The prevalence of allergic diseases in school children of metropolitan city in Indonesia shows a similar pattern to that of developed countries

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of allergy among Surabaya school children is currently unknown. OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of the common allergic sensitization and allergic diseases among school children and undergraduate students in suburban of Surabaya by epidemiologic data collection. METHODS: A multistage simple random sampling was done to select 5 primary schools, 8 secondary schools (4 of junior high schools and senior high schools, respectively), and 1 university from 5 districts in Surabaya city. Out of 550 invited respondents, 499 (128 primary school, 221 secondary school, and 150 undergraduate) respondents gave their consent. A complete personal history, allergic symptoms, environmental exposure of common allergens was obtained from interview and the physical examinations were performed. Skin prick test (SPT) was done using 45 different allergen extracts. Total serum IgE and specific IgE radioallergosorbent test levels were measured for respondents with allergic manifestations. RESULTS: There was an increasing SPT positivity among study respondents, from primary school, secondary school, to undergraduate students (21.90%, 28.95%, to 45.30% respectively). Cockroach (42.85%) and fungi/mold spore (42.85%) were the most common allergens in primary school children. House dust mites was the most common allergen in secondary school (63.16%) and undergraduate students (58.82%). Urticaria and rhinitis were the commonest allergic diseases manifestation. History of atopy was positive in 60.79% of the allergic respondents. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of allergic sensitization among school children and undergraduate students in Surabaya suburb areas were increased compared to previous estimates in 1998. While house dust mites are known as important allergens, surprisingly cockroach was the common allergen among the younger school children.

A case of anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia presenting with pyrexia, atopic eczema, and food allergy

Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (AED) is a rare hereditary disorder with a triad of sparse hair, dental hypoplasia, and anhidrosis. Here we report a case of AED with food allergy and atopic eczema. The patient was a 11-month-old boy admitted to our hospital with pyrexia for 2 weeks. He presented with a history of dry skin, eczema, and food allergy to egg. On clinical examination, his body temperature was 38.8°C, with dry skin and eczema almost all over the body, sparse eyebrows, and scalp hair. Laboratory investigations and physical examination did not show any evidence of infection. Radioallergosorbent test was positive to egg yolk, egg white, ovomucoid, milk, house dust, and house dust mite. As the child did not sweat despite the high fever, we performed the sweat test which revealed a total lack of sweat glands. Genetic examination revealed a mutation of the EDA gene and he was diagnosed as AED. His pyrexia improved upon cooling with ice and fan. His mother had lost 8 teeth and her sweat test demonstrated low sweating, suggestive of her being a carrier of AED. Atopy and immune deficiencies have been shown to have a higher prevalence in patients with AED. Disruption of the skin barrier in patients with AED make them more prone to allergic diseases such as atopic eczema, bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis and food allergy. Careful assessment of the familial history is essential to differentiate AED when examining patients with pyrexia of unknown origin and comorbid allergic diseases.

The Incidence of Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Reactions to Apples Among Patients Allergic to Birch Pollen

The major apple allergen Mal d 1 cross-reacts with the homologous birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 and causes immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions. In some patients, delayed-type hypersensitivity to apples may develop within 72 hours without evidence of specific IgE or a positive skin prick test (SPT). The aim of the study was to evaluate the concomitance of delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions and immediate IgE-mediated reactions against high- and low-allergenic apple cultivars in patients with birch pollen allergy. Data were obtained from 45 adults with clinical symptoms of birch pollen allergy. Patients were exposed to apple pulp via atopy patch tests (APTs) and SPTs. Levels of IgE specific to Bet v 1 and Mal d 1 were measured with a radioallergosorbent test. Patients allergic to birch pollen showed the highest rate of positive SPT responses to Golden Delicious apples and the lowest rate to low-allergenic cultivar Grey French Reinette. Among these patients, 9% developed delayed hypersensitivity reactions to either Golden Delicious or Grey French Reinette apples; these reactions manifested clinically as erythema with papules (class ++). Fifty percent of APT-positive patients were concomitantly SPT-negative. Here, we show for the first time the clinical relevance of T cell-driven allergic reactions to apples. APTs may reveal type IV sensitization in patients who are negative for the corresponding type I sensitization tests. Thus, utilization of the APT procedure with fresh apple appears to be a valuable tool for the diagnosis of apple allergy and may improve the accuracy of food allergy diagnoses.

ALERGIA ALIMENTARIA EN LACTANTE ALIMENTADO CON SENO MATERNO EXCLUSIVO / Food allergy in an exclusively breastfed infant

El término alergia alimentaria se refiere a los eventos adversos a alimentos originados por mecanismo inmunológico. La alergia alimentaria puede aparecer en cualquier etapa de la vida. Es un padecimiento que, en general, se manifiesta en el lactante por llanto excesivo, cólicos, vómitos, diarreas, acompañadas de sangre y eccema en la piel. El objetivo de la investigación es demostrar la sensibilización del lactante a los alérgenos alimentarios que recibió en el útero de la madre y a través de la lactancia materna exclusiva. La metodología fue reporte de un caso al que se le suspendió la lactancia materna exclusiva y se introdujo leche en polvo hipoalergénica Puramino. La IgE total fue de 1.136 kU/l y los valores de IgE alérgeno específico para leche, el huevo y el maní mayores de 100 kU/l y para el trigo 24,4 kU/l. Se concluye así que la leche de vaca, el huevo, el maní y el trigo pueden sensibilizar al niño durante el embarazo y a través del seno materno. El uso de una dieta hipoalergénica durante el período de lactante puede revertir el proceso.(AU)

The term food allergy refers to adverse events caused by immunologic mechanism. Food allergy may appear at any stage of life, it is a condition that generally manifests itself in the baby's excessive crying, colic, vomiting, diarrhea accompanied by blood and skin eczema. The objective of the research is to demonstrate awareness infant to food allergens received in the mother's womb and through the exclusive breastfeeding. The methodology was a case report that was suspended exclusive breastfeeding and milk powder was introduced into hypoallergenic Puramino. The total IgE was 1.136 kU/L and allergen specific IgE values for milk, egg and peanut higher than 100 kU/L and wheat: 24. 4 kU/L. It is concluded that cow's milk, egg, peanuts and wheat can sensitize the child during pregnancy and through the womb. The use of a hypoallergenic diet during the infant can reverse the process.(AU)

Two cases of food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis with different culprit foods

Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis [FDEIA] is one of the severe allergic reactions in which symptoms develop only if exercise takes place within a few hours of eating a specific food. It is important to consider FDEIA in cases of unexplained anaphylaxis as reactions can occur several hours after ingesting the culprit food [s]. We herein report the first two cases of FDEIA in the Middle East. The first one is induced by wheat, while the other by peanut. The pathophysiology, predisposing factors, diagnosis, and treatment of FDEIA are also summarized here

Penicillin allergy evaluation: experience from a drug allergy clinic in an Arabian Gulf Country, Kuwait

BACKGROUND: Hypersensitivity to penicillin has been studied worldwide, but data regarding patterns of sensitization in Arabian Gulf countries are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To describe the patterns of penicillin hypersensitivity during a 6-year study in Kuwait in terms of demographics, type of the culprit drug, in vivo and in vitro allergy testing. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-four patients referred to the drug allergy clinic for penicillin allergy were fully evaluated by skin prick and intradermal testing. Drug provocation test was done on patients with negative results. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients were evaluated for penicillin allergy. Mean age was 37.8 (standard deviation, 12.7) years, range from 8 to 74 years. Thirty-nine male (31.5%) and 85 female patients (68.5%) were included. Diagnosis of penicillin allergy was confirmed in 46 patients (37.1%). Among the 44 confirmed allergic patients by skin evaluation we had 15 (34.1%) positive skin prick test, and 29 (65.9%) positive intradermal testing. Among patients with positive skin testing, 47.7% were positive to major determinant benzylpenicilloyl poly-L-lysine, 20.4% to minor determinant mixture, 50.0% to penicillin G and 40.9% to ampicillin; 13.6% of patients were positive to amoxicillin by skin prick test. One patient had a positive radioallergosorbent test and one had a positive challenge test. CONCLUSION: Penicillin allergy is a common problem with an incidence of about one third in our study subjects.

RAST-specific IgE to egg and milk in Nigerian asthmatic patients

Food allergens have been described in studies in southern parts of Nigeria but rarely in northern parts of Nigeria. Furthermore; the role of specific antibody to such allergen moieties have not been determined. The aim of this study is to assess the role of two common food items in the aetiology of asthma in Zaria. RAST-specific IgE to milk and egg; which are two common foods in Nigeria; and skin prick tests were therefore studied in bronchial asthma patients and controls in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital; Zaria to determine their significance in the clinical manifestation of asthma patients. Total serum IgA; IgE and secretory IgA were also measured in patients and controls. RAST titres were poorly discriminating between controls and patients; although six patients had history of gastrointestinal symptoms after ingestion of egg while three patients had history of such symptoms; some with positive skin prick tests and high RAST-specific IgE titres. Asthmatic patients had significantly higher mean serum secretory IgA and total IgA levels than controls while total serum IgE levels were similarly distributed among patients and controls. It is suggested that provocation tests are mandatory to confirm bronchial allergic reactions to egg and milk and perhaps other food allergens in Nigerians in view of the non-discriminant RAST titres obtained in this study

Fatores preditivos para realização de cirurgia nasal em uma clínica de otorrinolaringologia no sul do Brasil, no ano de 2007 / Predictive factors for doing nasal surgery in an otolaryngology clinic of in southern Brazil, in 2007

Introdução: Avaliar os principais fatores de risco para realização de cirurgia nasal e relacionar a sensibilidade aos alérgenos inalatórios testados através do RAST e a necessidade dessa cirurgia. Métodos: Foi realizado estudo observacional, longitudinal do tipo coorte retrospectiva, de 155 pacientes que realizaram o RAST no ano de 2007, onde foram analisados sexo, idade, sintomas alérgicos (espirros, obstrução nasal, prurido ocular, prurido nasal e prurido otológico), perfil do RAST, IgE total, IgA, tipo de cirurgia, realização de cirurgia, número de cirurgias, melhora dos sintomas e recidiva dos sintomas clínicos obstrutivos. Resultados: Foi observado como fator de risco para cirurgia nasal: obstrução nasal (RR:2,38~ p<0,001), hipertrofia dos cornetos nasais (RR:2,66~ p<0,001), desvio de septo nasal (RR:2,66~ p<0,001), amigdalites de repetição (RR1,41~ p=0,02), sinusite crônica (RR:1,37~ p=0,02) e sensibilidade a fungos testada do RAST (RR:1,62~ p=0,14). Conclusão: Obstrução nasal, hipertrofia dos cornetos, desvio de septo nasal, amigdalites de repetição, sinusite crônica e sensibilidade a fungos foram fatores de risco para realização de cirurgia nasal. A sensibilidade aos alérgenos testados através RAST grupo específico não se relacionou de forma estatisticamente significativa com a realização de cirurgia nasal, mas sim com as condições clínicas que levam ao tratamento cirúrgico (AU)

Introduction: To evaluate the main risk factors for performing nasal surgery and to relate sensitivity to inhalatory allergens as tested through RAST to the need for this surgery. Methods: An observational longitudinal study was performed with a retrospective cohort of 155 patients who underwent RAST in 2007, in which the following factors were analyzed: sex, age, allergic symptoms (sneezing, nasal obstruction, eye pruritus, ear pruritus) RAST profile, total IgE, IgA, surgery type, surgery performance, number of surgeries, improvement of symptoms, and relapse of obstructive clinical symptoms. Results: The following were identified as risk factors for nasal surgery: nasal obstruction (RR:2.38~ p<0.001), hypertrophy of the nasal cornets (RR:2.66~ p<0.001), nasal septum deviation (RR:2.66~ p<0.001), repetition amygdalitis (RR1.41~ p=0.02), chronic sinusitis (RR:1.37~ p=0.02) and sensitivity to fungi as tested by the RAST (RR:1.62~ p=0.14). Conclusion: Nasal obstruction, cornets hypertrophy, nasal septum deviation, repetition amygdalitis, chronic sinusitis, and sensitivity to fungi were risk factors for the performance of nasal surgery. Although the sensitivity to allergens tested through group-specific RAST was not significantly related to nasal surgery performance, it was significantly related to the clinical conditions that lead to the surgical approach (AU)

Utilização do ácido gamalinolênico em pacientes portadores de dermatite atópica / Determination of serum concentration of specific IgE to cow's milk and its fractions for the cow's milk allergy diagnosis

As proteínas do leite de vaca são os principais alérgenos relacionados à alergia alimentar em crianças e o diagnóstico inclui a realização do teste de provocação oral duplo cego placebo controlado (TPODCPC). Apesar da acurácia, este teste envolve riscos, necessita condições especiais para sua realização e apresenta limitações em crianças de baixa idade e em pacientes anafiláticos. Assim, há necessidade de métodos diagnósticos alternativos, entre eles o estabelecimento de pontos de corte de concentrações de IgE sérica específica para leite de vaca, que permitam o diagnóstico mesmo sem a realização do TPODCPC. O objetivo deste estudo foi estabelecer uma concentração discriminante de IgE sérica específica para leite de vaca e suas frações protéicas para o diagnóstico de alergia à proteína do leite de vaca (APLV) e avaliar se há diferentes concentrações discriminantes de IgE específica para este alérgeno no grupo de pacientes com anafilaxia. Realizou-se um estudo de coorte histórica incluindo pacientes com APLV e grupo controle composto por pacientes com suspeita não confirmada de APLV. Para estes objetivos, foram construídas curvas ROC para os seguintes alérgenos: leite de vaca, caseína, a-lactoalbumina e b-lactoglobulina. Os níveis de IgE específica foram avaliados posteriormente, em separado, nos pacientes com anafilaxia. Foram incluídos 123 pacientes (1,3M:1F mediana = 1,91 anos, com idade de 3,5 meses a 13,21 anos) com diagnóstico confirmado de APLV através de TPODCPC (n=26), presença de anafilaxia à proteína do leite de vaca (n=46) ou história clínica fortemente sugestiva de APLV associada à pesquisa positiva de IgE específica através de teste cutâneo (n=51). Entre os 65 pacientes com anafilaxia, 19 confirmaram o diagnóstico posteriormente, através de testes de provocação. O grupo controle foi composto por 61 pacientes (1M:1,1F) com idade variando entre 0,66 e 16,7 anos (mediana= 6,83 anos). A metodologia adotada para estabelecimento dos pontos de corte...

Cow's milk proteins are the main allergens related to food allergy in children and the diagnosis include the double blind placebo controlled food challenge (DBPCFC). Although this test presents accuracy, it involves risks, it is necessary special conditions and it presents limitations in infants and anaphylactic patients. It is necessary other diagnostic methods, among them the cut off values for IgE specific for milk to allow the cow's milk allergy (CMA) diagnosis without the need to perform the DBPCFC. The objective of this study was to establish a discriminating concentration of specific IgE to cow's milk and its proteins fractions for the diagnosis of allergy to CMA and to assess if there are different discriminating concentrations of specific IgE to this allergen in the group of patients with anaphylaxis. It was carried out a historical cohort study including patients with CMA and the control group was composed by patients with excluded CMA suspicion. To obtain the cutoff points for diagnosis of CMA , ROC curves were constructed for the following allergens: cow's milk, casein, a-lactalbumin and a b-lactoglobulin. The levels of specific IgE were later evaluated, separately, in patients with anaphylaxis. The study included 123 patients (1.3 M: 1F median = 1.91 years, ranging from 3.5 months to 13.21 years) with confirmed diagnosis of CMPA through DBPCFC (n = 26), the presence of anaphylaxis triggered by cow's milk protein (n = 46) or strongly suggestive clinical history associated with positive specific IgE through skin test (n = 51). Among the 65 patients with anaphylaxis, 19 confirmed the diagnosis through challenge tests. The control group was consisted of 61 patients (1M: 1.1 F) with ages ranging between 0.66 and 16.7 years (mean 6.86, median = 6.83 years). The methodology to stablish the cutoff was the construction of a ROC curve and subsequent calculation of positive and negative predictive value. The cutoff points obtained considering a 98%...

Prevalence Rate of Sensitization to Cat Allergen in Children with Nasal Symptoms in Kunpo city / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence rate of sensitization to indoor allergens, especially cat allergen in children with nasal symptoms in Kunpo city. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of our radioallergosorbent test (RAST) database. We included 926 children with nasal symptoms between 3 months and 14 years of age. They underwent RAST which included 5 indoor and 4 food allergens. They were grouped according to age (0 to 3 years, 3 to 6 years, 6 to 9 years, 9 to 15 years). We calculated the prevalence rate of that sensitization according to age groups. RESULTS: Among the patients, 50.4% had the sensitization to at least > or =1 allergen of the RAST. The prevalence rate of sensitization increased according to the age group (P<0.05). The most common indoor allergen was Dermatophagoides farinae (D.f.) (22.6%), followed by cat (22.5%) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D.p.) (17.4%). Especially in the 0 to 3 age group, cat allergen (22.1%), was the predominant allergen, followed by dog (18.1%) and D.f. (8.7%). Among 926 patients, the rate of cat ownership was only 0.43%. The most common food allergen was pork (15.7%), followed by milk (4.9%) and egg white (3.2%). Pearsons test revealed significant correlation between cat and pork (r=0.563, P=0.000). CONCLUSION: This study shows a high rate of sensitization to cat allergen especially the 0 to 3 age group. It might be caused by exposure to wild cat in the community. We need to design a policy to reduce airborne cat allergen in the community.

Food allergy: a practical update from the gastroenterological viewpoint / Food allergy: a practical update from the gastroenterological viewpoint

OBJETIVOS: Apresentar uma revisão atualizada e crítica sobre alergias alimentares, focando principalmente em tratamento e prevenção. FONTES DOS DADOS: Revisão da literatura publicada obtida através do banco de dados MEDLINE, sendo selecionados os mais atuais e representativos do tema (2000-2006). A pesquisa incluiu os sites da European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) e American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). SíNTESE DOS DADOS: A prevalência de doenças alérgicas tem aumentado nas últimas décadas e alergia alimentar parece fazer parte desse aumento. Alergia alimentar é muito mais comum em pediatria e apresenta impacto médico, financeiro e social significativos em crianças menores e suas famílias. Tratamento e prevenção da alergia alimentar são desafios maiores do ponto de vista da saúde pública e para as comunidades médica e científica. Há muita informação incorreta e condutas médicas discutíveis nessa área. Apresentamos e discutimos as recomendações publicadas pelos Comitês de Nutrição da ESPGHAN juntamente com a Sociedade Européia Pediátrica de Alergologia e Imunologia Clínica (ESPACI) e AAP. CONCLUSÃO: Excesso de diagnósticos de alergia alimentar é bastante prevalente. Há necessidade de uniformização de definições e procedimentos diagnósticos. O objetivo primário do manejo deve ser o de instituir medidas efetivas de prevenção das alergias alimentares. Há necessidade de métodos precisos para confirmar ou excluir o diagnóstico. Os pacientes necessitam tratamento apropriado através da eliminação de alimentos que causam sintomas, ao mesmo tempo evitando os efeitos adversos nutricionais e o custo de dietas inadequadas.

OBJECTIVE: To present an up-to-date and critical review regarding food allergies, focusing mainly on treatment and prevention. SOURCES: Review of published literature searched on MEDLINE database; those data which were the most up-to-date and representative were selected (2000-2006). The search included the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: The prevalence of allergic diseases has increased over the last decades, and food allergy seems to be part of this increase. Food allergy is much more common in pediatrics and has a significant medical, financial and social impact on young children and their families. Treatment and prevention of food allergy is a major challenge for public health, scientific and medical communities. There is a lot of misinformation and the medical management of this condition is still discussable. We present and discuss the guidelines regarding criteria for the prevention of food allergy and atopic diseases published by the Nutrition Committees of ESPGHAN jointly with the European Society for Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology (ESPACI) and AAP. CONCLUSION: The overdiagnosis of food allergy is quite prevalent. There is a need for standardization of definitions and diagnostic procedures. The primary goal of therapy should be to first establish effective means of preventing food allergies. There is a need for accurate diagnostic methods to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Patients need appropriate treatment by eliminating foods that cause symptoms, while avoiding the nutritional side effects and the cost of inappropriate diets.

Effects of SDS, PBS solutions upon fluorescence values of Dermatophagoides pterronyssinus radioallergosorbent test inhibition / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of SDS, PBS re-dissolvent solutions on fluorescence values of radioallergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Dermatophagoides pterronyssinus allergen immunoCAP and UniCAP 100 System were used. The Sera Pool consisted of 20 Dermatophagoides pterronyssinus allergic patients sera, their specific IgE fluorescence values were between 12505 and 24776.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Fluorescence value percentages decreased: 62.9%, 54.1%, 43.5%, 6.7%, 3.7%, 2.6%, 2.2%, and 1.4% respectively, when SDS concentrations were at 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.25%, 0.1%, 0.05%, 0.025%, and 0.01%. Fluorescence values decreased more than 5% with SDS concentrations equal to 0.25% or higher. PBS in 0.1 and 0.01 mol/L concentrations decreased fluorescence values 2.9% and 0.9% respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>SDS is a commonly used surfactants in allergen extract and re-dissolvent prepared allergen precipitation for RAST inhibition. Thus effects of surfactants (e.g. SDS) upon the RAST inhibition tests must be considered when they were used as re-dissolvent agents to improve protein resolution in RAST inhibition.</p>

Sensibilização a alérgenos inalantes e alimentares em crianças brasileiras atópicas, pela determinação in vitro de IgE total e específica: Projeto Alergia (PROAL) / Sensitization to inhalant and food allergens in Brazilian atopic children by in vitro total and specific IgE assay: Allergy Project - PROAL

OBJETIVO: Determinar a freqüência de sensibilização a alérgenos inalantes e alimentares em crianças atendidas em serviços brasileiros de alergia. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: IgE sérica total e específica (RAST) a alérgenos inalantes e alimentares (UniCAP® - Pharmacia) foram determinados em 457 crianças acompanhadas em serviços de alergia pediátrica e em um grupo de controles (n = 62). Resultados classe igual ou maior que 1 foram considerados positivos (R+). RESULTADOS: A freqüência de R+ foi significantemente maior entre os atópicos (361/457, 79 por cento) quando comparados aos controles (16/62, 25,8 por cento). Não houve diferenças quanto ao sexo. A prevalência de R+ entre os atópicos foi significantemente maior para todos os alérgenos avaliados. Os níveis séricos de IgE total foram significantemente mais elevados entre os atópicos com R+ quando comparados aos com R-. Comparando-se atópicos e controles, a freqüência de R+ para os principais alérgenos inalantes foi como segue: D. pteronyssinus = 66,7 versus 14,5 por cento (p < 0,05), D. farinae = 64,5 versus 17,8 por cento (p < 0,05), B. tropicalis = 55,2 versus 19,4 por cento (p < 0,05), barata = 32,8 versus 9,7 por cento (p < 0,05) e gato = 12 versus 8,1 por cento. Com os alimentos, observou-se: peixe = 29,5 versus 11,3 por cento (p < 0,05), ovo = 24,4 versus 4,8 por cento (p < 0,05), leite de vaca = 23,1 versus 3,2 por cento (p < 0,05), trigo = 20 versus 8,1 por cento (p < 0,05), amendoim = 14 versus 4,8 por cento (p < 0,05), soja = 11,8 versus 4,8 por cento (p < 0,05) e milho = 10,6 versus 4,8 por cento (p < 0,05). Segundo a idade, os R+ aos alimentares predominaram entre as crianças mais jovens, e o inverso ocorreu com os inalantes. CONCLUSÕES: Nesta população, predominou a sensibilização aos aeroalérgenos, sobretudo aos ácaros domiciliares, e os alimentos foram importantes em crianças mais jovens.

Phadiatop® no diagnóstico de alergia respiratória em crianças: Projeto Alergia (PROAL) / Phadiatop® in the diagnosis of respiratory allergy in children: Allergy Project - PROAL

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a positividade do Phadiatop® em crianças acompanhadas em serviços brasileiros de alergologia e compará-la aos resultados de IgE sérica específica a alérgenos inalantes e alimentares. CASUíSTICA E MÉTODO: Em 457 crianças acompanhadas em serviços de alergia pediátrica e um grupo de crianças controle não-alérgicas (n = 62), distribuídas em cinco faixas etárias, foram determinados em amostra de soro: Phadiatop® e IgE específica (RAST) a alérgenos inalantes e alimentares (UniCAP - Pharmacia®). RESULTADOS: O Phadiatop® foi positivo em 305 crianças atópicas (67,6 por cento) e em 25,8 por cento das controles (p < 0,001). Entre as crianças atópicas, a distribuição de positividade variou de acordo com a faixa etária: 7,9 por cento (24/305) entre as abaixo de 2 anos, 15,4 por cento (47/305) nas de 2 a 3 anos, 22,0 por cento (67/305) nas de 3 a 4 anos, 19,3 por cento (59/305) nas de 4 a 5 anos e 35,4 por cento (108/305) nas de 5 a 12 anos. Não houve concordância entre os alérgenos alimentares e a presença de Phadiatop® positivo. O estudo da relação entre os RAST positivos para alérgenos inalados e o Phadiatop® positivo mostrou melhores índices com os ácaros domiciliares (D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae e Blomia tropicalis). CONCLUSÕES: O Phadiatop®é método útil no diagnóstico de alergia aos ácaros domiciliares.

closer look at food allergy and intolerance

Food allergy is a condition prevalent in over 2% of the world's population. The topic has been subject to research from ancient Greek times and continues to attract modern scientific and medical communities. In susceptible individuals certain foods produce a wide spectrum of unwanted effects like eczema, asthma, and urticaria. The management of food allergy and intolerance chiefly involves elimination diets, accurate diagnosis and detecting the causative mechanism providing us with ample food for thought. In this article, we have attempted to summarize and simplify the research on the various aspects of food allergy and intolerance, and discuss the natural history, manifestations, mechanisms, diagnosis, and management of this condition affecting countless worldwide

Oral disodium cromoglycate and ketotifen for a patient with eosinophilic gastroenteritis, food allergy and protein-losing enteropathy.

We present a case report of a 10 years old boy with protein-losing enteropathy and eosinophilic gastroenteritis who had positive histamine release tests, increased allergen-specific IgE antibodies to some food items, and low levels of total serum protein and albumin. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a number of polyps and diffuse gastritis. Biopsy specimens of the stomach and duodenum showed widespread eosinophilia and neutrophilia. Although a restricted diet was recommended, a diet which excluded foods with positive results to both histamine release test and allergen-specific IgE antibodies was poorly tolerated, and the patient rejected systemic administration of corticosteroids. Thus, we initiated an oral disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) and ketotifen therapy. After oral DSCG and ketotifen administration, the patient's condition improved gradually. Therefore, oral DSCG and ketotifen therapy might be considered as treatment option in patients with eosinophilic gastroenteritis and protein-losing enteropathy caused by food allergy.

Alergia ao látex / Latex allergy

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O látex, (cis 1,4 polyisoprene) está muito presente no dia-a-dia do anestesiologista. Os primeiros relatos de alergia ao látex datam de 1933. A sensibilidade ao látex na populaçäo de anestesiologistas é de 12,5 por cento a 15,8 por cento. A incidência de sensibilidade ao látex aumenta muito em grupos específicos, podendo produzir reações graves e até mesmo fatais. O objetivo desse estudo foi realizar uma revisäo bibliográfica sobre o assunto, abordando este tema de interesse para o anestesiologista, considerando diagnóstico, prevençäo e tratamento da alergia ao látex. CONTEUDO: Os estudos sobre a prevalência das reações alérgicas ao látex variam muito conforme a populaçäo estudada e os métodos utilizados para estabelecer a sensibilidade ao antígeno. Mesmo com estas variações, existem alguns grupos em que o risco é elevado, particularmente em pacientes com distúrbio na formaçäo do tubo neural. As manifestações clínicas variam desde dermatite de contato até anafilaxia e óbito. O diagnóstico precoce com pesquisa de IgE pode prevenir as reações de hipersensibilidade. CONCLUSÕES: É de extrema importância o diagnóstico precoce da alergia ao látex. A abordagem desses pacientes em ambientes livres de látex evitam a sensibilizaçäo e evoluçäo muitas vezes para quadros dramáticos

Common food allergens in Iranian children

The prevalence of food allergy is different in different parts of the world. Identification of the most common food allergens is a priority in any population to provide effective preventive and curative measures. The aim of this study was to determine the most common food allergens in Iranian children. One hundred and ninety children with skin, respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms, thought to be due to food allergy, were studied. The total serum IgE and eosinophil count tests were measured in all patients. Allergy to 25 food allergens was determined according to the patient's history, skin prick tests, RASTs [Radioallergosorbent Test] and open food challenge tests. Findings: The most common food allergens were cow's milk, tomato, egg white, egg yolk, beef and almond, respectively. The order of common food allergens in this study was different from other reports; this might be due to the different food habits and /or ethnic diversities

Detection of specific IgE antibodies to major and minor antigenic determinants in sera of penicillin allergic patients / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the mechanism(s) of penicillins allergic reaction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The radioallergosorbent test (RAST) was used to detect 9 specific IgE antibodies, including major antigenic determinants: benzylpenicilloyl (BPO), ampicilloyl (APO), amoxicilloyl (AXO), phenoxomethylpenicilloyl (PVO) and flucloxacilloyl (FLUO), and minor antigenic determinants: benzylpenicillanyl (BPA), amoxicillanyl (AXA), 6-aminopenicillanic (APA) and phenoxomethylpenicillany (PVA), in the sera of 32 penicillin allergic patients. The relationship between specific IgE antibodies and penicillins chemical structures was studied by radioallergosorbent inhibition test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Nineteen of 32 patients (59.4%) were RAST positive, among whom, five cases were positive only to one or two antigenic minor determinants, and three cases were positive only to one or three major antigenic determinants. The remaining 11 patients were positive not only to major antigenic determinants but also minor antigenic determinants. In 9 specific IgE antibodies, the positive rate of PVA-IgE was the highest (34.38%), followed by BPO-IgE (31.25%). The positive rate of FLUO-IgE was the lowest (15.63%). Of the total patient group, 53.13% were positive to one or more minor antigenic determinants, while 37.5% (12/32) were positive to one or more major antigenic determinants. The percentage of patients with urticarial reactions who were positive to minor antigenic determinants (63.16%) was significantly higher than observed in the anaphylactic shock group (38.5%, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The minor antigenic determinant was important in allergic reaction. The combining sites of the specific IgE antibodies were likely to be the side-chain of drug or the overwhelming drug molecule.</p>

Pattern of sensitization to common environmental allergens amongst atopic Singapore children in the first 3 years of life.

This study was aimed to investigate the sensitization pattern to a range of common allergens in young Singaporean children. A cross-sectional study involving 75 children aged below 3 years was carried out. They presented between December 1995 and April 2000 with symptoms of asthma, rhinitis, eczema, or food allergy. Their levels of allergen-specific serum IgE to a panel of foods (egg white, milk, soy protein, shrimp, wheat and peanut), pet dander, dust mites and cockroaches were measured with Pharmacia CAP System radioallergosorbent test kits. Serum IgE levels greater than 0.35 kU/l represented a positive result. Four children could not be tested with the complete panel because of insufficient serum. The prevalence of sensitization was highest for cow's milk (45.9%) followed by egg white (38.7%), dust mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (31.4%) and Blomia tropicalis (25.5%). Sensitization to ingested allergens was significantly more prevalent in children aged 1 year or younger than in the older children (70.4% of those below 1 year, and 50% of those aged 1-3 years; p < 0.02). Sensitization to inhaled allergens, such as dust mites, was more likely to manifest as respiratory symptoms (allergic rhinitis and asthma), while ingested allergens were associated with gastrointestinal symptoms and eczema (p < 0.001). It was concluded that infants and young children are at high risk of sensitization to common environmental substances. Allergen avoidance is therefore important even in the very young. The prevalence of sensitization to food allergens is higher compared to inhalant allergens in young children.