Presencia de alergias en menores por consumo temprano de alimentos en Barranquilla, Colombia / Allergies in children due to early food consumption in Barranquilla, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar la prevalencia de síntomas asociados a asma, rinitis y eccema relacionada con la ingesta de alimentos en menores de seis a siete años. Metodología Estudio descriptivo de prevalencia de asma, rinitis y eccema y la relación con el consumo de alimentos. Información obtenida en 1 520 escolares del Distrito de Barraquilla y su área metropolitana. Se empleó metodología ISSAC procesándose la información mediante el software SPSS versión 24 El cuestionario fue contestado por el acudiente del menor y solo se tuvieron en cuenta los que tenían debidamente diligenciado los consentimientos informados Se hizo análisis empleando Chi-cuadrado, y el valor P de significancia con un 95% de confianza. Resultados Para los 1 520 menores encuestados el alimento que presentó relación con alergias fue el pescado asociándolo con el asma, evidenciando que en la población puede ser factor protector para la aparición de eccema mostrando estadísticamente una P<0,05, un Chi-cuadrado: 4,566, IC 95% [0,3;0,8]. Conclusiones De los alimentos analizados el pescado es uno que presentó relación y se asoció como factor protector para el eccema, el consumo de la leche de vaca se relacionó como factor protector para rinitis; en lo referente a los demás alimentos y las alergias el estudio no es conclusivo en cuanto a si la ingesta temprana es un factor predisponente o desencadenante de ellas en los menores, o no lo son.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the prevalence of symptoms associated with asthma, rhinitis and eczema with food intake in children under six years of age. Materials and Methods Descriptive study on the prevalence of asthma, rhinitis and eczema and their correlation with food consumption. Information was obtained from 1 520 schoolchildren of the District of Barranquilla and its metropolitan area. The ISSAC method was used to process the information, which was provided by the child's guardian, using the software SPSS version 24. Only duly completed questionnaires with informed consents were considered. Analysis was made using a chi-squared test, with a significant P value and 95% confidence. Results In the 1 520 children surveyed, the type of food related to allergies was fish, associated with asthma, showing that this may be a protective factor for the population regarding the onset of eczema, with a statistically a P value of <0.05, chi-square of 4.566, and CI of 95% [0.3;0.8]. Conclusions The analyzed foods showed that fish is related and associated as a protective factor for eczema, while the consumption of cow's milk was related as a protective factor for rhinitis. Regarding other foods and allergies, the study is not conclusive as to whether their early intake is a predisposing factor or trigger in children.(AU)

Particular characteristics of atopic eczema in tropical environments. The Tropical Environment Control for Chronic Eczema and Molecular Assessment (TECCEMA) cohort study

Abstract: Background: Atopic dermatitis is a prevalent health problem in the world. Allergic sensitization is an important risk factor, but the roles of other factors, inherent in tropic region, are unknown. Objective: A cohort study was designed in a tropical city to investigate molecular and environmental risk factors for eczema, considering as particular features perennial exposure to mites, poor living conditions and others tropical characteristics. Methods: 433 patients were included at baseline and biological samples were collected during 24 months of follow-up. Clinical information was collected using questionnaires (SCORAD, DLQI and a subjective scale) during each clinical assessment. Results: The prevalence of atopic eczema was 93%, with similar frequency between children and adults; parents history of eczema and polysensitization to mites, dogs, cats, cockroaches and birds, were risk factors for severe and persistent eczema and allergic comorbidities. Food sensitization was present in 16% of patients but food-induced allergies were scarce. Psychiatric, dental and ocular disorders were the most frequent non-allergic comorbidities. Study limitations: selection bias. Conclusion: We presented a tropical cohort of patients with eczema and we identified some risk factors for severe and persistent dermatitis. Some patterns of sensitization were associated with severe eczema and respiratory symptoms, and the natural history of "atopic march" is different to that described in some industrialized countries. The collection of biological samples will contribute to the understanding of the gene/environment interactions leading to allergy inception and evolution.

Profile of patients admitted to a triage dermatology clinic at a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: Background: Knowledge of epidemiological data on skin diseases is important in planning preventive strategies in healthcare services. Objective: To assess data from patients admitted to a triage dermatology clinic. Methods: A retrospective study was performed of patients admitted over a one-year period to the Triage Dermatology Clinic at the Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo Medical School. Data were obtained from record books. The variables analyzed were: patient age, gender, dermatologic disease (initial diagnosis), origin (from where the patient was referred) and destination (where the patient was referred to). Results: A total of 16,399 patients and 17,454 diseases were identified for analysis. The most frequent skin disorders were eczema (18%), cutaneous infections (13.1%), erythematous squamous diseases (6.8%) and malignant cutaneous neoplasms (6.1%). Atopic dermatitis was the most common disease in children. Acne was more common among children and adults, as were viral warts. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were more common in the elderly. Contact dermatitis and acne predominated in women. The most frequent origins were: the primary/secondary health system (26.6%), other outpatient specialties (25.5%), emergency care (14.9%); while the destinations were: discharged (27.5%), follow-up in our Dermatology Division (24.1%), return (14.1%) and the primary/secondary health system (20.7%). Conclusion: Understanding the incidence of skin diseases is fundamental in making decisions regarding resource allocation for clinical care and research. Thus, we believe our findings can contribute to improving public health policies.

Eczema; frequency of different types in a tertiary care hospital

Objectives: To determine the frequency of different types of eczema in patients presenting in a tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive type of study. Setting: Hamdard University Hospital Karachi. Period: January 2013 till December 2013

Patients and Methods: All new cases of any type of eczema were registered by nonprobability convenient sampling. Total 192 patients of both genders and all ages were enrolled after taking informed consent. Diagnosis was made on detailed history and clinical examination by consultant dermatologist. All specific and relevant investigations were done according to requirement. Patients were divided in two groups, exogenous eczema and endogenous eczema, for convenience. Data was analyzed by the latest version of SPSS

Results: There were 192 patients, out of which 52.08% were males and 47.91% females. Out of the total presented patients 50% had endogenous eczema, 43.37% had exogenous eczema and 25.62% had unspecified eczema. In endogenous group 11.45% had hand dermatitis followed by seborrhoeic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis and asteatotic eczema in descending frequency of presentation. Pityriasis alba, discoid eczema and pompholyx were seen less frequent. In exogenous eczema allergic contact dermatitis was seen in 14.06% patients, while irritant contact dermatitis in 11.45% patients. Infective eczema and photo-allergic eczema were seen in small number of patients

Conclusion: It was found in this study that allergic contact dermatitis was most common type of eczema followed by other types. Whatever the type is, eczema can be treated, symptoms can be relieved and recurrences can be prevented by appropriate therapy. All types of eczema affect patient's quality of life adversely. However, they can be prevented by educating patients and their relatives to take adequate safety measures like using good quality emollients prophylactically

Spectrum of periorbital dermatoses in South Indian population.

Background: Periorbital dermatoses are very common dermatological disorders which pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the treating dermatologist due to the similarity of symptoms in this area. Aims: To study the spectrum of periorbital dermatoses and to assess the association of systemic diseases with periorbital dermatoses. Methods: This was a hospital based descriptive study done on 250 consecutive patients irrespective of their age and sex who attended the Dermatology out patient department (OPD), with dermatological conditions pertaining to the periorbital area over a period of 2 years from October 2010 to September 2012. Results: The most common dermatological conditions seen in the periorbital region were benign and malignant skin tumors observed in 63 (25.2%) cases, followed by the disorders of pigmentation in 51 (20.4%) and eczema in 44 cases (17.6%), infections in 33 (13.2%) cases and nevoid conditions in 26 (10.4%) cases. Certain periorbital dermatoses were significantly more in females than in males in the present study like skin tags, connective tissue diseases, and periorbital melanosis (POM). Some periorbital dermatoses were significantly more common in older age group such as seborrheic keratoses, skin tags and airborne contact dermatitis whereas infections, syringomas, allergic contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis were more prevalent in younger age group. Syringomas and POM were more common in middle-aged women. Conclusions: The most common dermatological condition seen in the periorbital region in this study are benign skin tumors (keratosis and skin tags), followed by the disorders of pigmentation and eczema, infections and nevoid conditions.

Frequency of cutaneous diseases in geriatric population of type IV and V skin

To determine the frequency of common cutaneous diseases in geriatric population of type IV and V skin. This Cross-sectional Survey was conducted at Skin outdoor department in May Hospital, Lahore. Two hundred and seventy patients of either sex aged sixty years and above were included in the study. Frequency of common dermatoses was noted. The data were analyzed according to age, sex and skin type. Two hundred and seventy patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients in the study was 66.85 [ +/- 8.1: range 60-105] years. Eczemas were found in [40%] of geriatric population, scabies [25.2%], fungal infection [14.8%], pruritus [9.6%], viral [8.1%] and bacterial [2.2%] infections. Regarding miscellaneous diseases, significantly greater number of patients aged 80 years or more were diagnosed to have malignant skin disorders. Eczemas were the most common dermatoses. Scabies was more prevalent in females as compared to males. The chances of skin cancer like BCC increases as the age advances

Patterns of skin diseases at the Jordanian Hospital in Gaza

To describe the patterns of skin diseases among patients who attended the Dermatology Clinic at the Jordanian Field Hospital in Gaza. This study was conducted at the Dermatology Clinic at the Jordanian Hospital in Gaza during the period between October 2010 to December 2010. A total of 2446 patients were included in the study. Age range varied from newborns to 80 years. A specially designed medical record abstract form was used for each patient separately which included age, gender, source of referral, presentation and diagnosis. Diagnosis was mainly based on clinical back ground, histopathological investigations -if required- and different specialty consultation [Psychiatry, Pediatrics and Internal Medicine]. Simple descriptive statistical methods [frequency, mean and percentage] were used to describe the study variables. Eczema and its variants were the commonest presentation; 738 patients [30.2%], followed by Acne vulgaris; 611 patients [25%], parasitic infections, were diagnosed among 412 patients [16.8%], diffuse hair loss was found among 398 patients [16.3%], fungal infections; 112 patients [4.5%]; 64 [2.6%] patients suffered from bacterial infections and 36 [1.5%] of them were diagnosed to have viral infections. Genodermatoses was the least presentation among 4 patients [0.2%], and 29 patients [1.2%] were referred to Internal Medicine and Psychiatry clinics for more evaluation and management; as their skin manifestations represented a sign of internal disease or it was based on psychiatric disorders. Eczema was the commonest presentation and Genodermatoses were the least common presentation at the Jordanian Field Hospital in Gaza

Pet exposure and the symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema in 6-7 years old children

Allergic diseases are frequent in children and their prevalence and severity differ in the different regions of the world. The association between pet ownership in childhood and subsequent asthma and sensitization is very controversial. In our survey conducted with standardized method [International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood], 3200 children 6-7 years old were questioned regarding asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema. The prevalence of Attacks and shortness of breath with wheezing during last 12 months in the children who had exposure to pets in the first year of life was 34.3% that was less than children who had not exposure [OR=3.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-8.21, P=0.021]. Also during the past 12 months the prevalence of night dry coughs, allergic rhinitis symptoms and eczema symptoms in those who had pet exposure in the first year of their life was lower than the children did not have it. However there was no significant difference in some other symptoms of asthma in two groups. Our findings suggest that pet exposure in the first year of life can have a protective effect on asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema

Prevalence of Allergic Diseases among Korean School-age Children: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the nationwide prevalence of childhood asthma, eczema and other allergic diseases in Korean school-age children (8-11 yr old) and to assess the difference between residential areas. Among 6,279 elementary schools, 427 schools were randomly selected according to residential area (metropolitan, provincial, rural, and industrial area) by the cluster sampling method. Parents of students completed a modified Korean version of a questionnaire formulated by the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Among 50,200 subjects, 31,026 (61.8%) responded, and 30,893 (99.6%) were analyzed. The 12-month prevalence of wheeze, flexural rash, and allergic rhinitis symptoms were 4.8%, 15.3%, and 32.9%, respectively. The prevalence of diagnosis of allergic diseases in boys was higher than that in girls, with the exception of eczema. In both boys and girls, the difference of the prevalence of allergic diseases among industrial, metropolitan and provincial areas was not statistically significant, but the differences between rural area and other areas were significant. Our results support the importance of contextual effect associated with residential area as causative agents of allergic diseases among Korean school-age children.

Risk factors of bronchial asthma in two contrasting settings–metropolitan and coastal areas of Bangladesh: A case control study.

Background. Seven million people are suffering from bronchial asthma in Bangladesh. But scanty data is available to explain the risk factors for asthma in Bangladesh. Methods. This population-based, age, sex, and economic status matched case-control study was conducted to identify the risk factors responsible for the development of bronchial asthma in two contrasting settings, the metropolitan capital city and coastal area of Bangladesh. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was filled up by face-to-face interviews with the patients or parents of patients with bronchial asthma and the normal controls after a respiratory physician confirmed the diagnosis on the basis of history, physical examination and spirometry. Results. Presence of allergic problems was recognised as risk factors for the development of bronchial asthma. Concomitant existence of atopic diseases, like allergic rhinitis, eczema and allergic conjunctivitis were found to be significant risk factors in both the settings. History of early childhood lung infections, like pneumonia, bronchiolitis and intake of antibiotics and paracetamol in last 12 months were also observed to be the risk factors in both the areas. Though most of the so-called allergic foods were statistically found to be a protective factor in both the settings [odds ratio (OR) 0.48, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.37-0.63 in city area and OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66-0.96 in coastal area], this was considered to be an artifact. Conclusions. Several common risk factors for the development of bronchial asthma were identified in both city and coastal areas of Bangladesh. Bronchial asthma prevention campaign in Bangladesh may focus on sensitising the people on these risk factors.

Padrões de sibilância respiratória do nascimento até o início da adolescência: coorte de Pelotas (RS) Brasil, 1993-2004 / Wheezing phenotypes from birth to adolescence: a cohort study in Pelotas, Brazil, 1993-2004

OBJETIVO: Estudar a prevalência dos padrões de sibilância respiratória e suas associações com variáveis independentes. MÉTODOS: Coorte de nascidos vivos, 1993, Pelotas (RS); subamostra sistemática de 20 por cento da coorte original acompanhada aos 6 e 12 meses e 4 anos; aos 10-12 anos localizou-se 87,5 por cento da coorte original. Definição dos padrões: transitório: chiado até 4 anos e ausência de chiado aos 10-12 anos; persistente: chiado em todos acompanhamentos; início tardio: chiado aos 10-12 anos. Variáveis independentes: gênero; cor da pele; renda familiar; fumo/asma na gravidez; amamentação; infecção respiratória/diarréia (1º ano); alergia e asma na família (4 e 10-12 anos); diagnóstico médico de rinite/eczema (10-12 anos). RESULTADOS: O total da subamostra foi de 897 adolescentes. Prevalência (IC95 por cento) dos padrões de sibilância: transitório 43,9 por cento (40,7-47,2);persistente 6,4 por cento (4,8-8,0); de início tardio 3,3 por cento (2,2-4,5). O transitório foi mais freqüente em crianças de famílias de baixa renda, com menor duração da amamentação, relato de infecções respiratórias (1º ano) e história familiar de asma (4 anos); o persistente foi quase duas vezes mais freqüente em meninos, em filhos de mulheres com asma na gravidez, com infecções respiratórias (1º ano) e história familiar de asma (4 e 10-12 anos); de início tardio mostrou maior prevalência naqueles com asma na família (10-12 anos) e diagnóstico médico de rinite (10-12 anos); menor prevalência em quem relatou infecções respiratórias (1º ano) e diagnóstico médico de eczema (10-12 anos). CONCLUSÕES: O conhecimento das associações dos padrões sibilantes permite a adoção de medidas preventivas e terapêuticas.

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of wheezing patterns and their associations with independent variables. METHODS: Cohort study of live births in 1993 in Pelotas, Brazil. A systematic subsample (20 percent) of the original cohort was evaluated at 6 months, 12 months and 4 years. At 10-12 years, 87.5 percent of the original cohort was contacted. Wheezing was categorized: transient, wheezing at 4 years but not at 10-12; persistent, wheezing at all evaluations; late-onset, wheezing at 10-12 years. Independent variables were analyzed: gender; skin color; family income; smoking/asthma during pregnancy; breastfeeding; respiratory infection/diarrhea (during the 1st year); family members with asthma/allergy (at 4 years and at 10-12); physician-diagnosed rhinitis/eczema (at 10-12 years). RESULTS: The subsample comprised 897 adolescents. Wheezing patterns were expressed as prevalence (95 percent CI): transient, 43.9 percent (40.7-47.2); persistent, 6.4 percent (4.8-8.0); and late-onset, 3.3 percent (2.2-4.5). The transient pattern was more common in children from low-income families, children breastfed for less time, children with a history of respiratory infections (during the 1st year) and children with asthma in the family (at 4 years). The persistent pattern was almost twice as common in males, in children whose mothers had asthma during pregnancy, in children with respiratory infections (during the 1st year) and in children with asthma in the family (at 4 and 10-12 years). The late-onset pattern was more prevalent among those with asthma in the family (at 10-12 years) and those diagnosed with rhinitis (at 10-12 years), being less prevalent among those reporting respiratory infections (during the 1st year) and those diagnosed with eczema (at 10-12 years). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the associations of wheezing patterns allows us to adopt preventive and therapeutic measures.

Changing prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases among Kuwaiti children: an ISAAC study [phaseIII]

To estimate the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases in 13- and 14-year-old schoolchildren and to compare it with previous phase I data. A survey of 2,922 third and fourth grade students from randomly selected intermediate level schools across Kuwait was conducted. Supervised, self-administered, written and video questionnaires of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood [ISAAC] was used. Of the 2,922 students, 2,882 [96.3%] completed the questionnaires. The prevalence [95% CI] in the written questionnaire for wheeze ever, current wheeze [within the last 12 months] and physician diagnosis of asthma were 13.4, 7.6 and 15.6%, respectively. The prevalence [95% CI] for symptoms of allergic rhinitis [AR] ever, current symptoms of AR, and diagnosis of AR was 41.4, 27.6 and 22.2%, respectively. The prevalence [95% CI] for itchy rash ever, current itchy rash, and diagnosis of eczema was 10.6, 8.3 and 12.8%, respectively. Comparing to ISAAC phase I data [1995-1996], the prevalence of current wheeze has decreased from 16.1 to 7.6% [p<0.001]. Current symptoms of AR decreased from 30.7 to 27.6 [p = 0.008] and current itchy rash decreased from 17.5 to 10.6% [p<0.001]. However, physician diagnoses of asthma and eczema remained the same as in the previous study, but physician diagnosis of AR increased from 17.1 to 22.2% [p<0.001]. The findings show that there is a decrease in the self-reported symptoms of allergic diseases over a 5-year period while physician diagnoses of these diseases remained the same over the same period

prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema in north of Iran: the international study of asthma and allergies in childhood [ISAAC]

Asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema as a common chronic disorder in childhood, has many epidemiologic variations in different geographic areas. Uniform and standard epidemiologic researches are able to clear and modify scientific questions in this field. We carried out this study to determine the prevalence and intensity of pediatric allergic disease in our region. This analytical-cross sectional study was performed on 2 groups of children; the first group aged 6-7 years [n=3240] and the second group aged 12-14 years [n=3254] during 2002-03. According to ISAAC programming, sample size consisted of 3000 children in each group. From all students 99.3% of primary students and 88.8% of guidance students entered into study. Data was gathered by ISAAC first phase questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS 10 and Chi square test. The 12-month prevalence rates of symptoms were as follow: wheezing 16.8% and 21.7%, allergic rhinitis symptoms 14.5% and 19.9% and atopic dermatitis symptoms 4.5% and 8.2%, for younger and older age group, respectively. The prevalence of wheezing and current wheeze did not show differences according to sex [P > 0.05] but it was significantly higher in students of guidance school [P < 0.05]. The prevalence of previous history of asthma, speech disorders, wheezing after physical exercises and dry cough at night, rhinoconjuntivitis, recurrent rhinitis, eczema with pruritus, recurrent lesions and history of eczema was significantly higher in boys and in students of guidance school [P < 0.05]. The prevalence of flexor lesion did not show a significant difference according to age [P > 0.05] but in boys it was higher than in the girls [P < 0.05]. According to our findings asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema have a moderate prevalence in this region of our country

Prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema in the university population of Phitsanulok, Thailand.

Allergic diseases have been increasing around the world. Many studies in Thai children by ISAAC protocol found an increase in the prevalences of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema. Nevertheless very few studies in Thai adults have been done. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema among Naresuan University students. Two thousand six hundred and ninety-three students (835 males and 1,858 females) completed ISAAC standardized written and video questionnaires. The age range was 17-53 years (mean 20.0 +/- 3.2 years) of which 97.2% were less than 30 years old. The prevalences of allergic rhinitis within the past 12 months and allergic rhinitis with concomitant conjunctivitis were 57.4% and 25.6%. The prevalences of wheeze within the past 12 months and of diagnosed asthma were 12.1% and 9.8%. The eczema prevalence within the past 12 months was 15.0%. Subjects with rhinoconjunctivitis had significantly more wheeze within the past 12 months and more asthma than those without rhinoconjunctivitis (25.8% and 20.1% vs. 7.6% and 6.3%; p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001). The prevalences of wheeze within the past 12 months and asthma in males (14.1%, 11.9%) were significantly higher than in females (11.2%, 8.9%) (p = 0.044 and 0.018, respectively). Similar to a recent study in Bangkok University students, our results showed an increasing trend in allergic diseases in the adult population of Phitsanulok, Northern Thailand, as compared to a study 2 decades ago.

Human herpes simplex virus infections: epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnosis, and managemenT

Eight of the more than 80 known herpesviruses are human pathogens. Human herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a contagious infection with a large reservoir in the general population. It has a potential for significant complications in the immunocompromised host. In addition, psychological distress caused by the negative stigma associated with genital herpes and visible facial lesions in those experiencing frequent outbreaks renders it a challenging clinical dilemma. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and diagnostic features of HSV infections, providing the clinician with an up-to-date understanding of the available management strategies for mucocutaneous HSV-induced disease.

Prevalence of asthma, rhinitis and eczema in 6 - 7 years old students from the western districts of São Paulo City, using the standardized questionnaire of the "International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood" (ISAAC)-phase IIIB

The aims of the present work were the evaluation of allergic disease prevalence among 6 and 7 year-old students from the western districts of São Paulo city and the comparison of these data with those obtained in the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase I, performed in the central-southern districts of São Paulo, using the ISAAC standardized written questionnaire. METHODS: 5,040 questionnaires were distributed and 3,312 were returned. Proportional differences were estimated by Chi square or Fisher exact tests. Odds Ratio and 95 percent confidence intervals between genders and allergic diseases were calculated. Values of p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The corrected prevalences found were: asthma 24.4 percent, medical diagnosis of asthma 5.7 percent, rhinitis 25.7 percent, rhinoconjunctivitis 11.3 percent, medical diagnosis of rhinitis 20.0 percent, atopic eczema 9.2 percent. Significant associations between asthma and rhinitis (OR=3.3), asthma and eczema (OR=2.2), and rhinitis and eczema (OR=2.8) occurred. The male gender was prevalent regarding asthma and rhinitis. Compared to data from ISAAC phase I, higher asthma prevalence and severity, and lower values for rhinitis and eczema were observed in this study. CONCLUSIONS: The present study evidenced high prevalences for asthma and rhinitis compared to the children's medical diagnosis. The male gender predominated in all positive responses regarding asthma and rhinitis. The most frequent associations observed were between asthma and rhinitis and asthma and eczema. In the western districts of São Paulo, a higher prevalence of asthma symptoms and severity and lower prevalences for rhinitis and eczema occurred compared to the central-southern districts of the city.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a prevalência das doenças alérgicas na região oeste de São Paulo entre escolares de 6 a 7 anos e comparar os dados obtidos com aqueles da fase I da região centro-sul, através do questionário padronizado do International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. MÉTODOS: Foram enviados 5040 questionários escritos com resposta de 3.312 alunos. As diferenças entre proporções foram avaliadas pelo Teste do Qui-quadrado ou Teste Exato de Fisher, se calculado a Razão das Chances, intervalo de confiança 95 por cento entre os sexos e doenças alérgicas. Os valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados como significantes. RESULTADOS: As prevalências corrigidas encontradas foram: asma 24,4 por cento, diagnóstico médico de asma 5,7 por cento, rinite 25,7 por cento, rinoconjuntivite 11,3 por cento, diagnóstico médico de rinite 20 por cento, eczema atópico 9,2 por cento. Houve associação significativa entre asma e rinite (OR=3,3), asma e eczema (OR=2,2) e rinite e eczema atópico (OR=2,8). O sexo masculino foi predominante para asma e rinite. Comparando-se os dados da fase I, observou-se prevalência mais elevada dos sintomas e gravidade de asma e valores menores para rinite e eczema. CONCLUSÕES: As prevalências de asma e rinite neste estudo mostraram valores elevados em comparação ao diagnóstico médico. Houve predomínio do sexo masculino para asma e rinite. As associações mais freqüentes foram entre asma e rinite e asma e eczema. Em relação à região centro-sul de São Paulo, observou-se que na região oeste houve maior prevalência dos sintomas e gravidade da asma e menor prevalência de rinite e eczema.

prevalence of asthma and allergic disorders among school children in Gorgan

The prevalence of allergy and asthma among children is increasing in many countries. However, such inclination has not been completely cleared in North of Iran. This study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases in school children in Gorgan and also to evaluate the association between allergies and sex, family history of atopic disorders, and personal symptomatic atopy. This was a cross-sectional study and the study population included 2800 school children aged 12 to 13 [53% female and 47% male]. All participants completed an ISAAC [International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood] written questionnaire. Among the selected children, 7% were asthmatic, 19% had eczema during the last 6 months, and 35.3% had rhinitis. Family history of allergy included 8.4% asthma, 22.1% rhinitis and 12% eczema. The prevalence of asthma is higher in boys compared with girls. There was a strong relation between family history of atopy and allergic diseases and asthma in children

Pattern of skin disorders in Muzaffarabad: a comparison of pre- and post-earthquake scenario

Psyche and skin are closely related. The anatomical and physiological integrity is maintained when they are congruent in their functioning. Natural calamities and disasters affect this harmony adversely by causing psychological as well as physical trauma, which leads to a number of immediate as well as long term skin ailments. The study was aimed to observe any change in pattern of skin diseases in Muzaffarabad after devastating earthquake of October 8th, 2005. Patients and methods The study was carried out in CMH, Muzaffarabad from March, 2006 to August 2006. Patient's record of same six months of last year was retrieved and was compared with present record. Patients of all ages, with any cutaneous disease, attending the outpatient departments or admitted to the skin ward of Combined Military Hospital Muzaffarabad, from 1St March 2006 to 31St August 2006, were included in the study. A detailed dermatological evaluation was carried out in all patients. Relevant investigations like o scraping for fungus and biopsy were done when required. Indoor as well as outpatients' record for the same period of last year [2005] was retrieved. The information were duly documented and compiled. Prevalence of various common skin disorders was compared in pre and post earthquake scenario and statistical evaluation was done by calculating p-value after applying z-test. In post-earthquake period, overall proportion of skin patients increased when compared with similar per-earthquake period. Infections remained at the top in both scenarios but their proportion increased significantly after earthquake period. Psychocutaneous disorders like, trichotillothania and dermatitis artifacta were also frequently seen in post- earthquake period. Hair, nail, pigmentary disorders, sexually transmitted infections were statistically less frequent in post earthquake period. Eczemas, psoriasis and vitiligo were also less frequently reported. A significant increase in overall proportion of skin patients and prevalence of bacterial infections, viral infections, scabies and certain psychocutaneous disorders was probably related to compromised hygiene and sanitation and psychological trauma as consequence of devastating earthquake of October 8th, 2005

Prevalence of asthma and comorbid allergy symptoms in Singaporean preschoolers.

The cross-sectional prevalence of wheeze, rhinitis and eczema in 7,549 randomly selected Singaporean preschoolers aged 4 to 6 years old is reported in this study. Cumulative and past 12 months ('current') prevalence of wheeze was 27.5% and 16.0%, respectively. 'Asthma' was reported by 11.7%. Current rhinitis prevalence was 25.3% and rhinoconjunctivitis, 7.6%. Current chronic rash affected 13.5% of subjects while 9.9% reported chronic rash with flexural distribution. After multivariate analysis, the main risk factors for 'current wheeze' and self-reported asthma, respectively, were family history of allergy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.22 [2.79-3.71], aOR 3.93 [3.34-4.63]); concurrent rhinoconjunctivitis (aOR 4.04 [3.31-4.92], aOR 3.02 [2.43-3.76]); concurrent chronic flexural rash (aOR 2.56 [2.13-3.08], aOR 2.95 [2.41-3.62]) and previous respiratory infection (aOR 4.80 [4.17-5.53], aOR 3.28 [2.80-3.85]). Thus, these allergy-associated symptoms already affect a considerable portion of children by the preschool years, supporting the need for allergy education and intervention program in this age group.

Asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema in 13-14-year-old schoolchildren across Lebanon

Childhood asthma is one of the most important diseases of childhood. There is no known prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases in Lebanon. This study was conducted with a primary objective of finding the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema in Lehanese children. It is a descriptive cross-sectional study on children in Lehanese public and private schools. A sample of 22 schools participated in the study, where standardized ISAAC written core questionnaires were distributed. 13-14-year-old students filled in the questionnaires in class. 1613 individuals were analyzed. The prevalence of diagnosed asthma [5.6%] is the lowest in Lebanon compared to the eastern Mediterranean countries. Prevalence of ever wheezing [21.4%] last 12 months wheezing [19.9%] wheezing on effort [12.7%] night cough [22.8%] * allergic rhinitis [32.7%] and eczema [11.5%] is on the medium prevalence trend noted all over the world, referring to ISAAC study. It also showed marked variations and differences across the governates in Lebanon, the lowest prevalence of diagnosed asthma [1.9%] but the highest prevalence of asthma symptoms like ever wheezing being in the Bekaa governate [26.8%]. Undiagnosed asthma, rhinitis and eczema have medium prevalence in Lebanon. Differences exist between Lebanese governates. Further studies are needed to understand the environmental, climate and socioeconomic causes of these discrepancies