Principales aeroalérgenos en rinoconjuntivitis alérgica en la ciudad de Temuco, Chile / Aeroallergens causing rhinoconjunctivitis

Background: Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) has a prevalence of 30% in industrialized countries. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment, it is crucial to identify the causative aeroallergen. Aim: To evaluate aeroallergen sensitization in adults with ARC in the city of Temuco, Chile. Patients and Methods: A skin test against the main aeroallergens present in Temuco was carried out in patients aged 15 to 64 years with ARC diagnosed by medical examination and the Score For Allergic Rhinitis. Results: At least one aeroallergen sensitization was present in 234 (62.4%) out of 375 patients. Pollen-sensitized patients were positive mainly for Grasses (44.4%), Plantago (27.8%), Cynodon (26.1%), Sorrel (23.5%), Birch (14.9%), Nothofagus obliqua (13.3%) and Alder (11.1%). Dust mites were the most common non-pollinic sensitizing aeroallergens, including Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (70.1%) and Dermatophagoides farinae (62.8%). Conclusions: According to our results, skin tests in the city of Temuco should include at least dust mites, pollens of Grasses, Plantago, Cynodon, Sorrel, Birch, Nothofagus obliqua and Alder, because these allergens account for 93% of ARC cases in this city.

Temporal trends in the prevalence of asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis in adolescents / Evolução temporal na prevalência de asma e rinoconjuntivite em adolescentes

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the temporal trend of asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis prevalences as well as their symptoms in adolescents. METHODS Two cross-sectional studies were conducted using the same methodology and questionnaire as was used for adolescents aged 12 to 14 years in the Brazilian city of Florianopolis, SC, Southern Brazil. Based on the international protocol of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) study, adolescents were evaluated in 2001 and 3,150 in 2012. The schools included in this study were the same as in the 2001 study. These schools were randomly selected after stratification by network (public and private) and geographic location. The total average percentage variation was estimated for the prevalence of asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis and their symptoms. RESULTS The prevalence of reported asthma was 10.9% in 2001 and 14.8% in 2012, with an average variation of 2.8% in the period. The highest average variation in the period was observed among female adolescents (4.1%). In parallel a significant increase occurred in reported physician-diagnosed asthma, 7.3% in 2001 and 11,1% in 2012, with an annual variation of 4.5%. The largest increases in reported physician-diagnosed asthma were seen in female (5.9%) and male (4.5%) public school pupils. In addition, a significant increase in reported rhinoconjunctivitis occurred, with the average variation in the period being 5.2%. Reports of severe asthma symptoms remained unchanged during the period, while the annual variation for reported current wheezing (-1.3%) and wheezing during exercise (-1.2%) decreased. CONCLUSIONS The results showed a significant increase in the annual average variation for asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis prevalence during the 2001 to 2012 period.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar a tendência temporal da prevalência de asma e de rinoconjuntivite e seus sintomas em adolescentes. MÉTODOS Foram realizados dois estudos transversais utilizando a mesma metodologia e o mesmo questionário em adolescentes de 12 a 14 anos em Florianópolis, SC. Fundamentado no protocolo internacional do estudo International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), foram avaliados 4.114 adolescentes em 2001 e 3.150 em 2012. As escolas estudadas foram as mesmas de estudo anterior de 2001, selecionadas aleatoriamente após estratificação por rede (pública e privada) e por localização geográfica. A variação percentual anual média total foi estimada para a prevalência de asma e seus sintomas e para rinoconjuntivite. RESULTADOS A prevalência de relato de asma foi de 10,9% em 2001 e de 14,8% em 2012, com variação média no período de 2,8%. A maior variação média no período ocorreu entre os adolescentes do sexo feminino (4,1%). Houve aumento significativo no relato de diagnóstico médico de asma, de 7,3% em 2001 para 11,1% em 2012, com variação anual de 4,5%. Os maiores aumentos no relato de diagnóstico médico de asma ocorreram em alunos do sexo feminino (5,9%) e masculino (4,5%) da rede pública. Houve incremento expressivo no relato de rinoconjuntivite, com variação média no período de 5,2%. O relato de sintomas de asma grave permaneceu inalterado e houve decréscimo na variação anual no período no relato de sibilos atuais (-1,3%) e de sibilos aos exercícios (-1,2%). CONCLUSÕES Os resultados mostraram incremento significativo na variação anual média da prevalência de asma e de rinoconjuntivite no período de 2001 a 2012.

Afecciones de la conjuntiva en pacientes con prótesis ocular / Conjunctival diseases of patients with ocular prothesis

OBJETIVOS: determinar las afecciones conjuntivales en pacientes con prótesis ocular. MÉTODOS: estudio observacional descriptivo longitudinal prospectivo, conformado por 62 pacientes (65 cavidades anoftálmicas) quienes acudieron al Servicio de Oculoplastia del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer" en el período de mayo a diciembre de 2010. Se analizaron la edad, el sexo, las causas de la pérdida ocular, el ojo afectado, la afección conjuntival, el tipo de cavidad, el tiempo de uso protésico, el resultado microbiológico, el manejo higiénico y la respuesta al tratamiento. RESULTADOS: se presentaron 23 pacientes de 40 a 59 años (37,1 %), de los cuales el sexo masculino mostró el 66,1 %. El traumatismo reveló el 40,3 % y el ojo derecho el 50 %. El 33,8 % presentó conjuntivitis alérgica; las retracciones de la conjuntiva reportaron el 18,5 %. El 67,5 % correspondió a cavidades atípicas con un tiempo de más de 366 días en el uso de la prótesis ocular. El resultado microbiológico positivo en 55 cavidades fue de 84,6 %. Se aisló el Staphylococcus aureus en el 70,9 % y de ellos el 41,5 % se efectuó con manejo diario de la prótesis. La respuesta al tratamiento fue buena en el 76,4 %. CONCLUSIONES: las afecciones conjuntivales de los pacientes con prótesis ocular constituyen un problema de salud. Asimismo, la mayoría de las cavidades anoftálmicas son atípicas en adultos, con pérdida del globo ocular por traumatismo. La conjuntivitis alérgica y la retracción conjuntival son las afecciones más frecuentes en los pacientes con prótesis ocular de más de un año de uso, por la presencia de Staphylococcus aureus a consecuencia de mayor manipulación higiénico protésica, aunque en la mayoría de los casos existe buena respuesta al tratamiento.

OBJECTIVES: to determine the conjunctival diseases of patients with ocular prosthesis. METHODS: prospective, longitudinal, descriptive and observational study of 62 patients (65 anophthalmic cavities) who went to the Oculoplasty service of "Ramon Pando Ferrer" Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology from May to December 2010. Age, sex, causes of eye loss, affected eye, conjunctival disease, type of cavity, length of time of prosthesis use, microbiological result, hygienic handling and response to treatment were the analyzed variables. RESULTS: in the studied group, the 40-59 y age group accounted for 37,1 % of patients; males were predominant with 66,1 %. Traumatism was observed in 40,3 %, being the right eye the most affected in 50 % of cases. Likewise, 33,8 % presented with allergic conjunctivitis and 18,5 % had conjunctival retractions. Atypical cavities represented 67,5 % with over 366 days of using the ocular prosthesis. The positive microbiological result was found in 55 cavities for 84,6 %. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 70,9 % of cavities and 41,5 % with daily handling of the ocular prosthesis. The response to treatment was good in 76,4 % of patients. CONCLUSIONS: conjunctival diseases in patients with ocular prosthesis are a health problem. Similarly, most of the anophthalmic cavities are atypical in adults with loss of eyeball from traumatism. Allergic conjunctivitis and conjunctival retraction are the most frequent illnesses in the patients wearing ocular prosthesis for more than one year, due to Staphylococcus aureus presence resulting from frequent hygienic handling of the prosthesis. The majority of patients positively responded to treatment.

Caracterización de la conjuntivitis alérgica en el niño / Characterization of allergic conjunctivitis in the child

Introducción: la alergia ocular es una entidad de presentación muy frecuente en la práctica clínica de la Oftalmología. Objetivo: caracterizar los pacientes pediátricos con conjuntivitis alérgica del Servicio de Oftalmología del Hospital William Soler. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y prospectivo, durante el bienio 2010-2011, cuyo universo de estudio estuvo constituido por los pacientes con diagnóstico presuntivo de conjuntivitis alérgica, y la muestra, aplicados los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, quedó conformada por 80 pacientes. Se analizaron las variables: edad, sexo, color de la piel, presentación clínica y factores de riesgo asociados. Se utilizó la estadística descriptiva (frecuencias absolutas y porcentaje). Resultados: predominaron los niños entre 8 y 13 años (68,8 por ciento), seguidos por aquellos entre 3 y 7 (12,5 por ciento) y entre 14 y 18 años (1,9 por ciento), los varones (72,5 por ciento) y el color blanco de la piel (71,2 por ciento). El tipo clínico de conjuntivitis alérgica más frecuente resultó la estacional y perenne (38,8 por ciento), seguido de la aguda (31,3 por ciento), y, el de menor presentación, la dermatoconjuntivitis de contacto (5,0 por ciento). La exposición al polvo se refirió por el 100 por ciento de los pacientes. Conclusiones: predominaron los niños entre 8 y 13 años, los varones y el color blanco de la piel. El tipo clínico de conjuntivitis alérgica más frecuente resultó la estacional y perenne, y el factor de riesgo asociado, la exposición al polvo

Introduction: ocular allergy is a disease that frequently presents in clinical practice in ophthalmology. Objectives: to characterize the pediatric patients with allergic conjunctivitis of the ophthalmological service of William Soler hospital. Methods: a prospective, observational and descriptive study was conducted in 2010 and 2011; the universe of study was the patients with presumptive diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis and the sample was made up of 80 patients after the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The analyzed variables were age, sex, race, clinical presentation and associated risk factors. Descriptive statistics (absolute frequencies and percentages) were used. Results: children aged 8 to 13 years (68.8 percent) were predominant, followed by those of 3 to 7 years (12.5 percent) and 14 to 18 years (1.9 percent), males (72.5 percent) and Caucasians (71.2 percent). The most common clinical type of allergic conjunctivitis was the seasonal and permanent one (38.8 percent), followed by the acute one (31.3 percent) and the least observed was contact dermatoconjunctivitis (5 percent). Exposure to dust was mentioned in 100 percent of patients. Conclusions: children aged 8 to 13 years, males and Caucasians prevailed. The most frequent clinical type of allergic conjunctivitis was the seasonal and perennial one and the associated risk factor was exposure to dust

Oral cyclosporine therapy for refractory severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

We report the success of oral cyclosporine therapy in a patient with severe vision-threatening vernal keratoconjunctivitis. A child presented with severe allergy which was not controlled with topical steroids, cyclosporine and mast cell stabilizers. Oral steroids were required repeatedly to suppress inflammation. Child showed a dramatic improvement and stabilization with oral cyclosporine therapy. Oral cyclosporine therapy can be tried in severe vision-threatening allergy refractory to conventional therapy.

clinical significance of perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation in vernal conjunctivitis

To compare the extent of perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation and limbal palisadal pigmentation in patients with vernal conjunctivitis and controls and correlate it with the duration of disease. Case control study. Eye Department, Combined Military Hospital, Abbottabad, from May 2009 to March 2010. One hundred subjects including 50 patients with vernal conjunctivitis and 50 controls were studied. Demographic data, family and personal history, disease duration, symptoms, signs, complications and extent of perilimbal and palisadal conjunctival pigmentation were recorded among patients and controls. Mann Whitney-U test and Spearman's rho test were used for statistical analysis. The extent of perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation in patients with vernal conjunctivitis was more than controls [p < 0.0001]. Similarly, limbal palisadal pigmentation was also more extensive than controls [p = 0.004]. There was no correlation between the duration of disease and severity of conjunctival pigmentation [r = 0.24] [p = 0.086]. The presence of increased perilimbal and limbal palisadal conjunctival pigmentation among patients with vernal conjunctivitis is a specific sign of vernal conjunctivitis

The Relationship Between Psychosocial Stress and Allergic Disease Among Children and Adolescents in Gwangyang Bay, Korea / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Stress is considered a causal factor in many diseases, allergic disease being one of them. The prevalence of allergic disease is increasing in Korea, but the relationship between allergic symptoms and stress is not empirically well known. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between allergy-related symptoms and stress in children and adolescents. METHODS: We investigated 698 children and adolescents living in Gwangyang Bay, Korea, using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood and the Psychosocial Well-being Index, these subjects were surveyed on allergy-related symptoms and psychosocial stressors in their lives, respectively. We used a multivariate logistic analysis for odds ratios for the complaint rate of allergic symptoms, after adjusting for age, gender, household income, body mass index, and residence. RESULTS: After adjustments, lifetime rhinitis (odds ratio [OR], 1.024), rhinoconjunctivitis (OR, 1.090), diagnosis of itchy eczema (OR, 1.040), treatment of itchy eczema (OR, 1.049), 12-month allergic conjunctivitis (OR, 1.026), diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis (OR, 1.031), and treatment of allergic conjunctivitis (OR, 1.034) were found to be significantly associated with stress. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the notion that there is a relationship between stress and allergic symptoms in children and adolescents. Further research into any causal relationship between stress and allergies, as well as preventative public health plans for decreasing stress in children and adolescents are needed.

Ocular allergy latin american consensus / Consenso latino americano de alergia ocular

PURPOSE: To establish current definition, classification and staging, and to develop diagnosis and treatment recommendations for ocular allergy, by using Delphi approach. METHODS: Ten Latin American experts on ocular allergy participated in a 4-round Delphi panel approach. Four surveys were constructed and answered by panelists. A two-thirds majority was defined as consensus. Definition, classification, staging and diagnosis and treatment recommendations were the main outcomes. RESULTS: "Ocular allergy" was proposed as the general term to describe ocular allergic diseases. Consensus regarding classification was not reached. Signs and symptoms were considered extremely important for the diagnosis. It was consensus that a staging system should be proposed based on the disease severity. Environmental control, avoidance of allergens and the use of artificial tears were recommended as first line treatment. The secondary treatment should include topical anti-histamines, mast cell stabilizers and multi actions drugs. Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictors were not recommended. Topical corticosteroids were recommended as third line of treatment for the most severe keratoconjunctivitis. Consensus was not reached regarding the use of systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressant. Surgical approach and unconventional treatments were not recommended as routine. CONCLUSION: The task of creating guidelines for ocular allergies showed to be very complex. Many controversial topics remain unsolved. A larger consensus including experts from different groups around the world may be needed to further improve the current recommendations for several aspects of ocular allergy.

OBJETIVO: Estabelecer a definição, classificação e estadiamento e desenvolver recomendações para o diagnóstico e tratamento da alergia ocular, usando o método Delphi de consenso. MÉTODOS: Dez especialistas em alergia ocular da América Latina participaram do painel. Quatro rodadas de questionários foram respondidas pelos painelistas. Consenso foi definido quando houve 2/3 ou mais de concordância. Os aspectos principais avaliados foram: definição, classificação, estadiamento e recomendações para diagnóstico e tratamento da alergia ocular. RESULTADOS: "Alergia Ocular" foi proposto como termo geral para descrever as doenças alérgicas oculares. Consenso sobre classificação não foi atingido. Sinais e sintomas foram considerados extremamente importantes para o diagnóstico. Consenso foi atingido sobre a necessidade de se estabelecer um sistema de estadiamento baseado na gravidade da doença. Controle ambiental e de exposição a alérgenos e o uso de lágrimas artificiais foram considerados tratamento de primeira linha e o uso tópico de anti-histamínicos, estabilizadores de membranas de mastócitos e drogas de ação múltipla, como tratamento de segunda linha. Anti-inflamatórios não hormonais tópicos e vasoconstrictores não foram recomendados. Corticosteroides tópicos foram estabelecidos como terceira linha de tratamento para casos graves de ceratoconjuntivite. Consenso não foi obtido em relação ao uso sistêmico de corticosteróides e imunossupressores. Abordagem cirúrgica e tratamentos não convencionais não foram recomendados de rotina. CONCLUSÃO: O desafio de criar recomendações para diversos aspectos da alergia ocular mostrou-se muito complexo, muitos deles permanencendo ainda controversos. Consensos mais amplos podem ser necessários para melhorar as recomendações atuais referentes a importantes aspectos da alergia ocular.

Direct fluorescent antibody assay and polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis

OBJECTIVES: To identify Chlamydia trachomatis via polymerase chain reaction and a direct fluorescent antibodyassay in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis while comparing the efficacies of both tests for detectingChlamydia trachomatis in these conditions. METHODS: Conjunctival scraping samples were obtained from 177 patients who were divided into two groups: avernal keratoconjunctivitis group (group A) and a control group (group B). The polymerase chain reaction and adirect fluorescent antibody assay were performed. Sensitivity, specificity, receiver operating characteristic curves,and areas under the curve were calculated for both tests in groups A and B. Receiver operating characteristic curveswere plotted using a categorical variable with only two possible outcomes (positive and negative). RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between vernal keratoconjunctivitis and Chlamydia trachomatis infection detected by a direct fluorescent antibody assay with high sensitivity and specificity. Allpatients in group A with positive polymerase chain reactions also presented with positive direct fluorescentantibody assays. CONCLUSION: The association between vernal keratoconjunctivitis and Chlamydia trachomatis infection wasconfirmed by positive direct fluorescent antibody assays in 49.4 percent of vernal keratoconjunctivitis patients and bypositive polymerase chain reactions in 20 percent of these patients. The direct fluorescent antibody assay detectedChlamydia trachomatis in a higher number of patients than did the polymerase chain reaction. Although thediagnosis of trachoma is essentially clinical, the disease may not be detected in vernal keratoconjunctivitis patients.Due to the high frequency of chlamydial infection detected in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis, we suggestconsidering routine laboratory tests to detect Chlamydia trachomatis in patients with severe and refractory allergicdisease.

Conjutivite alérgica / Allergic conjunctivitis

Neste artigo, os autores fazem uma revisão bibliográfica sobre a conjuntivite alérgica e seus subtipos, abordando suas manifestações clinicas, fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e manejo específicos.

unusual cause of post-operative orbital edema in a child after general anesthesia

We present an unusual ocular complication during the perioperative period, bilateral orbital edema in an otherwise healthy child after an outpatient surgical procedure. Ocular complications under general anesthesia remain a rare event. When periorbital edema is present, the appropriate work-up includes ruling out the potential for an allergic event by reviewing the medications administered and serum tryptase testing. Ophthalmology consultation should be considered to exclude pathology native to the eye itself. An allergist may assist in confirming a diagnosis and for allergic testing, if indicated. In our patient, the eventual diagnosis of exclusion was that of a localized reaction to the cellophane-based eye tape

Determinación de la prevalencia de conjuntivitis alérgica infantil en ochoescuelas primarias del Cono Sur de Lima, Perú / Determination of the prevalence of childhood allergic conjunctivitis in eight elementary

Introducción: En Lima con casi tres millones de niños, no se han reportado hasta la actualidad estudios de prevalencia de alergia infantil. Objetivos: Determinar las características epidemiológicas actuales de la alergia ocular infantil en los estudiantes de escasos recursos, del nivel primario del sur de Lima. Se tomó muestra significativa a escolares de 8 colegios primarios, de tres distritos del sur de Lima, con 120 000 niños. Material y método: Se hizo un estudio transversal y observacional, se evaluó y examinó, in situ en cada escuela a 2 011 escolares de educación primaria. Para el cálculo de muestras usamos Excel 2003 y para análisis usamos SPSS 15,0. Resultados: Se halló una moderada prevalencia de alergia ocular (16,3%) (p <0,01) en la población escolar entre 6 y 11 años. Con un aumento de la frecuencia de alergia ocular que se incrementa conjuntamente con la edad. La alergia ocular se correlaciona más con la blefaritis y el chalazión. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de alergia ocular de 16,3% es moderada en la población escolar primaria de Lima sur, el comportamiento de la alergia ocular es ascendente según avanza la edad de los escolares (Y=0,0305 X=0,0638); pudiera tener relación con un mayor tiempo de exposición a los alergenos, así como a peculiaridades del estilo de vida del pre adolescente.

Introduction: In Lima with a population of almost three million children it has been not reported until now child allergy prevalence studies. Objectives: To determine the current epidemiological characteristics of childrenÆs eye allergy in the poor elementary students in South of Lima. We took significant sample to students from 8 primary schools in three districts in the South of Lima, with 120,000 children. Material and method: A cross-sectional and observational study was made, assessed and considered, on-site at each school 2,011 elementary students. For the calculation of samples we use Excel 2003 and for analysis we use SPSS 15.0. Results: With an increase in the frequency of eye allergy that increases with age. Eye allergy is more correlated with the blepharitis and the chalazion. Conclusions: The prevalence of eye allergy 16.3% is moderate in the primary school population of Lima South, the eye allergy behavior is rising as advances school age (Y = 0.0305 X=0.0638); It could be related to a longer exposure to allergens, as well as the lifestyle of the teenage pre peculiarities.

Tracoma em pacientes com conjuntivite alérgica / Trachoma in patients with allergic conjunctivitis

Objetivos: Este trabalho teve o objetivo de identificar possível associação entre conjuntivite alérgica e infecção por Chlamydia trachomatis. Método: Realizamos um estudo prospectivo em 104 olhos de 52 pacientes com hipótese diagnóstica de conjuntivite alérgica primaveril e atópica. Os pacientes foram examinados no Núcleo Especializado em Oftalmologia de João Pessoa - NEO. Foi realizada em todos os 52 pacientes, a citologia conjuntival, uma vez que pode evidenciar a presença de eosinófilos e corpúsculos de inclusões no esfregaço do raspado conjuntival, como também a imunofluorescência direta por ser o exame de escolha para confirmação de infecção por Chlamydia trachomatis. Todos os procedimentos foram aprovados pelo Comitê de Ética em pesquisa. Resultados: Dos 52 pacientes, 41 (78,8 por cento) apresentou conjuntivite primaveril e 11 (21,2 por cento) conjuntivite atópica. Quarenta e um (78,8 por cento) eram do sexo masculino e 11 (21,2 por cento) do feminino. As idades variaram de 3 a 19 anos, com uma média de 9,8 anos. Quanto à distribuição racial, 16 (30,8 por cento) pacientes eram brancos, 14 (26,9 por cento) eram negros e 22 (42,3 por cento) eram pardos. Pacientes com doença alérgica sistêmica observou-se que 25 (48,1 por cento) pacientes apresentaram asma brônquica, 20 (38,5 por cento) rinite alérgica e 5 (9,6 por cento) dermatite atópica. Os principais sintomas relatados pelos pacientes foram coriza (59,6 por cento), prurido ocular (98,1 por cento), ardor ou queimação (61,5 por cento), lacrimejamento (65,3 por cento) e fotofobia (61,5 por cento). Os principais sinais clínicos foram: hiperemia ocular (100 por cento), bilateralidade (100 por cento), papilas no tarso (92,3 por cento) e secreção mucosa (82,7 por cento). A citologia do raspado conjuntival encontrou o eosinófilo em 86,5 por cento dos casos. Apenas 7 pacientes não apresentaram eosinófilos no raspado conjuntival. Observamos que 3 pacientes (5,8 por cento) apresentou imu...

Purpose: The aim of this paper was to identify a possible association between allergic conjunctivitis and Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Methods: A prospective study was carried out in 104 eyes of 52 patients with diagnosis of vernal conjunctivitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Conjunctival cytology was performed in all the 52 patients, once it can evidence eosinophils presence and inclusions corpuscles in the conjunctival scraping smear, as well as the direct immunofluorescence that is the choice exam for Chlamydia trachomatis infection confirmation. All procedures were approved by the Institutional Review Board Ethics Committee. Results: Of the 52 patients, 41 (78.8 percent) presented vernal conjunctivitis and 11 (21.2 percent) atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Forty-one patients (78.8 percent) were male and 11 (21.2 percent) female. The ages varied from 3 to 19 years, with an average of 9.8 years. Regarding racial distribution, 16 (30.8 percent) patients were caucasian, 14 (26.9 percent) were black and 22 (42.3 percent) were brown. Regarding systemic allergic diseases, it was observed that 25 (48.1 percent) patients presented asthma, 20 (38.5 percent) allergic rhinitis and 5 (9.6 percent) atopic dermatitis. The main symptoms complained by the patients were coryza (59.6 percent), ocular itching (98.1 percent), burning (61.5 percent), tearing (65.3 percent) and photophobia (61.5 percent). The main clinical signs were: ocular hyperemia (100 percent), bilaterality (100 percent), superior tarsal papilla (92.3 percent) and mucous secretion (82.7 percent). The cytology of the conjunctival scrapings found eosinophil in 86.5 percent of the cases. Only seven patients did not present eosinophils in the conjunctival scrapings. Three patients (5.8 percent) presented positive immunofluorescence for Chlamydia, evidencing an association between allergic conjunctivitis and trachoma. Conclusion: It is important to determine the simultaneous coexistence ...

Are cutaneous hypersensitivity tests to inhalant allergens a severity marker for vernal keratoconjunctivitis?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the cutaneous sensitivity to a variety of allergens in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and to demonstrate the relation between skin response and clinical aspects of the disease. METHODS: Twenty patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis were randomly chosen from the External Disease and Cornea Sector. They were clinically evaluated, and a score ranging from 0 to 20 was applied based on signs and symptoms on ophthalmic examination. All subjects underwent a skin prick test against standardized allergens, such as house dust mites D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae, and Blomia tropicalis, as well as allergens from cat, dog, fungi and feather. RESULTS: Seventy-five per cent of patients were positive for at least one of the allergens tested. House dust mites were responsible for the majority of the cases (75 percent). There was a poor correlation between the clinical score and sensitivity to allergens (r= - 0.119 for fungi; r= - 0.174 for dog; r= - 0.243 for house dust mites; r= - 0.090 for feather). A significant correlation was found only for cat allergen extract (r = - 0.510; p=0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated poor correlation between cutaneous hypersensitivity tests and clinical findings in patients with vernal keratoconjuntivitis. We concluded that skin response to inhalant allergens is not a useful test to identify clinical severity and chronicity of inflammatory process in this disease.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o papel da sensibilização cutânea a diferentes aeroalérgenos em pacientes com ceratoconjuntivite vernal e a correlação entre esta e os aspectos clínicos da doença. MÉTODOS: Vinte pacientes do setor de doenças externas e córnea foram aleatoriamente convidados para participar deste estudo. Os pacientes foram avaliados e a eles foi atribuído um escore clínico variando de 0 a 20 de acordo com sinais e sintomas presentes no exame oftalmológico. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a testes cutâneos de hipersensibilidade imediata contra aeroalérgenos padronizados como os ácaros domiciliares D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae e Blomia tropicalis, assim como também a alérgenos de epitélio de gato, epitélio de cão, mistura de fungos e mistura de penas. RESULTADOS: Setenta e cinco por cento dos pacientes tiveram teste de hipersensibilidade imediata positivo contra pelo menos um dos antígenos testados. Os ácaros domiciliares foram responsáveis pela maioria destes casos (75 por cento). Houve uma pobre correlação entre o escore clínico e a hipersensibilidade cutânea aos alérgenos (r= -0,119 para fungos; r= -0,174 para epitélio de cão; r= -0,243 para ácaros domiciliares; r= -0,090 para mistura de penas). Houve correlação significativa apenas contra epitélio de gatos (r= -0,510; p=0,024). CONCLUSÃO: O estudo demonstrou uma pobre correlação entre os testes cutâneos de hipersensibilidade imediata e os achados clínicos nos pacientes com ceratoconjuntivite vernal. Os testes cutâneos de hipersensibilidade imediata contra aeroalérgenos não foi parâmetro eficaz na identificação dos casos de maior gravidade e cronicidade de ceratoconjuntivite vernal.

Aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos da conjuntivite alérgica em serviço de referência / Epidemiological and clinical features of allergic conjunctivitis in a reference center

OBJETIVO: Avaliar aspectos demográficos e clínicos de pacientes com conjuntivite alérgica atendidos em centro de referência. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo no qual sinais e sintomas foram graduados com fichas padronizadas e diagnóstico diferencial feito pelo quadro clínico. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 207 pacientes, 131 (63,28 por cento) do sexo masculino e com idade variando de 1 a 45 anos. Destes, 38,65 por cento foram diagnosticados como ceratoconjuntivite primaveril; 38,65 por cento como ceratoconjuntivite atópica; 12,56 por cento como conjuntivite alérgica perene e em 10,14 por cento dos pacientes não houve diagnóstico definido. A presença de alergia extra-ocular foi maior em pacientes com conjuntivite atópica (91,25 por cento) e menor em pacientes com primaveril (32,5 por cento) e a história de alergia na família foi maior naqueles sem diagnóstico definido (59,1 por cento) e menor no grupo de conjuntivite primaveril (28,75 por cento). Os sintomas mais intensos foram prurido e lacrimejamento em pacientes com ceratoconjuntivites e houve correlação positiva entre a intensidade dos sintomas e dos sinais clínicos. CONCLUSÕES: Houve predomínio de formas crônicas e graves da alergia ocular com ameaça potencial à função visual.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate demographic and clinical features of patients with allergic conjunctivitis in a reference center. METHODS: Prospective study using sings and symptoms graduated by standardized charts for clinical diagnosis. RESULTS: We evaluated 207 patients, age ranging form 1 to 45 years and of whom 131 (63.28 percent) were males. Of the patients, 38.65 percent presented vernal keratoconjunctivitis; 38.65 percent, atopic keratoconjunctivitis; 12.56 percent, perennial allergic conjunctivitis and in 10.14 percent patients the diagnosis was not defined. Extraocular allergy was more frequent in patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis (91.25 percent) and less frequent in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (32.5 percent). Family history of allergy was more frequent in patients without defined diagnosis (59.1 percent) and less frequent in the vernal group (28.75 percent). The most itense symptoms were itching and tearing in patients with keratoconjunctivitis. There was a positive correlation between symptom intensity and signs severity. CONCLUSION: Chronic and severe types of ocular allergy, with potential threat to visual function, predominated in the studed group.

Redes neurais artificiais aplicadas no estudo de questionário de varredura para conjuntivite alérgica em escolares / Artificial neural networks applied to study allergic conjunctivitis screening questionnaire

OBJETIVO: Avaliar sensibilidade e especificidade de questionário escrito de varredura para alergia ocular por análises multivariáveis. Comparação entre os modelos de análise multivariável; elaboração de rede neural artificial para varreduras futuras. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, transversal realizado na UNIFESP, com 48 pacientes portadores de conjuntivite alérgica e 54 crianças sadias. A idade variou entre 3 e 14 anos, sem restrição quanto ao sexo, doença alérgica sistêmica ou tratamento. Aplicou-se questionário desenvolvido e procedeu-se a uma análise estatística multivariável. Por fim, elaborou-se uma rede neural artificial. RESULTADOS: A média de idade dos participantes foi 8,4 anos (4 a 13 anos), com predomínio do sexo masculino (60,8 por cento). A pontuação média do questionário foi 10 (0 a 18). A média do escore do grupo controle foi inferior ao grupo estudo (p<0,001). O diagnóstico de alergia foi melhorado em 68,8 por cento com a inclusão da questão 5. Não houve concordância entre os diagnósticos clínico e o efetuado pelo questionário (kappa = 0,337, p=0,071). Somente a questão 5 apresentou boas sensibilidade (85,4 por cento) e especificidade (85,1 por cento). O ponto de corte capaz de separar doentes de não-doentes foi 10 (sensibilidade= 77,0 por cento, especificidade= 79,6 por cento, acurácia de 85,7 por cento). A rede neural foi capaz de predizer os pacientes alérgicos em 100 por cento dos casos, com 7 das 15 questões. CONCLUSÕES: Conseguiu-se chegar a um modelo confiável, utilizando apenas sete itens, tornando fácil a aplicação do QE em larga escala.

PURPOSE: To evaluate sensibility and specificity of a screening questionnaire with multivariable analysis, compare them and elaborate an artificial neural network for future screenings. METHODS: Observational, transversal study performed at UNIFESP, with 48 patients with allergic conjunctivitis and 54 children without the disease. Their age ranged between 3 and 14 years and there was no restriction related to gender, systemic allergy or treatment. The questionnaire was applied and multivariable statistical analysis was performed. Finally, an artificial neural network was elaborated. RESULTS: Mean age was 8.4 years (7-13) and male gender was more frequent (60.7 percent). Mean score was 10.04 (0-18), and it was higher in the study group (p<0.001). Allergic diagnosis was increased with the inclusion of the fifth question in 68.8 percent. Kappa coefficient was low (0.337; p=0.071) and showed no agreement between diagnosis made by the questionnaire and clinical examination. Only the question number five had good sensitivity (85.4 percent) and specificity (85.1 percent). The cutoff point to separate allergic patients was 10 (sensitivity= 77.08 percent and specificity= 79.63 percent). The artificial neural network predicted allergic diagnosis in 100 percent using 7 of the 15 existent items. CONCLUSIONS: An efficient model was developed using seven questions, in a manner that its application might be easy to large populations.

Redes neurais artificiais aplicadas no estudo de questionário de rastreamento de conjuntivites alérgicas / Artificial neural networks applied on studying allergic conjunctivitis screening questionnaire

Objetivo: (1) Formular questionário de varredura em alergia ocular, capaz de separar doentes e não-doentes. (2) Elaborar uma rede neural artificial para eliminar questões desnecessárias e tornar o modelo pronto para validação, para uso em larga escala num futuro próximo. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo observacional, transversal, cuja coleta de dados foi realizada durante o período de maio a dezembro de 2003, no setor de Doenças Externas Oculares e Córnea (DEOC) do Departamento de Oftalmologia da Escola Paulista de Medicina - UNIFESP e Escola Paulistinha de Educação (EPE). Foram incluídos 48 pacientes portadores de conjuntivite alérgica do ambulatório de Doenças Externas Oculares e Córnea para o grupo de casos e 54 crianças da Escola Paulistinha de Educação para o grupo controle. A idade estipulada para esta seleção foi de 3 a 14 anos. Não houve restrição quanto ao sexo, doença alérgica sistêmica ou vigência de tratamento. Aplicou-se o questionário contendo 15 itens, sendo os 8 primeiros relativos ao quadro ocular e os restantes ao quadro sistêmico. Os itens foram obtidos de questionário validado pelo International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Uma vez aplicado o questionário, procedeu-se análise estatística pelo teste de t student, qui quadrado de Pearson, V de Cramér, Coeficiente Lambda, curvas ROC, sensibilidade e especificidade e regressão logística. Por fim, elaborou--se uma rede neural artificial para se predizer o diagnóstico de alergia ocular em função de um menor número possível de questões. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a exame biomicroscópico. Resultados: a idade média foi de 8,4, variando de 4 a 13 anos; a do grupo controle foi de 7,74+-0,29 anos, inferior à do grupo estudo, que foi de 9,5+0,44 anos (p=0,009). 0 sexo masculino predominou em 60,78 por cento da amostra total…(au)

Citologia de impressão na ceratoconjuntivite primaveril / Impression cytology in vernal conjunctivitis

OBJETIVO: Estudar as alterações conjuntivais provocadas pela inflamação crônica na ceratoconjuntivite primaveril por meio da citologia de impressão. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas amostras do epitélio conjuntival de 30 pacientes com ceratoconjuntivite primaveril e 30 indivíduos normais. O material foi colhido da conjuntiva bulbar superior, utilizando papel de filtro com poros de 0,45 æm. Em seguida, o material foi fixado e, após 4 dias, corado com PAS, hematoxilina eosina e Papanicolaou modificado. A leitura das lâminas foi realizada por meio de microscopia óptica e foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: células polimorfonucleares, junções intercelulares, mucina, células caliciformes e relação núcleo/citoplasma. Após isso, cada lâmina foi graduada segundo a escala de Nelson. O nível de significância estatística foi de 5 por cento. RESULTADOS: Nos casos com ceratoconjuntivite primaveril observaram-se mais células polimorfonucleares, maior comprometimento das junções intercelulares, menor quantidade de mucina e maior alteração na relação núcleo/citoplasma que no grupo controle. Não houve diferença na quantidade de células caliciformes. A graduação pela escala de Nelson mostrou acometimento generalizado da conjuntiva na ceratoconjuntivite primaveril. CONCLUSAO: A citologia de impressão é capaz de identificar o grau de acometimento conjuntival dos pacientes com ceratoconjuntivite primaveril.