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of peripheral blood eosinophils (EOS) in predicting the therapeutic effect of sublingual specific immunotherapy (SLIT) in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).Methods:From January 2018 to June 2020, 200 patients with AR who received SLIT in Dongguan Kanghua Hospital were evaluated for their symptoms before treatment and 6 months after treatment. The curative effect was evaluated according to the improvement of the total symptom score. The number of eosinophils, percentage of eosinophils in peripheral blood were measured before treatment. The correlation between curative effect and EOS count and EOS percentage was analyzed and the value of these two indicators in predicting the efficacy of SLIT was evaluated.Results:Of the 200 AR patients, 178 patients were confirmed to have completed the treatment course of 6months. 126 effective and 52 ineffective, the effective rates were 70.8%. There was a weak correlation between the number of EOS in peripheral blood and the percentage of EOS in peripheral blood before treatment and the efficacy of SLIT ( r=0.168, P=0.048; r=0.250, P=0.001). The area under the curve of peripheral blood EOS count was 0.380, and the percentage of peripheral blood EOS was 0.355, which were all less than 0.5. Conclusions:There was no significant correlation between the number of peripheral blood EOS count and peripheral blood EOS percentage and the efficacy of SLIT , therefore, both of blood EOS count and blood EOS percentage have no value in predicting the efficacy of SLIT.

Association between green areas and allergic disease in Korean adults: a cross-sectional study

Clinical observation of Zhen'ai needling method in Nei Jing (Classic of Internal Medicine) for children with allergic rhinitis accompanied by adenoid hypertrophy / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of Zhen'ai needling method in Nei Jing (Classic of Internal Medicine) for children with allergic rhinitis (AR) accompanied by adenoid hypertrophy (AH). Methods: A total of 74 children who met the screening criteria were divided into a Zhen'ai group and a control group by the random number table method, with 37 cases in each group. The control group was treated with acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36), Hegu (LI 4), Yingxiang (LI 20), Juliao (ST 3), Yintang (GV 29), Shangxing (GV 23) and Baihui (GV 20). The Zhen'ai group added points of Zhen'ai needling method {Shanglianquan [Extra, located at 1 cun above Lianquan (CV 23)], Tianrong (SI 17) and Lieque (LU 7)} in addition to the points in the control group. The needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was performed twice a week. The total nasal symptom score (TNSS), sino-nasal outcome test-20 (SNOT-20) and symptom scale for AH (SSAH) were assessed before and after 10 treatments. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared after treatment. Results: During the treatment, 5 cases dropped out in the control group and 2 cases in the Zhen'ai group. After treatment, the total effective rate of the Zhen'ai group was 94.3％, versus 93.8％ in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The markedly effective rate of the Zhen'ai group was 42.9％, versus 12.5％ in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, there were significant intra-group differences in the scores of TNSS, SNOT-20 and SSAH in both groups (all P<0.05); the scores of SNOT-20 and SSAH in the Zhen'ai group were lower than those in the control group, and the differences between the groups were statistically significant (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Both conventional acupuncture and conventional acupuncture plus Zhen'ai needling method can improve clinical symptoms of children with AR accompanied by AH; and conventional acupuncture plus Zhen'ai needling method has a better effect than conventional acupuncture in improving AH symptoms.

Allergenic Pollen Calendar in Korea Based on Probability Distribution Models and Up-to-Date Observations

PURPOSE: The pollen calendar is the simplest forecasting method for pollen concentrations. As pollen concentrations are liable to seasonal variations due to alterations in climate and land-use, it is necessary to update the pollen calendar using recent data. To attenuate the impact of considerable temporal and spatial variability in pollen concentrations on the pollen calendar, it is essential to employ a new methodology for its creation.METHODS: A pollen calendar was produced in Korea using data from recent observations, and a new method for creating the calendar was proposed, considering both risk levels and temporal resolution of pollen concentrations. A probability distribution was used for smoothing concentrations and determining risk levels. Airborne pollen grains were collected between 2007 and 2017 at 8 stations; 13 allergenic pollens, including those of alder, Japanese cedar, birch, hazelnut, oak, elm, pine, ginkgo, chestnut, grasses, ragweed, mugwort and Japanese hop, were identified from the collected grains.RESULTS: The concentrations of each pollen depend on locations and seasons due to large variability in species distribution and their environmental condition. In the descending order of concentration, pine, oak and Japanese hop pollens were found to be the most common in Korea. The pollen concentrations were high in spring and autumn, and those of oak and Japanese hop were probably the most common cause of allergy symptoms in spring and autumn, respectively. High Japanese cedar pollen counts were observed in Jeju, while moderate concentrations were in Jeonju, Gwangju and Busan.CONCLUSIONS: A new methodology for the creation of a pollen calendar was developed to attenuate the impact of large temporal and spatial variability in pollen concentrations. This revised calendar should be available to the public and allergic patients to prevent aggravation of pollen allergy.

The influence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis on migraine disability in children / A influência da rinoconjuntivite alérgica sobre a incapacidade secundária à enxaqueca em crianças

ABSTRACT Migraine is a common condition in the pediatric population and causes a significant impact on the quality of life. Atopic disorders are some of the migraine comorbidities. Objective We hypothesized that allergic rhinitis could aggravate migraine in the pediatric population. Methods This cross-sectional study consecutively evaluated 90 pediatric outpatients (46 children 6-12 years of age; 44 adolescents up to 18 years of age) who sought medical assistance because of migraine at a general neurology clinic in Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil. They, and their parents, were given three questionnaires, to evaluate the diagnosis of current allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and seasonal allergic rhinitis, as well as the disability caused by headache (ISAAC - International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood; CARATkids - Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test for Children; PedMIDAS - Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment). The study was approved by the local ethics committee. Results According to the ISAAC questionnaire, children with current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in the last year showed higher scores on the PedMIDAS than those patients without atopy (median and interquartile range 26 [10-58] vs. 5 [1-13], p = 0.008). A significant positive correlation of CARATkids scores with PedMIDAS scores was found (p = 0.007, rho = 0.39). After including other putative predictors of migraine disability (age, body mass index, time since onset of migraine) in a multiple regression analysis, only the scores on the CARATkids remained a significant independent variable correlated with PedMIDAS scores (p = 0.001; R = 0.55; R2 = 0.30). Conclusions Current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is related to enhanced disability caused by headache in childhood migraine.

RESUMO A enxaqueca é condição comum na população pediátrica e causa significativo impacto na qualidade de vida. Doenças atópicas estão entre as principais morbidades associadas. Objetivo Teorizamos que a rinite alérgica possa agravar a enxaqueca na população pediátrica. Métodos Este estudo transversal avaliou consecutivamente 90 pacientes pediátricos (46 crianças de 6 a 12 anos; 44 adolescentes até 18 anos) que procuraram assistência por enxaqueca em clínica neurológica de Passo Fundo, RS, Brasil. Eles e seus familiares responderam a três questionários para avaliar o diagnóstico de rinite alérgica, rinoconjuntivite alérgica e rinite alérgica sazonal, assim como a incapacidade causada pela cefaleia (ISAAC - International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood; CARATkids - Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test for Children; PedMIDAS - Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment). A pesquisa foi aprovada por comitê de ética. Resultados Crianças com rinoconjuntivite alérgica atual de acordo com o questionário ISAAC exibiram escores mais altos no PedMIDAS do que aquelas sem atopia (mediana e intervalo interquartil 26 [10-58] vs. 5 [1-13], p=0,008). Correlação significativamente positiva do escore no questionário CARATkids sobre o escore do PedMIDAS foi encontrada (p = 0,007, rho = 0,39). Após inclusão de outros fatores teoricamente envolvidos com a incapacidade secundária à enxaqueca (idade, índice de massa corporal, tempo desde o início das crises de enxaqueca) em modelo de análise de regressão linear múltipla, apenas o escore do CARATkids permaneceu com significância como variável independente relacionada ao escore do PedMIDAS (p = 0,001; R = 0,55; R2 = 0,30). Conclusões Rinoconjuntivite alérgica está relacionada ao aumento da incapacidade pela enxaqueca em crianças.

Is allergic rhinitis related to migraine disability in adults? / Rinite alérgica está relacionada à incapacidade da migrânea em adultos?

ABSTRACT Migraine is a chronic condition with complex pathophysiology. Although immunologic disturbances have been linked to migraine, only few attempts have been made to assess the possibility of allergic rhinitis as a worsening factor of migraine in adults. Objective This survey aimed to compare migraine disability between adult migraineurs with and without current allergic rhinitis. Methods This cross-sectional study comprised 118 adult migraineurs who were consecutively assisted at an outpatient clinic. After ordinary neurological evaluation, participants were evaluated for headache disability using the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS). The presence of current allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and seasonal allergic rhinitis was scored for each participant according to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in questionnaire. Results There was no significant difference between the MIDAS scores of those with current allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, or seasonal allergic rhinitis and nonatopic migraineurs. The disability caused by allergic symptoms also did not influence the MIDAS scores of patients with allergic rhinitis. The frequency of headache days during the last three months was higher in the subset of patients without allergic rhinitis (median and interquartile range 12 [8-19.2] vs. 8 [4-14]; p = 0.03). Conclusions Our results suggest that current allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and seasonal allergic rhinitis are not related to headache disability in adults with episodic migraine.

RESUMO A migrânea é uma condição dolorosa crônica com fisiopatologia complexa. Apesar de disfunções imunológicas já terem sido ligadas à migrânea, poucas foram as tentativas, na literatura, de se avaliar a possibilidade da rinite alérgica como um fator agravante da migrânea em adultos, tornando a questão ainda não esclarecida. Objetivo Esta pesquisa visou comparar a incapacidade da migrânea em adultos com e sem rinite alérgica. Métodos Este estudo transversal incluiu 118 adultos com migrânea consecutivamente atendidos em uma clínica ambulatorial. Após o exame neurológico usual, os participantes foram avaliados com relação à incapacidade gerada pela cefaleia com o Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS), assim como para a presença atual de rinite alérgica, rinoconjuntivite alérgica e rinite alérgica sazonal de acordo com o questionário do International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Resultados Não houve diferença nos escores do MIDAS entre migranosos com e sem alérgica, rinoconjuntivite alérgica e rinite alérgica sazonal. A incapacidade causada pelos sintomas alérgicos também não influenciou os escores do MIDAS dos pacientes com rinite alérgica. A frequência de dias com cefaleia durante os últimos 3 meses foi maior no subgrupo de pacientes sem rinite alérgica (mediana e intervalo interquartil 12 [8-19,2] vs. 8 [4-14]; p = 0,03). Conclusões Os resultados sugerem que rinite alérgica, rinoconjuntivite alérgica e rinite alérgica sazonal não estão relacionadas à incapacidade por cefaleia em pacientes adultos com migrânea episódica.