Eventos adversos en la terapia farmacológica de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal / Adverse events associated with the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Background: The purpose of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment is to achieve resolution of symptoms and remission of disease with a minimum of adverse events (AE). Aim: To report AE of different prescriptions used for the treatment of IBD. Material and Methods: Analysis of a registry of patients with IBD held at a private clinic from 1976 to 2013. All used medications, the occurrence and severity of AE were recorded. Results: The records of 346 patients aged 16 to 86 years, 74% with ulcerative colitis, were analyzed. The most commonly type of medications prescribed were 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) in 329 patients (92%), followed by adrenal steroids in 218 (61%). Forty nine AE were recorded in the same number of patents (14%). These were more common in patients with Crohn disease (n = 19, 21%). An univariate analysis, demonstrated that extra-intestinal manifestations, hospitalizations secondary to IBD crisis, requirement of surgery and treatment with steroids, immunosuppressants or biologic agents were significantly associated with the presence of AE. AEs were more common with immunosuppressants, followed by 5-ASAs and steroids. Discontinuation of therapy was required in 79, 100 and 43% of patients taking these medications, respectively. Twenty percent of AEs were severe. Leukopenia and pancytopenia along with alopecia were the most common AEs attributable to azathioprine. Conclusions: The occurrence of AEs in patients with IBD is uncommon. Even inmunosuppressants or biologic agents have a low rate of AE and most of them mild.

Beneficio de los probióticos en prevención primaria de dermatitis atópica / Probiotics for primary prevention of pediatric atopic dermatitis

La dermatitis atópica (DA) corresponde a la enfermedad inflamatoria crónica de la piel más frecuente en la infancia. Su aparición parece ser el resultado de la interacción entre la predisposición genética y múltiples factores ambientales. Además, la disfunción de la barrera cutánea jugaría un rol esencial en las exacerbaciones de la presentación clínica. Los probióticos corresponden a microorganismos vivos cuya administración en la cantidad adecuada es beneficiosa para la salud del paciente. La administración oral de probióticos muestra diversos efectos positivos tanto en la homeostasis del tubo digestivo como en el sistema inmune. Recientemente, numerosos investigadores se han enfocado en el efecto de los probióticos en la supresión de la respuesta alérgica, y han evaluado su efecto profiláctico y/o terapéutico en DA, asma y alergias alimentarias. La suplementación prenatal con probióticos para la prevención primaria de DA se ha estudiado en diversos ensayos clínicos con cierta evidencia que sustenta su eficacia. Dado que los probióticos son reconocidos como un ingrediente seguro de los alimentos, éstos podrían ofrecer una alternativa para reducir la respuesta alérgica en una mujer embarazada de un niño con alto riesgo de DA.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most frequent chronic inflammatory skin desease in childhood. Its onset seems to be the result of the interaction between genetic predispose and multiple environmental factors. Furthermore, barrier dysfunction of atopic skin is likely to play an essential role in the exacerbation of clinical presentation. Probiotics are live microorganisms which when in adequate amounts confer health benefits to the patient. Orally administered probiotics exhibit many positive effects on gut homeostasis and immune system. Recently, many researchers have focused on the suppressive effect of probiotic agents on allergic responses, and have evaluated its prophylactic and/or therapeutic efficacy for AD, asthma and food allergy. Prenatal probiotic supplementation for primary prevention of pediatric AD has been studied in clinical trials with some evidence to support its efficacy. Because probiotics are recognized as safe food ingredients, they may offer an alternative to reduce allergic responses for pregnant women carrying high-risk children for AD.

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