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1.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(4)2024 Feb 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38396704

ABSTRACT

This study delves into the critical role of alarmins in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), focusing on their impact on disease severity and the quality of life (QoL) of patients. We investigated the alterations in alarmin levels in CSU patients and their correlations with the Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). We analyzed serum levels of interleukin-25 (IL-25), interleukin-33 (IL-33), and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in 50 CSU patients, comparing these to 38 healthy controls. The study examined the relationship between alarmin levels and clinical outcomes, including disease severity and QoL. Elevated levels of IL-33 and TSLP in CSU patients (p < 0.0001) highlight their potential role in CSU pathogenesis. Although IL-25 showed higher levels in CSU patients, this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.0823). Crucially, IL-33's correlation with both UAS7 and DLQI scores underscores its potential as a biomarker for CSU diagnosis and severity assessment. Of the alarmins analyzed, IL-33 emerges as particularly significant for further exploration as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in CSU. Its substantial correlation with disease severity and impact on QoL makes it a compelling candidate for future research, potentially serving as a target for therapeutic interventions. Given these findings, IL-33 deserves additional investigation to confirm its role and effectiveness as a biomarker and therapeutic target in CSU.


Subject(s)
Chronic Urticaria , Urticaria , Humans , Alarmins , Biomarkers , Chronic Disease , Chronic Urticaria/blood , Chronic Urticaria/diagnosis , Cytokines/therapeutic use , Interleukin-17/blood , Interleukin-17/chemistry , Interleukin-33/blood , Interleukin-33/chemistry , Quality of Life , Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin/blood , Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin/chemistry , Urticaria/blood , Urticaria/diagnosis
2.
Biomedicines ; 11(12)2023 Nov 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38137329

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The use of biological agents in the treatment of various inflammatory and malignancy conditions has expanded rapidly. However, these agents can induce hypersensitivity reactions, posing significant clinical challenges. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study that included nine patients with severe asthma who experienced hypersensitivity reactions to biological agents (omalizumab, benralizumab and dupilumab). RESULTS: Hypersensitivity reactions to biologicals in severe asthma were observed in 9 of 68 patients treated. In five cases, treatment was stopped or changed to another available biological, and for four patients administered under close surveillance, titrated provocation or desensitization was applied. Successful desensitization was achieved in three of the patients, allowing them to continue therapy without adverse reactions. Improvements in asthma control were observed post-desensitization, leading to the reduced need for systemic steroid treatments and an increase in quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of recognizing hypersensitivity reactions to biologicals to have an appropriate approach for patients with severe asthma. As an effective approach for patients experiencing hypersensitivity reactions to biological agents, desensitization allows treatment continuation.

3.
J Clin Med ; 12(18)2023 Sep 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37762898

ABSTRACT

(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the implications of interleukin-31 (IL-31) in the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and to assess the differences that occur between its serum values compared to controls. Additionally, the serum IL-31 levels were measured alongside other clinical and paraclinical parameters that were identified in the patients to understand its immunological importance in this skin disease and to determine if it could potentially serve as a therapeutic target in CSU in the future. (2) Methods: The serum levels of IL-31 were estimated in 50 patients diagnosed with CSU according to the accepted international guidelines. Additionally, 38 controls who had not experienced any episodes of urticaria during their lifetime were included. (3) Results: Significantly elevated serum IL-31 levels were observed in CSU patients compared to the controls (p < 0.0001). Although no direct correlations were found between IL-31 and inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP)), eosinophils, or total immunoglobulins E (IgE), significant differences in IL-31 levels were identified based on CSU severity, quality of life impact, itch intensity, and response to histamine H1 receptor antagonists (H1 antihistamines) (p < 0.05 for all). (4) Conclusions: Our findings underscore that IL-31 is not directly associated with general inflammation, eosinophilic response, or atopy in CSU. Nevertheless, its expression is influenced by key disease characteristics: severity, pruritus, and H1 antihistamine response. This investigation provides essential insights into CSU pathogenesis, potentially leading to novel therapeutic interventions. An enhanced understanding of these mechanisms is crucial due to the limitations of current treatment modalities in terms of fully managing CSU symptoms.

5.
BMC Pulm Med ; 23(1): 22, 2023 Jan 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36650490

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: During the Covid-19 pandemic patients suffering from asthma raised many concerns regarding the outcome ofthe impact of COVID-19 disease on their preexisting condition. The 2021 GINA report indicates that people with asthma do not appear to be at increased risk of a severe form of COVID-19. METHOD: This study is a retrospective study of patients (n = 163) median age = 27.8 years, M:F = 1:1.26, with asthma evaluated using ACT (asthma control test) and VAS (visual analog scale) before and after COVID-19 disease. An ACT score over 20 points placed patients in the controlled asthma group. RESULTS: The overall evaluation for COVID-19 in our asthma patients revealed that 22.7% of the studied group had the COVID-19 disease (21.5% in the controlled asthma group and 24.5% in uncontrolled asthma group). Asthma disease history was longer in the uncontroled asthma group (128 ± 96.8 months vs. 296 ± 59.7 months, p = 0.05). Asthma treatment was conducted according to the GINA guideline, and 18.4% (30 pts) of the patients were on allergen immunotherapy treatment. Significantly more uncontrolled patients were significantly more in Step 1 and 5 of treatment (p = 0.05 and p = 0.03). During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients in the GINA step 5 of treatment experienced a worsening of asthma, often twice as severe as compared to patients with asthma in GINA step 1-4. In these patients, even mild COVID-19 disease led to worsened asthma symptoms, while severe COVID-19 led to a severe asthma impairment measured by ACT score (p = 0.03) and VAS scale (p = 0.02), with increased oral corticosteroids consumption. CONCLUSION: Maintaining optimal asthma control should be able to reduce risk of severe outcomes after COVID-19 disease. Communication via phone with the specialist involved in their asthma care was very comforting for patients, thus confirming the necessity to include phone calls, smart phone's application or online evaluations and counseling in long-term care of chronic diseases.


Subject(s)
Asthma , COVID-19 , Humans , Adult , Retrospective Studies , Pandemics , Asthma/diagnosis , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use
6.
J Clin Med ; 11(22)2022 Nov 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36431118

ABSTRACT

Benralizumab is a humanized recombinant mAb that binds to the interleukin 5 receptor (IL-5R) expressed on eosinophils and is approved for the treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma. There are a series of severe eosinophilic disorders that may benefit from this treatment, and it could be a life-saving therapy. In this paper, we present two severe patients with eosinophil-induced diseases that had a good resolution after one dose of Benralizumab 30 mg. The first case is a severe non-necrotizing eosinophilic vasculitis following critical COVID-19 disease and the second case is a DRESS (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms Syndrome) due to allopurinol. Conclusions: The successful administration of Benralizumab in rare or severe eosinophilic disease could be an option for life-saving therapies when conventional treatments fail.

7.
Exp Ther Med ; 23(6): 381, 2022 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35495604

ABSTRACT

Chronic urticaria (CU) is a condition characterized by intensely pruritic, edematous, erythematous papules lasting for more than 6 weeks. Over half of the cases have concomitant swelling of deeper tissues, known as angioedema. The socio-economic burden of the disease is significant. Unfortunately, patients with severe CU, refractory to conventional treatment, have limited and expensive therapeutic options. The pathogenesis of CU is not yet completely understood. Therefore, elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms involved would potentially identify new therapeutic targets. It has been accepted in recent years that mast cells and their activation, followed by excessive degranulation represent the key pathophysiological events in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). The triggering events and the complexity of the effector mechanisms, however, remain intensely debated topics with conflicting studies. One pathogenetic mechanism incriminated in chronic spontaneous urticaria is the response mediated by the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI) expressed on mast cells. Increasing recognition of chronic spontaneous urticaria as an autoimmune disease linked to the cytokine-chemokine network imbalance resulting from alteration of innate immune response is another pathogenetic explanation. It is likely that these different pathological mechanisms are more interconnected, both acting synergistically, rather than separately, to produce the clinical expression of CU. The discovery and understanding of pathogenic mechanisms represent the premise for the development of safe and effective immunomodulators and targeted biological treatment for severe, refractory CU.

8.
Nutrients ; 14(3)2022 Jan 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35276853

ABSTRACT

Aim: The present study analyzed clinical and biological factors that might predict achievement of tolerance in patients with IgE-mediated cow milk allergy (CMA). Method: Seventy patients with IgE-mediated CMA (44.24 ± 24.16 months) were included in the study. The patients were evaluated clinically through skin prick test and sIgE to whole milk, casein, beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin. An eviction diet of 6 months was established, followed by oral food challenge test (OFC) and oral immunotherapy (OIT) with baked milk for 6 months. The tolerance was assessed after 2 years follow up. Results: Thirty percent of patients presented anaphylaxis of different degrees of severity as first manifestation of CMA. Sixty-two patients followed OIT or an accelerated reintroduction of milk. Ten patients (14.28%) did not obtain tolerance to milk within 2 years. A larger wheal in SPT and higher sIgE to milk, casein and betalactoglobulin were noted in patients with positive OFC. A basal level of <2.5 kU/l for sIgE to milk and <11.73 kU/l for sIgE to caseins predicted the occurrence of tolerance in patients with all types of clinical manifestations, including anaphylaxis. Conclusion: Basal levels of sIgE to milk and casein may help to identify patients that could become tolerant to milk.


Subject(s)
Milk Hypersensitivity , Animals , Caseins , Cattle , Female , Humans , Immune Tolerance , Lactoglobulins , Milk
9.
Allergy ; 77(6): 1736-1750, 2022 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34741557

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Food anaphylaxis is commonly elicited by unintentional ingestion of foods containing the allergen above the tolerance threshold level of the individual. While labeling the 14 main allergens used as ingredients in food products is mandatory in the EU, there is no legal definition of declaring potential contaminants. Precautionary allergen labeling such as "may contain traces of" is often used. However, this is unsatisfactory for consumers as they get no information if the contamination is below their personal threshold. In discussions with the food industry and technologists, it was suggested to use a voluntary declaration indicating that all declared contaminants are below a threshold of 0.5 mg protein per 100 g of food. This concentration is known to be below the threshold of most patients, and it can be technically guaranteed in most food production. However, it was also important to assess that in case of accidental ingestion of contaminants below this threshold by highly allergic patients, no fatal anaphylactic reaction could occur. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to assess whether a fatal reaction to 5mg of protein or less has been reported, assuming that a maximum portion size of 1kg of a processed food exceeds any meal and thus gives a sufficient safety margin. METHODS: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched until 24 January 2021 for provocation studies and case reports in which one of the 14 major food allergens was reported to elicit fatal or life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and assessed if these occurred below the ingestion of 5mg of protein. A Delphi process was performed to obtain an expert consensus on the results. RESULTS: In the 210 studies included, in our search, no reports of fatal anaphylactic reactions reported below 5 mg protein ingested were identified. However, in provocation studies and case reports, severe reactions below 5 mg were reported for the following allergens: eggs, fish, lupin, milk, nuts, peanuts, soy, and sesame seeds. CONCLUSION: Based on the literature studied for this review, it can be stated that cross-contamination of the 14 major food allergens below 0.5 mg/100 g is likely not to endanger most food allergic patients when a standard portion of food is consumed. We propose to use the statement "this product contains the named allergens in the list of ingredients, it may contain traces of other contaminations (to be named, e.g. nut) at concentrations less than 0.5 mg per 100 g of this product" for a voluntary declaration on processed food packages. This level of avoidance of cross-contaminations can be achieved technically for most processed foods, and the statement would be a clear and helpful message to the consumers. However, it is clearly acknowledged that a voluntary declaration is only a first step to a legally binding solution. For this, further research on threshold levels is encouraged.


Subject(s)
Anaphylaxis , Food Hypersensitivity , Allergens/analysis , Anaphylaxis/diagnosis , Anaphylaxis/etiology , Anaphylaxis/prevention & control , Animals , Eggs , Food Hypersensitivity/diagnosis , Food Labeling , Humans
10.
Healthcare (Basel) ; 9(9)2021 Sep 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34574918

ABSTRACT

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the exacerbation of various chronic diseases. Due to the potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 on mast cells, we aimed to analyze the relevance of COVID-19 disease on chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) clinical presentation and biological profile. (2) Methods: This study is a retrospective case series of patients with CSU diagnosed and treated in the Allergy Department of the Professor Doctor Octavian Fodor RIGH, (Cluj-Napoca, Romania). Patients were assessed for disease activity and level of control with the weekly urticaria activity score and the visual analogue scale. Results were correlated with COVID-19 severity and with nonspecific markers of inflammation during and after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. (3) Results: SARS-CoV-2 impacted a significant proportion (33%) of the CSU patients, of which 71% developed a moderate-severe form of COVID-19. Most of the patients (68%) had moderate-severe forms of CSU and 65% took AH1 treatment (one dose, two-fold dose or four-fold dose). The rest of them (35%) received the second-line treatment (40.3% Omalizumab, 53% Prednisolone and 4.8% Cyclosporine). In Omalizumab treated group of UCS patients we observed that COVID-19 disease was not severe. We established a positive correlation between the severity of the infection and that of the CSU clinical presentation, with most bothersome symptoms of urticaria being experienced by moderate to severe COVID-19 CSU patients (47%). Inflammatory markers were positively correlated (p = 0.01) with a more severe clinical profile of CSU, in accordance with our hypothesis that the level of inflammation triggered by COVID-19 disease has a role in CSU exacerbation. The non-specific inflammatory markers, such as CRP, were positively associated with the UAS7 score (R2 = 0.363; p = 0.001). An increased rate of exacerbation of CSU was observed in moderate-severe COVID-19 infection. (4) Conclusions: COVID-19 disease can result in the exacerbation of chronic spontaneous urticaria, more likely in moderate to severe forms of infection.

11.
Exp Ther Med ; 22(3): 949, 2021 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34335891

ABSTRACT

The present paper aims to review the topic of adverse reactions to biological agents, in terms of the incriminating mechanisms and therapeutic approach. As a result of immunomodulatory therapy, the last decade has achieved spectacular results in the targeted treatment of inflammatory, autoimmune, and neoplastic diseases, to name a few. The widespread use of biological agents is, however, associated with an increase in the number of observed adverse drug reactions ranging from local erythema to systemic reactions, including life-threatening immunologically mediated events, which justifies the need for a deeper understanding of this subject. Rapid desensitization to biological agents emerges as a treatment strategy for anaphylactic (immediate or delayed) hypersensitivity reactions as well as for severe infusion reactions. Drug desensitization is the administration of progressively increasing doses of the specific preparation until reaching the therapeutic dose in order to induce immunological tolerance and is indicated when the drugs are indispensable to the therapeutic regimen of individuals with hypersensitivity reactions to the preparation, with no reasonable alternatives.

12.
Med Pharm Rep ; 94(2): 248-251, 2021 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34013197

ABSTRACT

Hypersensitivity to insulin has decreased substantially in the past three decades, since purified human insulin was introduced to replace heterogeneous porcine and bovine preparations. However, human insulin and its analogs still have immunogenic potential that may prove detrimental for hypersensitive insulin-dependent diabetics. In cases of anaphylactic reactions to insulin, rapid desensitization may be considered as a treatment strategy. We present the first case of successful insulin desensitization in Romania for an uncontrolled diabetic patient with type I hypersensitivity to multiple insulin analogs.

13.
J Clin Med ; 11(1)2021 Dec 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35011854

ABSTRACT

Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) play important roles in allergic rhinitis (AR). Treatment with H1 antihistamines improves AR symptoms and in vitro reduces the levels of adhesion molecules. The aim of the study was to evaluate serum levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in patients with AR to grass pollen and their response to different H1 antihistamines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients with grass pollen AR were clinically and biologically evaluated. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 serum levels were evaluated during pollen season before and after treatment with levocetirizine and desloratadine through the ELISA method. RESULTS: ICAM-1, VCAM-1, eosinophils, and total IgE were elevated in patients with AR, compared with healthy subjects. Both antihistamines improved specific symptoms of AR and increased patients' quality of life during pollen season after one month of treatment. H1 antihistamines reduced VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and total IgE after one-month treatment but not significantly. Patients with increased baseline values tend to remain with increased values after one-month AH1 treatment. CONCLUSIONS: ICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels are higher in patients with grass pollen-induced AR than healthy controls during pollen exposure. Their serum levels tend to remain at high values during pollen season despite antihistaminic therapy.

14.
Medicina (Kaunas) ; 56(5)2020 May 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32422966

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives: The evolution of allergic rhinitis to asthma is a part of "atopic march". The aim of this study was to analyze possible predictive markers for asthma occurrence in patients with allergic rhinitis to house dust mites (HDM). Materials and Methods: Fifty-eight patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) were included. The clinical, biological evaluation and fractionated exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement were performed at enrolment. The patients were clinically evaluated after one year to determine asthma occurrence. Results: The severity of rhinitis symptoms, levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE), ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin and IL-6, but not IL-8 and TNF-α were higher in patients with allergic rhinitis who developed asthma compared to non-asthmatics, but the differences were not significant to considered them as predictive factors for asthma occurrence. The risk of asthma was independently influenced by patients aged over 30 years ((OR-3.74; CI95% 0.86-16.31; p = 0.07), a duration of allergic rhinitis over 12 months ((OR-4.20; CI95% 0.88-20; p = 0.07) and a basal FeNO over 28 parts per billion (pbb) ((OR-18.68; CI95% 3.79-92.05; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Clinical and biological parameters may predict asthma occurrence in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis to HDM. Adult patients with a longer duration of rhinitis symptoms and a high level of FeNO have a greater risk to develop asthma.


Subject(s)
Asthma/diagnosis , Nitric Oxide/analysis , Pyroglyphidae/immunology , Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/immunology , Adult , Animals , Asthma/etiology , Asthma/immunology , Biomarkers/analysis , Female , Humans , Male , Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/complications , Risk Factors
15.
J Clin Med ; 9(1)2020 Jan 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31936611

ABSTRACT

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy represents a new genetically engineered method of immunotherapy for cancer. The patient's T-cells are modified to express a specific receptor that sticks to the tumor antigen. This modified cell is then reintroduced into the patient's body to fight the resilient cancer cells. After exhibiting positive results in hematological malignancies, this therapy is being proposed for solid tumors like colorectal cancer. The clinical data of CAR T-cell therapy in colorectal cancer is rather scarce. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge, challenges, and future perspectives of CAR T-cell therapy in colorectal cancer. A total of 22 articles were included in this review. Eligible studies were selected and reviewed by two researchers from 49 articles found on Pubmed, Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov. This therapy, at the moment, provides modest benefits in solid tumors. Not taking into consideration the high manufacturing and retail prices, there are still limitations like increased toxicities, relapses, and unfavorable tumor microenvironment for CAR T-cell therapy in colorectal cancer.

16.
Exp Ther Med ; 18(6): 5078-5081, 2019 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31798727

ABSTRACT

Chronic spontaneous urticaria is a debilitating disorder, which has a major impact on the quality of life of affected individuals, and is a substantial global burden. Refractory, difficult to treat cases pose a difficult challenge to patients and clinicians alike. Advances in the field of immunotherapy have led to novel and effective therapeutic strategies. Omalizumab, an immunomodulatory anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, inaugurated a new era in the treatment of refractory chronic urticaria. Several multicenter clinical trials have proven omalizumab to be a safe and effective option for the treatment of refractory symptoms of chronic spontaneous urticaria, while some small studies have shown its efficacy in chronic inductible urticaria as well. In this study, we bring forth updates in chronic urticaria approach, with a focus on our experience with anti-IgE therapy in different forms of chronic urticaria treated at the Allergy Department of the Professor Doctor Octavian Fodor Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Cluj-Napoca, Romania).

17.
Exp Ther Med ; 18(6): 5088-5094, 2019 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31798728

ABSTRACT

Despite proven effectiveness and safety of vaccinations, immunization rates are decreasing across Europe, most countries having suboptimal vaccination coverage, leading to an increase in the number of cases of preventable contagious diseases. In recent years, the number of parents who have refused to vaccinate their children in Romania has decreased substantially, while the number of fatal complications due to measles outbreak is one of the highest in Europe. Since healthcare professionals have been identified as the main advocates for immunization, knowledge and attitudes of medical students and nurses is of particular interest. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 278 participants, divided into three groups: 183 medical students, 54 nurses and 41 non-medical professionals. The questionnaire included questions on demographics of participants, personal experience with vaccines, knowledge and attitude toward vaccination. The data was collected, centralized and analyzed using statistical methods. The survey was given to the medical students at the beginning of the Immunology course and again at the end, to test whether information received influenced their responses. The study revealed that a great majority of participants were themselves vaccinated [N=262 (94%)] and had/or would vaccinate their children [N=247 (95%)]. Satisfactory overall knowledge about effectiveness and safety concerns was observed, with 98% (N=270) considering vaccines as useful and over 96% (N=276) correctly identified their usefulness. When asked about adverse effects, concerning numbers [N=32, (19%)] of medical students answered incorrectly. After the Immunology course, however, there was significant improvement in knowledge on this topic (P<0.001), correlating with a positive shift in attitude towards current and future vaccines. We predict that better knowledge about vaccines, their efficacy and safety would help build the health provider's confidence in recommending vaccination and thus increased coverage rates.

18.
Medicina (Kaunas) ; 55(11)2019 Oct 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31653048

ABSTRACT

Background and objectives: Ragweed pollen is a major source of allergen, which has rarely been observed in Romania until now. In this study, we evaluated the symptoms and associated factors in patients with allergic rhinitis to ragweed pollen in two distinct regions of Romania. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the records of patients newly diagnosed with allergic rhinitis induced by ragweed pollen in two allergological centers from North-West (NW) and Central parts of Romania between 2013 and 2015. The patients were clinically evaluated regarding disease length, presence, and severity of the allergic rhinitis symptoms and the association with other allergic manifestations (asthma and conjunctivitis). Results: The sensitization to ragweed was significantly higher in the NW part compared to the Central part (18.27% vs 4.1%, p < 0.001). More patients with monosensitization to ragweed pollen were observed in the NE center (27%) compared to the Central one (20.7%). Patients with monosensitization to ragweed pollen presented more severe forms of rhinitis (70% vs 31.5%, p = 0.02) in the NW part compared to polysensitized patients. The total symptoms score was significantly higher in patients from the Central part compared to the NW part (9.21 ± 2.01 vs 5.76 ±1.96, p < 0.001). Bronchial asthma was associated at a similar frequency to allergic rhinitis in both centers, but it was more frequently observed in monosensitized patients in the NW center. Allergic conjunctivitis was more frequently reported by patients from the Central part (75.86 vs 41.9, p = 0.02), while in the NW region it was noticed more commonly in monosensitized patients (65% vs 33.33, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Allergic rhinitis to ragweed pollen has been more frequently reported in the NW part of Romania. Patients with severe forms of rhinitis were observed in the central part, while in the NW the severe forms of disease were reported by patients with monosensitization. Ragweed pollen is intensely allergogenic and determines association of ocular and asthma symptoms. Co-sensitization increases the risk of asthma association.


Subject(s)
Antigens, Plant/adverse effects , Plant Extracts/adverse effects , Rhinitis, Allergic/classification , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Rhinitis, Allergic/diagnosis , Rhinitis, Allergic/epidemiology , Romania/epidemiology
19.
Exp Ther Med ; 17(2): 1068-1072, 2019 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30679975

ABSTRACT

Angioedema can occur in isolation, accompanied by urticaria, or as a feature of anaphylaxis in mast cell-mediated disorders, bradykinin-mediated disorders, as well as in others with unknown mechanisms, such as infections, rare disorders, or idiopathic angioedema. In mast cell-mediated angioedema, other signs and symptoms of mast cell-mediator release are frequently seen. However, clear evidence of mast cell degranulation may be absent in histaminergic angioedema. Bradykinin-induced angioedema is not associated with urticaria or other symptoms of type I hypersensitivity reactions. For many of the known triggers of angioedema, the mechanism is unclear. While mast cell and bradykinin-mediated angioedema are relatively well defined in terms of diagnostic and therapeutic approach, angioedema with unknown mechanisms represents a challenge for patients and clinicians alike. Elucidating the clinical pattern and the possible causes of isolated angioedema is the key to a correct diagnosis. This review summarizes the causes, and clinical features of angioedema, with a focus on isolated angioedema.

20.
Exp Ther Med ; 17(2): 1061-1067, 2019 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30679974

ABSTRACT

Severe atopic dermatitis, which affects both adults and children, is a debilitating disorder with a significant decline of patients' quality of life. Although aetiopathogenic factors are currently a topic of study and interpretation, the main features of atopic eczema are skin barrier disturbance and immune dysregulation. Severe refractory disease that fails to improve with conventional therapy may benefit from biologic therapy. Progress in understanding immunopathology of atopic dermatitis have allowed identification of therapeutic molecular targets in the field of biological therapy. We reviewed the different biological treatments with a focus on novel targeted agents: Systemic immunotherapy (Omalizumab, Dupilumab, Lebrikizumab, Tralokinumab, Nemolizumab, Ustekinumab, Fezakinumab, Tezepelumab, Apremilast, allergen specific immunotherapy), and topical agents (Tofacitinib, Crisaborole).

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