Progress in the application of AIT in allergic airway diseases / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

Allergen specific immunotherapy (AIT) is to identify the patient's allergen, give the patient repeated exposure to the allergen extract, and gradually increase the concentration and dose until the target maintenance dose is reached, so that the patient can develop tolerance to the allergen, which is the only treatment that can regulate the pathogenesis of allergic diseases and change its natural course. In recent years, domestic and foreign scholars have made great progress in the clinical practice and research field of AIT. This article reviewed the relevant progress of the mechanism, efficacy and drug administration of AIT.

Sensibilización cutánea a aero alérgenos en niños con rinitis y asma / Skin sensitization to aero-allergens in children with rhinitis and asthma

Introducción: Las enfermedades alérgicas son muy comunes en la población pediátrica. Entre las causas frecuentes se encuentran los aeroalérgenos del ambiente, y la identificación de estos es de gran ayuda tanto para el diagnóstico como para el tratamiento. Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia de aeroalérgenos, por medio de la determinación de Inmunoglobulina E (IgE) específica a alérgenos comunes por la prueba de sensibilidad cutánea en pacientes pediátricos con síntomas de asma y rinitis alérgica. Materiales y Métodos: Diseño observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo, transversal, población de pacientes de 4 a 17 años con síntomas compatibles con asma y rinitis alérgica que acudieron a un centro asistencial pediátrico en el periodo de estudio. Se realizó por medio de las Pruebas de punción cutánea (PCP). Resultados: La edad media de los pacientes fue de 8 años, 57% pacientes de sexo masculino y 43% de sexo femenino. El 53% de los pacientes presenta rinitis y asma, 45% solo rinitis y el 2% solo asma. El 79% de los pacientes presentó reacción positiva de sensibilización alérgica por medio de la PCP. Teniendo en cuenta la sensibilización por tipo de aeroalérgenos se tuvo que el 64% de los pacientes tuvo reacción positiva a ácaros, 19% a animales 18% a cucarachas, 8% a pólenes y 6% a hongos. Conclusión: La gran mayoría de pacientes con asma padecía rinitis alérgica concomitante y los ácaros del polvo fueron los aeroalérgenos más frecuentemente determinados en las pruebas cutáneas de alergia en niños con asma y rinitis de nuestra población.

Introduction: Allergic diseases are very common in the pediatric population. Among the frequent causes are aeroallergens from the environment and the identification of these is a great help for diagnosis and treatment. Objectives: To determine the frequency of aeroallergens, through the determination of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) specific to common allergens by the skin sensitivity test in pediatric patients with symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Materials and Methods: Observational, descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional design, population of patients from 4 to 17 years old with symptoms compatible with asthma and allergic rhinitis who attended a pediatric care center during the study period. It was carried out by means of Skin Puncture Tests (PCP). Results: The mean age of the patients was 8 years, 57% male patients and 43% female. 53% of the patients presented Rhinitis and Asthma, 45% only Rhinitis and 2% only Asthma. 79% of the patients presented a positive allergic sensitization reaction through PCP. Taking into account the sensitization by type of aeroallergens, 64% of the patients had a positive reaction to mites, 19 % to animals 18% to cockroaches, 8% to pollens and 6% to fungi. Conclusion: The vast majority of patients with asthma suffered from concomitant allergic rhinitis and dust mites were the most frequently determined aeroallergens in allergic skin tests in children with asthma and rhinitis in our population.

Effect of obesity, lipids and adipokines on allergic rhinitis risk: a Mendelian randomization study

Abstract Objectives: Observational studies suggested that obesity may promote the development of allergic rhinitis. The aim of this study was to explore the association of obesity, lipids and adipokines with this allergic disease at the genetic level using Mendelian randomization strategies. Methods: Summary data for three obesity indicators (such as body mass index), eight lipid indicators (such as triglycerides) and six adipokines (such as interleukin-6 and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein) were collected, and suitable instrumental variables were extracted from these summary data according to the three main assumptions of Mendelian randomization. Three Mendelian randomization methods (such as inverse variance weighted) were used to detect the casual effect of the above indicators on allergic rhinitis risk. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. Results: After Bonferroni correction, the inverse variance weighted reported that elevated levels of interleukin-6 and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein were nominally associated with the decreased risk of allergic rhinitis (OR = 0.870, 95% CI 0.765-0.990, p = 0.035; OR = 0.732, 95% CI 0.551-0.973, p = 0.032). The other Mendelian randomization methods supported these results. Obesity, lipids and other adipokines were not related to this allergic disease. Sensitivity analyses found no heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy in the study. Conclusion: The study provided some interesting, but not sufficient, evidence to suggest that interleukin-6 and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein might play a protective role in the development of allergic rhinitis at the genetic level. These findings should be validated by more research. Level of evidence: This was a Mendelian randomized study with a level of evidence second only to clinical randomized trials, and higher than cohort and case-control studies.

Efeitos do isolamento social pela pandemia por COVID-19 na rinite infantil / Effects of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic on childhood rhinitis

Introdução e objetivo: Devido à pandemia do novo coronavírus, as crianças passaram a ficar mais tempo em casa, e essa mudança implicou diretamente nas manifestações de diversas doenças, inclusive da rinite. A rinite é a inflamação da mucosa causada, principalmente, por alérgenos, ocasionando sintomas como rinorreia, espirros, obstrução nasal, hiperemia conjuntival, prurido nasal e ocular. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar as consequências do isolamento social nas crianças com rinite, a fim de compreender a modificação da doença nesse período. Métodos: O estudo é observacional transversal, com dados obtidos através de um questionário eletrônico, para pais e/ou responsáveis de crianças entre 5 e 12 anos. Resultados: No total de 116 respostas, 51,7% das crianças eram do sexo masculino, e a mediana de idade foi de 8,5 anos. Em relação à rinite, em 81% dos casos foi relatado melhora ou manutenção do quadro durante o período de isolamento social. Em um quarto da amostra houve piora na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Os sintomas com maior piora foram espirros e prurido nasal, e o sintoma com maior melhora foi a rinorreia. Os desencadeantes de sintomas mais frequentes foram animais domésticos, tapetes e perfumes. O uso de medicamentos foi relatado em 59,4% dos casos, sendo que em 32,7% não houve prescrição médica. Conclusão: Os resultados encontrados evidenciaram que o isolamento social teve um impacto positivo em relação às manifestações clínicas da rinite na população estudada.

Introduction and objective: The COVID-19 pandemic required children to spend more time at home, and this change had a direct impact on the manifestations of various diseases, including rhinitis. Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused mainly by exposure to allergens, resulting in symptoms such as rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal obstruction, conjunctival hyperemia, and itchy eyes and nose. This study aimed to evaluate the consequences of social distancing in children with rhinitis in order to understand the changes in the disease pattern during the pandemic. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study with data obtained through an electronic questionnaire answered by parents and/or guardians of children aged 5 to 12 years. Results: From a total of 116 responses, 51.7% of children were male with a median age of 8.5 years. In 81% of cases, rhinitis symptoms improved or remained unchanged during the period of social distancing. In a quarter of the sample, there was a worsening of patients' quality of life. The symptoms with the greatest worsening were sneezing and nasal itching, and the symptom with the greatest improvement was rhinorrhea. The most frequent symptom triggers were pets, carpets, and perfumes. Medication use was reported in 59.4% of cases, with the use of over-the-counter medications in 32.7% of them. Conclusion: The results showed that social distancing had a positive impact on the clinical manifestations of rhinitis in the study population.

Baker's rhinitis and asthma with concomitant wheat anaphylaxis: a rare overlap of clinical entities / Rinite e asma do padeiro com anafilaxia após ingestão de trigo: um caso raro de sobreposição de entidades clínicas

Wheat is one of the fundamental sources of food worldwide. Baker's asthma and occupational rhinitis are both frequent and can be attributable to work exposure in bakers. However, the association between baker's asthma and wheat allergy is very rare. The authors report the case of a bakery worker who developed baker's asthma and occupational rhinitis after years of working in a bakery and later developed anaphylactic reactions after wheat ingestion.

O trigo é uma das fontes alimentares mais importantes em todo o mundo. A asma do padeiro e a rinite ocupacional são frequentes e podem ser atribuídas à exposição a farinhas em padeiros. No entanto, a associação entre asma do padeiro e alergia alimentar ao trigo é muito rara. Os autores descrevem um caso em que um trabalhador de panificação desenvolveu asma do padeiro e rinite ocupacional após anos trabalhando em uma padaria, e posteriormente desenvolveu reações anafiláticas após a ingestão de trigo.

Distúrbios do olfato, uma revisão narrativa do diagnóstico ao tratamento / Olfactory dysfunction: a narrative review from diagnosis to treatment

Os distúrbios do olfato (DO) impactam de forma significativa na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos, e o conhecimento teórico a respeito do assunto deve ser de domínio dos alergologistas e imunologistas clínicos, possibilitando, assim, o seu diagnóstico e implementação de intervenções. Suas causas podem ser variadas, entre elas estão: rinite alérgica, rinossinusite crônica com ou sem pólipos, infecções de vias aéreas superiores, exposição a substâncias químicas, doenças neurológicas, drogas, traumas e o próprio envelhecimento. O olfato pode ser avaliado e mensurado através de testes com metodologias diferentes, cujo objetivo é avaliar parâmetros como a identificação de odores, limiar e discriminação olfativa. Esses testes são de fundamental importância para caracterizar objetivamente a queixa do paciente, como também avaliar o olfato antes e após determinada aplicação terapêutica. O tratamento das desordens olfativas é baseado em sua etiologia, portanto determinar a sua causa é indispensável para uma melhor eficácia no manejo. Entre as principais opções estão os corticoides tópicos, com impacto significativo nos pacientes com doença sinusal associada, treinamento olfatório e outras intervenções como ômega 3, vitamina A intranasal, e terapias que ainda requerem mais estudos.

Olfactory dysfunction significantly impacts quality of life, and allergists and clinical immunologists must be informed about it for diagnostic and interventional purposes. The causes are varied: allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyps, upper airway infections, exposure to chemicals, neurological diseases, drugs, trauma, and aging itself. Olfactory function can be evaluated and measured by several tests that use different methodologies to evaluate and identify odors, olfactory threshold, and olfactory discrimination. These tests are fundamental for objectively characterizing patient complaints and evaluating olfactory function before and after therapeutic interventions. Olfactory disorders are treated according to their etiology, so determining their cause is a major factor in treatment efficacy. The main options include topical corticosteroids, which have a significant impact on patients with sinus disease, olfactory training, other therapies (such as omega 3 and intranasal vitamin A), in addition to therapies that require further research.

Rinite alérgica em estudantes de Medicina: percepção sobre diagnóstico, controle dos sintomas e qualidade de vida / Allergic rhinitis among medical students: perceptions about diagnosis, symptom control, and quality of life

Introdução: A rinite alérgica (RA) é uma doença com sintomas nasais, como rinorreia, espirros e congestão nasal, causada pela inflamação da mucosa após a exposição do indivíduo a um agente alérgeno. A sintomatologia da doença causa consequências na qualidade de vida do paciente, que frequentemente possui problemas de sono, irritabilidade e fadiga. Estudantes podem ter seu desempenho acadêmico afetado de modo negativo pela doença. Objetivo: Tendo em vista a problemática que a doença causa na performance de estudantes, esse estudo pretende analisar a prevalência da RA nos discentes da Universidade do Vale do Itajaí (UNIVALI), com a finalidade de identificar o grau de comprometimento na qualidade de vida dos estudantes com a doença e relacionar com o seu grau de controle dos sintomas da rinite alérgica. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo observacional, a partir de dados coletados de estudantes de Medicina, através de questionários específicos para avaliação do controle dos sintomas e impacto na qualidade de vida, sendo eles: o Rhinitis Control Assessment Test e o Sino-Nasal Outcome Test. Resultados: 88 estudantes de Medicina foram avaliados neste estudo, a prevalência da RA foi de 69%. A maioria dos estudantes possui a doença controlada, o que caracteriza menor impacto da doença na qualidade de vida desses pacientes. Entre eles, os sintomas de maior impacto são: espirros, obstrução nasal e lacrimejamento ocular. Houve correlação estatística entre o controle dos sintomas e o impacto dos mesmos na qualidade de vida, avaliado pelos questionários RCAT e SNOT-22 (r = -0,4277; p < 0,001). Conclusão: O conhecimento disseminado entre estudantes de Medicina sobre rinite alérgica, diferentemente do resto da população, permite que os mesmos tenham maior conscientização, aderência aos tratamentos e percepção do quadro. Por isso, a educação da população se faz essencial e útil para controle dos sintomas e garantia da qualidade de vida coletiva.

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis is a disease involving nasal symptoms, such as rhinorrhea, sneezing and nasal congestion, which are caused by mucosal inflammation due to allergen exposure. The symptoms, which affect patient quality of life, frequently include sleep problems, irritability, and fatigue. The disease can have a negative impact on academic performance in affected students. Objective: In view of the disease's effects on academic performance, this study determined the prevalence of allergic rhinitis among medical students at the Universidade do Vale do Itajaí (Santa Catarina, Brazil), identifying the degree to which it impairs quality of life and relating this to symptom control. Methods: This descriptive observational study was based on data collected from medical students through 2 specific questionnaires to assess symptom control and quality of life: the Rhinitis Control Assessment Test (RCAT) and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT- 22). Results: Among the 88 medical students evaluated in this study, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 69%. The disease controlled in most affected students, indicating a lower impact on quality of life. The most prominent symptoms were sneezing, nasal obstruction, and tearing. According to the RCAT and SNOT-22 results, symptom control was significantly correlated with quality of life (r = -0.4277; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Unlike the rest of the population, the students' knowledge of allergic rhinitis led to greater awareness of the condition and better treatment adherence. Therefore, educating the population is essential for symptom control and guaranteeing collective quality of life.

Rinitis alérgica en pediatría: recomendaciones para su diagnóstico y tratamiento / Allergic rhinitis in pediatrics: recommendations for diagnosis and treatment

La rinitis alérgica (RA) es una de las enfermedades crónicas más frecuentes de la infancia. Sin embargo, permanece subdiagnosticada y subtratada. Su prevalencia ha aumentado en los últimos años y varía del 2 % al 25 %. Los síntomas de la RA incluyen estornudos, prurito, rinorrea y congestión nasal. Un correcto diagnóstico y tratamiento de la RA y sus comorbilidades, tales como rinosinusitis con o sin poliposis nasal, conjuntivitis, otitis media, asma bronquial e infecciones del tracto respiratorio, son importantes para reducir el impacto negativo en la afectación de la calidad de vida del paciente y sus familiares, y los gastos sanitarios que ocasiona. La inmunoterapia alérgeno específica, en pacientes correctamente seleccionados, previene nuevas sensibilizaciones y reduce la hiperreactividad bronquial asociada a la RA. Considerando todos estos factores, el Comité Nacional de Alergia de la Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría propone recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia actual.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. However, it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Its prevalence has increased in recent years and varies from 2 to 25 %. Symptoms include sneezing, itching, runny nose, and nasal congestion. A correct diagnosis and treatment of AR and its comorbidities such as rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyposis, conjunctivitis, otitis media, bronchial asthma and respiratory tract infections, are important to reduce the negative impact on the quality of life of the patient and their relatives, and in medical costs. Specific allergen immunotherapy, in correctly selected patients, prevents new sensitizations and reduces bronchial hyperreactivity associated with AR. Taking into account all these reasons, the National Allergy Committee of the Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría proposes current evidence based recommendations

The effect of early radiofrequency turbinate reduction, intranasal steroid, and antihistamine H-1 on persistent allergic rhinitis: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effect of radiofrequency turbinate reduction as an initial treatment on clinical improvement, inflammatory mediators, and remodeling process. Methods: Between July 2018- February 2020, 32 patients with moderate-severe persistent AR were randomly divided into 2 groups. Intervention group received radiofrequency turbinate reduction followed by intranasal steroid and Antihistamine H-1 (AH-1), control group received intranasal steroid and AH-1. Both groups were evaluated for clinical improvement (using visual analogue scale based on total nasal symptoms score, peak nasal inspiratory flow, and turbinate size using imageJ) after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. Inflammatory mediators (ELISA from nasal secretions was performed to measure ECP, IL-5, and HSP-70) and remodeling markers (nasal biopsy followed by immunohistochemistry examination was performed to evaluate MMP-9, TIMP-1, and PAI-1) were evaluated in week 4. Results: Three patients dropped out of the study, resulting in 16 patients in intervention group and 13 patients in control group. At week 4, clinical response improved significantly in the intervention group compared to control group (Chi-Square test, p<0.05). Compared to control, intervention group experienced a reduction of IL-5 and no significant change in ECP level (Mann Whitney test, p>0.05). Reduction in the ratio of MMP-9/TIMP-1 were significantly higher in intervention group (unpaired t-test, p< 0,05). Meanwhile, increase in HSP-70 in the intervention group was slightly lower than in control group, but the difference with control group was not significant (Mann Whitney test, p>0.05). Conclusion: Early radiofrequency turbinate reduction followed by pharmacotherapy given to persistent moderate-severe AR patients give more improvement only in early clinical symptoms and reduce MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio, thus it might be suggested as one of the adjuvant therapies for the management of moderate-severe persistent AR. However, further investigation with a larger sample size and longer follow-up period is needed. Level of evidence: 1B.

Eficacia y seguridad de la combinación de dosis fija montelukast-desloratadina 10 mg/5 mg cápsula en adultos mexicanos con rinitis alérgica persistente: Estudio controlado, aleatorizado, doble ciego y multicéntrico / Efficacy and safety of fixed-dose combination of montelukast-desloratadine 10 mg/5 mg capsule in Mexican adults with persistent allergic rhinitis: A double blind, randomized, controlled and multicenter study

Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de la combinación de dosis fija montelukast/desloratadina 10mg/5mg cápsula versus la combinación de montelukast/loratadina 10 mg/10 mg tableta en adultos con diagnóstico de rinitis alérgica persistente. Material y métodos: El presente fue un estudio clínico aleatorizado, controlado, doble ciego, prospectivo, longitudinal, multicéntrico, con brazos paralelos. Sujetos con diag nóstico de rinitis alérgica persistente que cumplieran criterios de elegibilidad y firmaran consentimiento informado fueron enrolados para recibir uno de los dos tratamientos cada 24 horas vía oral durante 6 semanas. La eficacia se estableció mediante la evaluación clínica a través de escalas clínicas validadas en idioma español, siendo la variable primaria de eficacia la diferencia de puntuación del cuestionario SNOT-20 al final del tratamiento, mientras que la frecuencia y características de los eventos adversos fue considerada la variable de seguridad. Resultados: Se aleatorizaron 86 pacientes, 74 de ellos fueron analizados por protocolo. Los cuestionarios sobre síntomas de la enfermedad e indicadores de calidad de vida con ambos tratamientos mostraron que más del 90% de los pacientes no presentaron síntomas o solo fueron leves al final del estudio, por lo que ambos tratamientos me joraron significativamente (p < 0.05) la sintomatología de la enfermedad. Los eventos adversos presentados fueron leves a moderados. Conclusiones: El presente estudio demostró que la eficacia de montelukast/deslora tadina 10mg/5mg no es inferior al medicamento comparador. Por tanto, el tratamiento de prueba representa una alternativa eficaz y segura para el tratamiento de segunda línea de la rinitis alérgica persistente en pacientes que las monoterapias o primeras líneas de tratamiento no ofrecen mejoría clínicamente relevante.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the fixed dose combination of montelukast/desloratadine 10 mg/5 mg capsule versus the combination of montelukast/loratadine 10 mg/10 mg tablet in adults diagnosed with persistent allergic rhinitis. Materials and methods: The present study was a multicenter, controlled, prospective, longitudinal, randomized, double-blind clinical trial with parallel arms. Patients diagnosed with persistent allergic rhinitis who met eligibility criteria and signed informed consent were enrolled in the study to receive one of the two treatments every 24 hours orally for 6 weeks. Efficacy was established by clinical evaluation through clinical scales vali dated in Spanish, being the primary efficacy variable the difference in the score of the SNOT-20 (Sino-Nasal Outcome Test) questionnaire at the end of treatment; and the frequency and characteristics of adverse events were considered the safety variable. Results: 86 patients were randomized, 74 of which were analyzed per protocol. Ques tionnaires about the symptoms of the disease and quality of life indicators with both treatments showed that more than 90% of patients had mild symptoms or no symptoms at all at the end of the study. So, both treatments significantly improved (p < 0.05) the symptoms of the disease. Adverse events were mild to moderate. Conclusions: The present study showed that the efficacy of montelukast/desloratadine 10 mg/5 mg is not inferior to the comparator. Therefore, the study treatment represents an effective and safe alternative for the second-line treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis in patients in whom monotherapies or first-line treatments don't offer clinically relevant improvement.

Cirugía de cornetes inferiores en población pediátrica: ¿Cómo, cuándo y por qué? / Inferior turbinate surgery in pediatric population: How, when and why?

La hipertrofia de cornetes inferiores representa una de las principales causas de obstrucción nasal en pacientes pediátricos. En estudios recientes se ha observado un aumento significativo de esta patología en niños que no responden a terapia médica. La evidencia disponible recomienda la cirugía como tratamiento de elección en la obstrucción nasal refractaria en niños con cornetes hipertróficos. Sin embargo, hasta la fecha no existen criterios formales de derivación a cirugía en la población pediátrica y los estudios en infantes son limitados. Al mismo tiempo, la falta de consenso no ha permitido recomendar una técnica quirúrgica en estos pacientes por sobre otras. Por lo tanto, se hace necesario profundizar las diferentes alternativas disponibles, considerando y optando por aquellas que presenten mayores beneficios y menor riesgo de complicaciones. En la presente revisión se estudió la evidencia disponible hasta el momento sobre este tema en la población pediátrica y además se realizó un análisis de la efectividad y complicaciones de las diferentes técnicas disponibles.

Inferior turbinate hypertrophy represents one of the leading causes of nasal obstruction in pediatric patients. Recent studies have observed a significant increase in turbinate hypertrophy in children that does not respond to medical treatment. The latest evidence recommends inferior turbinoplasty for treating nasal obstruction in children with hypertrophic turbinates. However, until today there are no formal criteria for referral to surgery in the pediatric population, and studies in children are limited. At the same time, the absence of consensus has not allowed the recommendation of one surgical technique over others in these patients. This is why it is necessary to deepen the available alternatives and choose those with more significant benefits and a lower risk of complications. In this review, we study available evidence about this topic in the pediatric population and analyze the effectiveness and complications of different known techniques.

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.

Prevalence of rhinitis and associated factors in adolescents and adults: a Global Asthma Network study / Prevalência de rinite e fatores associados em adolescentes e adultos: um estudo da Global Asthma Network

Abstract Objective: To determine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and associated factors in adolescents and in their parents/guardians. Methods: A cross-sectional study, applying a standardized and validated written questionnaire. Adolescents (13-14 years old; n=1,058) and their parents/guardians (mean age=42.1 years old; n=896) living in the city of Uruguaiana, southern Brazil, responded to the Global Asthma Network standard questionnaires. Results: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in adolescents was 28.0%, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, 21.3%, and severe forms of allergic rhinitis, 7.8%. In the adults, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 31.7%. Some associated factors with allergic rhinitis in adolescents include low physical exercise (OR 2.16; 95%CI 1.15-4.05), having only one older sibling (OR 1.94; 95CI 1.01-3.72) and daily meat consumption (OR 7.43; 95% CI 1.53-36.11). In contrast, consuming sugar (OR 0.34; 95%CI 0.12-0.93) or olive oil (OR 0.33; 95%CI 0.13-0 .81) once or twice a week, and eating vegetables daily (OR 0.39; 95%CI 0.15-0.99) were considered factors negatively associated. In adults, exposure to fungi at home (OR 5.25; 95%CI 1.01-27.22) and consumption of meat once or twice a week (OR 46.45; 95CI 2.12-1020.71) were factors associated with the medical diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, while low education (OR 0.25; 95%CI 0.07-0.92) was found to be a factor negatively associated. Conclusions: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in adolescents is high, as well as its medical diagnosis in adults living in Uruguaiana. Environmental factors, especially food habits, were associated with findings in both groups.

Resumo Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de rinite alérgica e fatores associados em adolescentes e em seus pais/responsáveis. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com aplicação de questionário escrito padronizado e validado. Adolescentes (13-14 anos; n=1.058) e seus pais/responsáveis (média de idade=42,1 anos; n=896) residentes na cidade de Uruguaiana, Sul do Brasil, responderam aos questionários padrão da Global Asthma Network. Resultados: A prevalência de rinite alérgica em adolescentes foi de 28,0%, a de rinoconjuntivite alérgica foi de 21,3% e a de formas graves de rinite alérgica, de 7,8%. Nos adultos, a prevalência de rinite alérgica foi de 31,7%. Alguns fatores associados à rinite alérgica em adolescentes incluem fazer pouco exercício físico (odds ratio — OR 2,16; intervalo de confiança — IC95% 1,15-4,05), ter apenas um irmão mais velho (OR 1,94; IC95% 1,01-3,72) e consumir carne diariamente (OR 7,43; IC95% 1,53-36,11). Por outro lado, consumir açúcar (OR 0,34; IC5% 0,12-0,93) ou azeite de oliva (OR 0,33 IC95% 0,13-0,81) uma ou duas vezes por semana e comer vegetais diariamente (OR 0,39; IC95% 0,15-0,99) foram considerados fatores associados negativamente. Em adultos, a exposição a fungos no domicílio (OR 5,25; IC95% 1,01-27,22) e o consumo de carne uma ou duas vezes por semana (OR 46,45; IC95 2,12-1020,71) foram fatores associados ao diagnóstico médico de rinite alérgica, enquanto a baixa escolaridade (OR 0,25; IC95% 0,07-0,92) se mostrou como fator associado negativamente. Conclusões: A prevalência de rinite alérgica em adolescentes é alta, assim como seu diagnóstico médico em adultos residentes em Uruguaiana. Fatores ambientais, especialmente hábitos alimentares, foram associados aos achados em ambos os grupos.

Efficacy of different oral H1 antihistamine treatments on allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Introduction Oral H1 antihistamines are the first-line treatment for patients with allergic rhinitis, while it is uncertain which kind and dosage of the antihistamines are more effective in improving symptoms of patients. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of different oral H1 antihistamine treatments on patients with allergic rhinitis by performing a network meta-analysis. Methods The search was executed in PubMed, Embase, OVID, the Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov for relevant studies. The network meta-analysis was performed by using Stata 16.0, and the outcome measures of the analysis were symptom score reductions of patients. Relative risks with 95% Confidence Intervals were used in the network meta-analysis to compare the clinical effect of treatments involved, and Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking Curves (SUCRAs) were also calculated to rank the treatments' efficacy. Results 18 eligible randomized controlled studies, involving a total of 9419 participants, were included in this meta-analysis. All the antihistamine treatments outperformed placebo in total symptom score reduction and each individual symptom score reduction. According to the results of SUCRA, rupatadine 20 mg and rupatadine 10 mg were ranked relatively high in reductions of total symptom score (SUCRA: 99.7%, 76.3%), nasal congestion score (SUCRA: 96.4%, 76.4%), rhinorrhea score (SUCRA: 96.6%, 74.6%) and ocular symptom score (SUCRA: 97.2%, 88.8%); rupatadine 20 mg and levocetirizine 5 mg were ranked relatively high in reductions of nasal itching score (SUCRA: 84.8%, 83.4%) and sneezing score (SUCRA: 87.3%, 95.4%); loratadine 10 mg was ranked the lowest in each symptom score reduction besides placebo. Conclusion This study suggests that rupatadine is the most effective in alleviating symptoms of patients with allergic rhinitis among different oral H1 antihistamine treatments involved, and rupatadine 20 mg performs better than rupatadine 10 mg. While loratadine 10 mg has inferior efficacy for patients to the other antihistamine treatments.

Parental, gestational, and early-life exposure to indoor environmental hazardous factors on allergic rhinitis among preschool children in Urumqi City: a case-control study

Abstract Objective Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a disease associated with impaired quality of life and heredity. This study aimed to investigate the association of allergic rhinitis in preschool children with exposure to indoor environment-related factors early in life. Methods In August 2019, the authors implemented a study among 2020 preschool children in Urumqi City using a case-control design. The study included parental reports for the occurrence of AR in children, parental history of respiratory disease, and indoor environmental correlates of maternal exposure from 1 year prior to pregnancy until the child's age of 0-1 year. Results Mode of birth (cesarean section) (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.02∼1.67), father with AR (OR = 2.67, 95% CI = 2.08∼3.44), mother with AR (OR = 3.70, 95% CI = 2.88∼4.74), mother with asthma (OR = 3.11, 95% CI = 1.18∼8.20), and mother with newly purchased furniture in the parents' residence during pregnancy (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.03∼2.14) were risk factors for AR in children. Conclusions The focus of allergic rhinitis should be on children with a family history of AR and asthma and cesarean delivery. Primary prevention efforts for AR in preschool children are avoiding exposure of children to indoor environmental hazardous factors early in life.

Prevalence of allergic rhinitis symptoms and associated factors in six-year-old children in a municipality in southern Brazil / Prevalência de sintomas de rinite alérgica e fatores associados em crianças de seis anos em um município do sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the prevalence of allergic rhinitis symptoms and associated factors in six-year-old children. Methods: Cross-sectional epidemiological study involving 956 six-year-old schoolchildren from Palhoça, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Home interviews were conducted with mothers in which socio-demographic and house environmental conditions information were obtained, and the International Study of Athma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire for allergic rhinitis symptoms was applied. Bivariate and multivariate hierarchical analyses were performed using Poisson regression with a robust estimator. Results: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis symptoms was 21.7%. Children whose mothers had over 8 years of education, or who had air conditioning equipment in the house, or whose bedroom walls presented mold or moisture showed statistically significant and independent 5% higher prevalence of allergic rhinitis. Similarly, children of smoker mothers or those who lived with fur or feather animals indoors showed a 4% higher prevalence. Conclusion: Significant associations were observed between socio-demographic factors and environmental conditions in child's home and allergic rhinitis symptoms in children aged six years.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de sintomas de rinite alérgica e fatores associados em crianças de seis anos de idade. Métodos: Estudo epidemiológico de delineamento transversal envolvendo 956 escolares de seis anos de idade do município de Palhoça, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Foram realizadas entrevistas domiciliares com as mães sobre as informações sociodemográficas e as condições ambientais da casa e foi aplicado o questionário ISAAC para sintomas de rinite alérgica. Análises bivariada e multivariada hierarquizada foram realizadas por meio da Regressão de Poisson com estimador robusto. Resultados: A prevalência de sintomas de rinite alérgica foi de 21,7%. Crianças cujas mães apresentavam escolaridade maior que oito anos ou com presença de aparelho de ar condicionado ou mofo/umidade nas paredes do quarto em que dormiam apresentaram prevalência 5% maior, estatisticamente significativa e independente, de rinite alérgica. Da mesma forma, crianças com mães tabagistas ou que conviviam com animais de pelo ou pena dentro de casa apresentaram prevalência 4% maior. Conclusão: Foram observadas associações significativas entre fatores sociodemográficos e condições ambientais da casa da criança e sintomas de rinite alérgica em crianças de seis anos de idade.

Using RSI and RFS scores to differentiate between reflux-related and other causes of chronic laryngitis

Abstract Objective: To establish if the Reflux Symptom Index (RFI) and the Reflux Finding Score (RFC) can help establish the differential diagnosis in patients with distinct causes of chronic laryngopharyngitis. Methods: A group of 102 adult patients with chronic laryngopharyngitis (Group A - 37 patients with allergic rhinitis; Group B - 22 patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA); Group C -43 patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)) were prospectively studied. Chronic laryngitis was diagnosed based on suggestive symptoms and videolaryngoscopic signs (RSI ≥ 13 and RFS ≥7). Allergies were confirmed by a positive serum RAST, OSA was diagnosed with a positive polysomnography, and LPR with a positive impedance-PH study. Discriminant function analysis was used to determine if the combination of RSI and RFS scores could differentiate between groups. Results: Patients with respiratory allergies and those with LPR showed similar and significantly higher RSI scores when compared to that of patients with OSA (p < 0.001); Patients with OSA and those with LPR showed similar and significantly higher RFS scores when compared to that of patients with Respiratory Allergies (OSA vs. Allergies p < 0.001; LPR vs. Allergies p < 0.002). The combination of both scores held a higher probability of diagnosing OSA (72.73%) and Allergies (64.86%) than diagnosing LPR (51.16%). Conclusions: RSI and RFS are not specific for reflux laryngitis and are more likely to induce a false diagnosis if not used with diligence.

Glycyrrhizin and Mannitol Nasal Therapy: Cytological and Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Rhinitis

Abstract Introduction Chronic rhinitis (CR) represents a widespread inflammation with a high incidence in the general population. Although it is generally considered a benign condition, CR has a relevant impact on quality of life and requires a specific treatment approach. Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of glycyrrhizin and mannitol intranasal treatment on chronic rhinitis using cytological analysis and subjective evaluation of symptoms. Methods A total of 55 patients suffering from chronic rhinitis were enrolled in the present study, 34 with allergic rhinitis (AR) and 21 with nonallergic rhinitis (NAR). The severity of four different nasal symptoms was determined by using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Specimens obtained by nasal scraping were collected for cytological analysis. Data were acquired before and after a 30-day treatment with glycyrrhizin and mannitol nasal spray. Statistical analyses were performed. Results The VAS scores for all four nasal symptoms considered in the present study, as well as for neutrophil cells, reduced significantly after therapy in both allergic and nonallergic patients. The number of eosinophils was not significantly lower in nonallergic patients. Conclusion A 30-day topical treatment with glycyrrhizin and mannitol may improve nasal symptoms and reduce inflammatory cells in the nasal mucosa in patients with chronic rhinitis without significant contraindications. Further studies could support our results and would better clarify all the aspects of this treatment.

Perivascular Innervation in the Nasal Mucosa and Clinical Findings in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis and Idiopathic Rhinitis

Abstract Introduction The nonspecific hyperreactivity of rhinitis has been attributed to neurotrophins activating sensory nerves and inflammatory cells. The relationship between these markers and the intensity of the symptoms is not well established and few studies have evaluated individuals with idiopathic rhinitis. Objective The present study aims to evaluate whether perivascular innervation and nerve growth factor (NGF) are related to the intensity of the clinical conditions in allergic rhinitis (AR) and idiopathic rhinitis (IR). Methods A total of 15 patients with AR and 15 patients with IR with the indication for inferior turbinectomy (associated or not with septoplasty) were selected. The patients received a score according to their signs and symptoms. After the surgery, we quantified eosinophils, mast cells, NGF, and nerve fibers in the nasal turbinate. Results The score of the signs and symptoms was higher in the AR group. Nerve growth factor was found in the cytoplasm of inflammatory cells in the submucosa in greater quantity in the AR group. The nerve fibers were distributed throughout the tissue, mainly in the subepithelial, glandular, and vascular regions, and there was no difference between the groups. Greater perivascular innervation was associated with a higher signs and symptoms score. Conclusions We concluded that these findings suggest that the NGF produced by submucosal inflammatory cells stimulates increased perivascular innervation in rhinitis, thus directly reflecting in more intense clinical conditions, especially in AR.

Epidemiological characteristics of allergic rhinitis and its correlation with serum IFN-γ and IL-4 levels / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of AR and its correlation with serum IFN-γ and IL-4 levels in Bazhong City, and to provide theoretical basis for clinical prevention and treatment of AR. Methods Adopt the method of multistage stratified random survey from January 2019 to January 2020 bazhong 3 armour hospital otolaryngology seeing a doctor , with face to face questionnaire survey form the people generally, AR number of statistics, the main clinical symptoms and related symptoms, AR merger disease situation, according to the illness severity was divided into mild and moderately severe group, Five mL of elbow venous blood was extracted from AR patients, and 22 kinds of allergens were determined by using the allergen-specific IgE antibody detection kit (western blot). Serum IFN-γ and IL-4 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pearson correlation analysis was performed on serum IFN-γ and IL-4 levels and severity of allergic rhinitis. Results Among 1 243 patients who completed the questionnaire, the prevalence of AR was 275 (22.12%). There was significant difference in the prevalence of AR among different age groups (χ2=6.809 , P2=7.914 , P<0.0) and the prevalence of AR in workers was the highest (26.48%). Among 275 AR patients in Bazhong City, 153 cases (55.64%) had seasonal allergic rhinitis and 122 cases (44.36%) had perennial allergic rhinitis. The main clinical symptoms of AR patients were sneezing in 234 cases (85.09%) and nasal obstruction in 197 cases (71.64%). AR combined with bronchial asthma in 59 cases (21.45%), conjunctivitis in 28 cases (10.18%); the peak of AR incidence was mainly in July. Among 22 allergens, dust mite was the most common allergen in 139 cases (50.55%), followed by penicillin in 56 cases (20.36%). The main inducing factors were pollen 112 cases (40.73%) and cold 98 cases (35.64%). According to the severity of the disease, they were divided into mild group (n=178) and moderate to severe group (n=97). The serum IL-4 level in moderate and severe groups was significantly higher than that in mild group (P<0.05). The serum IFN-γ level in moderate and severe groups was significantly lower than that in mild group (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that il-4 level was positively correlated with disease severity (r=0.492, P<0.05). IFN-γ was negatively correlated with the severity of the disease (r=-0.459, P<0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of AR is high in Bazhong city, and the main clinical symptom is sneezing. Among the complications, bronchial asthma is the most common. Colds and weather changes are the main factors causing AR.