Relevance of individual bronchial symptoms for asthma diagnosis and control in patients with rhinitis: A MASK-air study.

RATIONALE: It is unclear how each individual asthma symptom is associated with asthma diagnosis or control. OBJECTIVES: To assess the performance of individual asthma symptoms in the identification of patients with asthma and their association with asthma control. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we assessed real-world data using the MASK-air® app. We compared the frequency of occurrence of five asthma symptoms (dyspnea, wheezing, chest tightness, fatigue and night symptoms, as assessed by the Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test [CARAT] questionnaire) in patients with probable, possible or no current asthma. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of each symptom, and assessed the association between each symptom and asthma control (measured using the e-DASTHMA score). Results were validated in a sample of patients with a physician-established diagnosis of asthma. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: We included 951 patients (2153 CARAT assessments), with 468 having probable asthma, 166 possible asthma and 317 no evidence of asthma. Wheezing displayed the highest specificity (90.5%) and positive predictive value (90.8%). In patients with probable asthma, dyspnea and chest tightness were more strongly associated with asthma control than other symptoms. Dyspnea was the symptom with the highest sensitivity (76.1%) and the one consistently associated with the control of asthma as assessed by e-DASTHMA. Consistent results were observed when assessing patients with a physician-made diagnosis of asthma. CONCLUSIONS: Wheezing and chest tightness were the asthma symptoms with the highest specificity for asthma diagnosis, while dyspnea displayed the highest sensitivity and strongest association with asthma control.

[Diagnóstico de alergia inmediata para penicilina: estudio piloto].

Objectives: To confirm the presence of allergy to penicillin and amoxicillin by in vivo exposure tests in patients with a history of immediate reaction to these drugs. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive and prolective study. Patients between 12 and 60 years old with a history of immediate reaction after administration of penicillin and/or amoxicillin were included. Skin prick and intradermal tests were performed with benzylpenicilloyl polylysine and penicillin G, as well as oral challenge with amoxicillin. Results: Ten female and 3 male patients were included. The mean age was 39 years. In 84.6% of the cases the last adverse drug reaction occurred 10 years ago and in all cases it manifested with urticaria. Allergy to penicillin was corroborated in only 38.4% of cases. The most frequent adverse reaction after in vivo exposure tests was pruritus in 23%. Conclusions: Patients with suspected penicillin allergy should be evaluated by in vivo exposure testing with major and minor determinants to corroborate or rule out allergic reactions and improve treatment conditions.

Objetivos: Confirmar la presencia de alergia a penicilina y amoxicilina mediante pruebas de exposición in vivo, en pacientes que refieren antecedente de reacción inmediata con estos medicamentos. Métodos: Estudio observacional, transversal, descriptivo y prolectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes entre 12 y 60 años con antecedente de reacción inmediata tras administración de penicilina y/o amoxicilina. Se realizaron pruebas cutáneas por prick e intradérmicas con bencilpeniciloil polilisina y penicilina G, así como desafío oral con amoxicilina. Resultados: Se incluyeron 10 pacientes femeninos y 3 masculinos. La edad promedio fue 39 años. En 84,6% de los casos la última reacción adversa a medica- mentos ocurrió 10 años atrás y en todos los casos se manifestó con urticaria. Sólo en el 38,4% se corroboró alergia a penicilina. La reacción adversa más frecuen- te, tras las pruebas de exposición in vivo fue prurito en el 23%. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con sospecha de alergia a penicilina se deben evaluar mediante pruebas de exposición in vivo con los determinantes mayores y menores, para corroborar o descartar reacciones alérgicas y mejorar las condiciones de tratamiento.

[Pruebas diagnósticas in vivo en alergia inmediata a penicilina: estudio piloto].

Background: The most commonly reported antibiotic allergy is penicillin. The false label of "allergy" to penicillin negatively affects the patient's quality of life and medical care. Objective: To determine the frequency of allergy to penicillin and amoxicillin by in vivo exposure tests in patients with a history of immediate reaction to this class of medicinal products. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive and prolective study in patients between 12 and 60 years of age with a history of immediate reaction to penicillin and/or amoxicillin. Prick and intradermal skin tests were performed with benzylpenicilloyl polylysine (Pre-Pen), penicillin G and oral challenge test with amoxicillin. The frequency of positivity and negativity in these tests was calculated with a 95% CI. Results were analyzed in Epi info 7.2.5.0. Results: In total 13 patients (10 women) were included, with a mean age of 39 years (SD 12.14). In 84.6% the last adverse drug reaction occurred 10 years ago and in all manifested with urticaria. The 38.4% confirmed penicillin allergy and the most frequent adverse reaction after in vivo tests was pruritus. Conclusions: The clinical history alone is not sufficient, all patients with suspected penicillin allergy should be evaluated by in vivo exposure tests with major and minor determinants to corroborate or rule out allergy to this pharmacological class.

Antecedentes: La alergia a antibióticos notificada con más frecuencia es la penicilina. La falsa etiqueta de "alergia" a la penicilina afecta negativamente la calidad de vida del paciente y la atención médica. Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de alergia a penicilina y amoxicilina mediante pruebas de exposición in vivo, en pacientes con antecedente de reacción inmediata a esta clase de medicamentos. Métodos: Estudio observacional, transversal, descriptivo y prolectivo en pacientes entre 12 y 60 años con antecedente de reacción inmediata a penicilina y/o amoxicilina. Se realizaron pruebas cutáneas por prick e intradérmicas con bencilpeniciloil polilisina y penicilina G, y prueba de reto oral con amoxicilina. La frecuencia de positividad y negatividad en estas pruebas fue calculado con un IC del 95%. Los resultados se analizaron en Epi info 7.2.5.0. Resultados: Se incluyeron 13 pacientes (10 mujeres), con una media de edad de 39 años (DE 12.14) y diagnóstico predominante de rinitis alérgica (61,5%). En 84,6% de casos la última reacción adversa a medicamentos ocurrió 10 años atrás y en todos se manifestó con urticaria. Sólo en cinco pacientes (38,4%) se corroboró alergia a penicilina y la reacción adversa más frecuente tras las pruebas in vivo fue prurito (23 %). Conclusiones: La historia clínica por sí sola no es suficiente, todos los pacientes con sospecha de alergia a penicilina deben ser evaluados mediante pruebas de exposición in vivo con los determinantes mayores y menores para corroborar o descartar alergia a esta clase farmacológica.

Aeroallergen immunotherapy associated with reduced risk of severe COVID-19 in 1095 allergic patients.

Introduction: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) brings along changes in the immune system, restoring dendritic cell function, reducing T2 inflammation and augmenting the regulatory cell activation. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, interferes with the immune system causing immune suppression during the first phase and over-activation in more advanced disease. We decided to explore the interaction of both in a real-world observational trial. Methods: We registered COVID-19 outcomes in patients with allergic disorders in Latin America, treated with and without AIT. The registry was conducted during the first 1.3 years of the pandemic, with most of the data collected before COVID-19 vaccination was concluded in most countries. Data collection was anonymous via a web-based instrument. Ten countries participated. Results: 630/1095 (57.6%) of the included patients received AIT. Compared to patients without AIT, those treated with AIT had a reduced risk ratio (RR) for COVID-19 lower respiratory symptoms (RR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.6703-0.9024; p = 0.001662) and need for oxygen therapy (RR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.4217-0.9992; p = 0.048). In adherent patients on maintenance sublingual immunotherapy/subcutaneous immunotherapy (SLIT/SCIT) the RR reduction was larger [RR = 0.6136 (95% CI 0.4623-0.8143; p < 0.001) and RR: 0.3495 (95% CI 0.1822-0.6701; p < 0.005), respectively]. SLIT was slightly more effective (NS). We excluded age, comorbidities, level of health care attendance, and type of allergic disorder as confounders, although asthma was related to a higher frequency of severe disease. When analyzing patients with allergic asthma (n = 503) the RR reduction favoring AIT was more pronounced with 30% for lower respiratory symptoms or worse (RR 0.6914, 95% CI 0.5264 to 0.9081, p = 0.0087) and 51% for need of oxygen therapy or worse (RR 0.4868, 95% CI 0.2829-0.8376, p = 0.0082). Among severe allergic patients treated with biologics (n = 24) only 2/24 needed oxygen therapy. There were no critical cases among them. Conclusion: In our registry AIT was associated with reduced COVID-19 severity.

[Vitamin D and respiratory allergy: state of the art]. / Vitamina D y alergia respiratoria: estado del arte.

An increasing number of studies are analyzing the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and the development of sensitization and allergic diseases in genetically predisposed individuals, as well as the impact of vitamin D supplementation. This article reviews the literature on this subject. Clinical trials, meta-analyses and systematic reviews consulted in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Ovid, Wiley Online Library, Springer, Cochrane and manual resources were included, with the keywords: vitamin D, 25 hydroxyvitamin D, cholecalciferol, asthma, rhinitis, allergy, 25-OH-D, 1,25 hydroxyvitamin D, supplementation. The results show a positive linear trend, however, differ. We should keep in mind that in the studies there is heterogeneity of population groups and associated factors, which may modify such studies. It is necessary to increase research to clarify this relationship and to have successful interventions from the patient's approach to the strengthening of pharmacological and immunological treatment of allergic patients with these diseases.

Cada vez son más los trabajos que analizan la relación de los niveles séricos de vitamina D y el desarrollo de sensibilizaciones y enfermedades alérgicas en los individuos con predisposición genética, así como el impacto de su suplementación. El presente artículo efectúa una revisión de la literatura acerca de este tema. Se incluyeron ensayos clínicos, metaanálisis y revisiones sistemáticas consultadas en PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Ovid, Wiley Online Library, Springer, Cochrane y recursos manuales, con las palabras clave: vitamina D, 25 hidroxivitamina D, colecalciferol, asma, rinitis, alergia, 25-OH-D, 1,25 hidroxivitamina D, suplementación. Los resultados muestran una tendencia lineal positiva; sin embargo, algunos difieren. Debemos tener en mente que en los estudios existe heterogeneidad de los grupos poblacionales y los factores asociados, lo que puede modificarlos. Es necesario incrementar las investigaciones para clarificar esta relación y tener intervenciones exitosas desde el abordaje del paciente hasta el fortalecimiento del tratamiento farmacológico e inmunológico de los pacientes alérgicos con estas enfermedades.

Childhood asthma outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from the PeARL multi-national cohort.

BACKGROUND: The interplay between COVID-19 pandemic and asthma in children is still unclear. We evaluated the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on childhood asthma outcomes. METHODS: The PeARL multinational cohort included 1,054 children with asthma and 505 non-asthmatic children aged between 4 and 18 years from 25 pediatric departments, from 15 countries globally. We compared the frequency of acute respiratory and febrile presentations during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic between groups and with data available from the previous year. In children with asthma, we also compared current and historical disease control. RESULTS: During the pandemic, children with asthma experienced fewer upper respiratory tract infections, episodes of pyrexia, emergency visits, hospital admissions, asthma attacks, and hospitalizations due to asthma, in comparison with the preceding year. Sixty-six percent of asthmatic children had improved asthma control while in 33% the improvement exceeded the minimal clinically important difference. Pre-bronchodilatation FEV1 and peak expiratory flow rate were improved during the pandemic. When compared to non-asthmatic controls, children with asthma were not at increased risk of LRTIs, episodes of pyrexia, emergency visits, or hospitalizations during the pandemic. However, an increased risk of URTIs emerged. CONCLUSION: Childhood asthma outcomes, including control, were improved during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, probably because of reduced exposure to asthma triggers and increased treatment adherence. The decreased frequency of acute episodes does not support the notion that childhood asthma may be a risk factor for COVID-19. Furthermore, the potential for improving childhood asthma outcomes through environmental control becomes apparent.

[The effectiveness and safety of subcutaneous immunotherapy for inhalable allergens in patients with respiratory allergies after one year of treatment]. / Eficacia y seguridad de la inmunoterapia subcutánea para alérgenos inhalables en pacientes con alergia respiratoria a un año de tratamiento.

BACKGROUND: Allergen-specific immunotherapy is an important therapeutic modality for the management of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of allergen-specific subcutaneous immunotherapy in patients with respiratory allergies at the University Hospital of Puebla after twelve months of treatment. METHODS: A longitudinal, sequential, analytic, quasi-experimental, prolective study. The study was carried out for twelve months with patients of both sexes, aged four to sixty-five years, diagnosed with asthma and/or rhinitis, and with sensitization to aeroallergens. The CARAT and Portnoy questionnaires were collected every two months in order to assess the effectiveness and safety respectively. RESULTS: 47 patients were included: 37 (78.7 %) of them were female. The average age was 29.8 years. 76.6 % of them were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, and 23.4 % of them were diagnosed with both asthma and allergic rhinitis. The comparison of averages of the initial CARAT questionnaire against the final average by means of a student's t-test showed a t-value of -8.86 and a p-value of < 0.05. A total frequency of local adverse reactions of 19 % and systemic adverse reactions of 2.1 % was reported after 6 and 12 months of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The assessed scheme of immunotherapy, derived from the Mexican clinical practice guidelines of immunotherapy 2011, is effective with a desirable safety profile.

Antecedentes: La inmunoterapia específica con alérgenos es una importante modalidad terapéutica para el manejo de la rinitis y asma alérgica. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de la inmunoterapia subcutánea con alérgenos en pacientes con alergia respiratoria del Hospital Universitario de Puebla posterior a 12 meses de tratamiento. Métodos: Estudio longitudinal, secuencial, analítico, cuasiexperimental, prolectivo. Durante 12 meses se incluyeron pacientes con asma o rinitis, sensibilizados a aeroalérgenos, de cuatro a 65 años y de ambos sexos; bimensualmente se recolectaron los cuestionarios CARAT y Portnoy para evaluar la eficacia y seguridad, respectivamente. Resultados: Se incluyeron 47 pacientes, 37 (78.7 %) mujeres. La edad promedio fue de 29.8 años. El 76.6 % tuvo diagnóstico de rinitis alérgica y 23.4 % de asma y rinitis alérgica. Al comparar el promedio del CARAT inicial contra el promedio final mediante prueba de t de Student se obtuvo un valor de ­8.86 y p < 0.05. Se reportó una frecuencia total de reacciones adversas locales de 19 % y de reacciones adversas sistémicas de 2.1 % a los seis y 12 meses del tratamiento. Conclusiones: El esquema de inmunoterapia evaluado, derivado de la Guía Mexicana de Práctica Clínica de Inmunoterapia 2011, es eficaz con un conveniente perfil de seguridad.

[The effectiveness and safety of subcutaneous immunotherapy for inhalable allergens in patients with respiratory allergies]. / Eficacia y seguridad de la inmunoterapia subcutánea para alérgenos inhalables en pacientes con alergia respiratoria.

BACKGROUND: Specific immunotherapy is a treatment aimed at modifying the course of the allergic disease, with which important immunological and clinical changes are achieved. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of subcutaneous immunotherapy in patients diagnosed with respiratory allergies in the University Hospital of Puebla, Mexico. METHODS: A longitudinal, analytic, quasi-experimental study. The study was carried out with patients aged four to sixty-five years, diagnosed with allergic rhinitis or asthma, with sensitization to aeroallergens, in whom immunotherapy was started. For the effectiveness assessment, the Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT) was used. Safety was assessed through Portnoy's Questionnaire Survey of Adverse Reactions. RESULTS: 59 patients were included: 72.9% were female; 23.7% of them were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and asthma, and 76.3% were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis. The comparison of averages of the CARAT questionnaire at the beginning of the treatment and after four months of follow up showed a statistically significant positive development. An incidence of adverse local reactions of 9.03% was found; no adverse systemic reactions were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The assessed scheme of subcutaneous immunotherapy got to significantly decrease the asthma symptoms and AR symptoms, with a desirable safety profile.

Antecedentes: La inmunoterapia específica es un tratamiento orientado a modificar el curso de la enfermedad alérgica y con la que se han logrado importantes cambios inmunológicos y clínicos. Objetivo: Evaluar eficacia y seguridad de la inmunoterapia subcutánea en pacientes con diagnóstico de alergia respiratoria en el Hospital Universitario de Puebla, México. Métodos: Estudio longitudinal, analítico, cuasiexperimental. Se incluyeron pacientes de cuatro a 65 años con diagnóstico de asma o rinitis alérgica, con sensibilización a aeroalérgenos, que iniciaron tratamiento con inmunoterapia. Para la valoración de la eficacia se utilizó el cuestionario Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT). La seguridad se evaluó mediante el cuestionario de reacciones adversas de Portnoy. Resultados: Se incluyeron 59 pacientes, 72.9 % fueron mujeres; 23.7 % con diagnóstico de rinitis alérgica y asma y 76.3 % con diagnóstico de rinitis alérgica. La comparación de promedios del cuestionario CARAT al inicio del tratamiento y a los cuatro meses de seguimiento mostró evolución favorable estadísticamente significativa. Se encontró una incidencia de reacciones adversas locales de 9.03 %; no se reportaron reacciones adversas sistémicas. Conclusiones: El esquema de inmunoterapia subcutánea evaluado logra disminuir significativamente los síntomas del asma y la rinitis alérgica, con un conveniente perfil de seguridad.

[MASK (Mobile Airways Sentinel Network), a mobile App with ARIA's comprehensive solution in Spanish-speaking countries]. / MASK (Mobile Airways Sentinel Network), una app móvil con la solución integral de ARIA en países de habla hispana.

Although there are high quality clinical guidelines about allergic rhinitis, many patients receive deficient treatment, partly due to the high level of self-medication. MASK (Mobile Airways Sentinel Network) is an integral part of a project against chronic diseases which it is focused on active and healthy aging and is supported by the European Union. It forms the third phase of ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) in which, through a mobile app on a smart device, the purpose is to guide patients in the control of their multimorbidity, allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis, or asthma. The "Allergy Diary" app by MACVIA-ARIA is free and it is available for Android and iOS; on it, patients indicate how unpleasant the symptoms are on a daily basis through five screens with an analogous visual scale; two more screens were recently added (sleep affectation). With the app, it is also possible to download the information of the "Allergy Diary" on the physician's computer through a QR code at the moment of the medical consultation. In this article, we review the first year of experience in Spain, Mexico and Argentina, where the Spanish version is used.

Aunque existen guías clínicas de alta calidad sobre rinitis alérgica, numerosos pacientes reciben tratamiento deficiente, en parte debido al alto grado de automedicación. MASK (Mobile Airways Sentinel Network) forma parte integral de un proyecto apoyado por la Unión Europea contra las enfermedades crónicas y enfocado al envejecimiento activo y saludable. Constituye la tercera fase de ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma), en la cual mediante una aplicación móvil en un dispositivo inteligente se intenta guiar al paciente en el control de su multimorbilidad, rinitis o conjuntivitis alérgicas o asma. La aplicación Diario de Alergia por MACVIA-ARIA es gratuita y está disponible para Android e iOS; en ella, los pacientes indican diariamente cuánto les molestan los síntomas a través de cinco pantallas con una escala visual análoga; recientemente se agregaron dos pantallas más (afectación del sueño). La aplicación también permite descargar los datos del "Diario de alergias" en la computadora del médico en el momento de la consulta a través de un código QR. En este artículo reseñamos el primer año de experiencia en España, México y Argentina, que utilizan la versión española.

Spirometry: basic concepts. / Espirometría: conceptos básicos.

Spirometry is a pulmonary function test that allows screening, diagnosis and monitoring of respiratory diseases. This is a simple, non-invasive test that is easy to perform. By quantifying the respiratory volumes and flows, such as forced vital capacity (FVC) or forced expiratory volume in six seconds (FEV6), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and the relationship between these parameters (FEV1/FVC or FEV1/FEV6 ratio), obstruction can be detected with high sensitivity and specificity; likewise, it is possible to classify the severity and response to the bronchodilator. This article presents indications, contraindications, and basic concepts for the interpretation of spirometry.

La espirometría es una prueba de función pulmonar que permite el cribado, diagnóstico y monitorización de las enfermedades respiratorias. Esta prueba es sencilla, fácil de realizar y no invasiva. Mediante la cuantificación de los volúmenes y los flujos respiratorios como la capacidad vital forzada (CVF) o volumen espiratorio forzado en seis segundos (VEF6), el volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo (VEF1) y la relación entre estos parámetros (índice VEF1/CVF o VEF1/VEF6) se detecta obstrucción, con alta sensibilidad y especificidad; asimismo, es posible clasificar la gravedad y la respuesta al broncodilatador. En este artículo se exponen indicaciones, contraindicaciones y conceptos básicos para la interpretación de la espirometría.

[Sensitivity and specificity of the modified epicutaneous patch test in the diagnosis of respiratory allergy to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus]. / Sensibilidad y especificidad de la prueba epicutánea modificada en el diagnóstico de alergia respiratoria a Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.

BACKGROUND: The skin prick test is recognized as the gold standard for the specific diagnosis of allergy. OBJECTIVE: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the epicutaneous patch test that has been modified for the diagnosis of respiratory allergy to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. METHODS: An observational, interpretative, prolective, and transversal study. The included patients were between 6 and 49 years old, with symptoms of a respiratory allergy, and a skin test was performed on them by using the European standardized prick test and a modified epicutaneous patch test with the variable of the scarification that occurred before the antigen was applied, and its homogenization with a wooden applicator, which occurred after the antigen was applied. The levels of sensitivity, specificity, and prevalence influence and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: 104 patients were included, of which 72 (69.2%) were women. The age category of the patients was 24 ± 11.3 years of age. 78.9% of the patients were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, 1.9% were diagnosed with asthma, and 19.2% were diagnosed with both rhinitis and asthma. The prevalence of the respiratory allergy to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was of 62.5%; 94.23% with a correct diagnosis. The sensitivity and specificity of the test was of 93.85% and 94.87%; the positive and negative predictive values were of 96.83% and 90.24%, and the positive and negative likelihood ratios were of 18.30 and 0.06. CONCLUSIONS: The modified epicutaneous patch test was highly sensitive and specific; it decreased the risk of allergen carryover and it lowered the cost of the material that was used.

Antecedentes: La prueba por punción cutánea es el estándar de oro en el diagnóstico específico de alergia. Objetivo: Determinar sensibilidad y especificidad de la prueba epicutánea modificada para el diagnóstico de alergia respiratoria a Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Métodos: Estudio observacional, interpretativo, prolectivo y transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes de seis a 49 años de edad, con cuadro clínico de alergia respiratoria, en quienes se realizó punción cutánea con técnica europea y prueba epicutánea con la variante de escarificación previa a la aplicación del antígeno y posterior homogenización del mismo con aplicador de madera. Se calculó sensibilidad, especificidad, influencia de la prevalencia, valores predictivos positivo y negativo. Resultados: Se incluyeron 104 pacientes, 72 (69.2 %) del sexo femenino. La edad fue de 24 ± 11.3 años, 78.9 % tuvo diagnóstico de rinitis alérgica, 1.9 % de asma y 19.2 % de rinitis y asma. La prevalencia de alergia respiratoria a Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus fue de 62.5 %; 94.23 % estaba correctamente diagnosticado. La sensibilidad y especificidad de la prueba fue de 93.85 y 94.87 %, los valores predictivos positivo y negativo de 96.83 y 90.24 % y los cocientes de probabilidades positivo y negativo de 18.30 y 0.91. Conclusiones: La prueba epicutánea modificada fue altamente sensible y específica, disminuyó el riesgo de contaminación por arrastre de alérgenos y los costos en el material utilizado.

[MASK (Mobile Airways Sentinel Network). ARIA's comprehensive solution for mobile app for the multimorbidity of allergic rhinitis and asthma]. / MASK (Mobile Airways Sentinel Network). La solución integral de ARIA por app móvil para la multimorbilidad de rinitis alérgica y asma.

The vast majority of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) do not receive the proper management which is recommended by the guidelines, but they frequently self-medicate. MASK (Mobile Airways Sentinel Network) is an integral part of a project that is supported by the European Union against chronic diseases and focused on active and healthy aging. MASK represents the third phase of ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma), in which, by using a mobile application in a smart device, the objective is to guide the patient in the control of his/her multi-morbidity, AR and/or allergic conjunctivitis (AC) and/or asthma. The mobile app Allergy Diary by MACVIA-ARIA is free and it is available for both Android and iOS platforms. After it is downloaded to the patient's cell phone, it first requests some information about the patient's profile, allergic pathologies and medication; afterwards, through a visual analog scale, the patient is invited to determine the degree of affectation in the nose, eyes, and bronchi, and its influence on their productivity at work / school. After analyzing the data generated by filling the Allergy Diary, it became clear there is a new clinical entity: allergic rhinitis+ allergic conjunctivitis +asthma, with greater effect; in addition to a high level of self-medication: in general, the patient takes medication on days when symptoms are present. The app has already been deployed in 23 countries, including several Spanish-speaking countries.

La mayoría de los pacientes con rinitis alérgica no recibe el manejo idóneo, sino que se automedica. MASK (Mobile Airways Sentinel Network) forma parte integral de un proyecto apoyado por la Unión Europea contra las enfermedades crónicas y enfocado al envejecimiento activo y saludable. Constituye la tercera fase de ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma), en la cual mediante una aplicación móvil en un dispositivo inteligente se intenta guiar al paciente en el control de su multimorbilidad, rinitis o conjuntivitis alérgicas o asma. La aplicación Diario de Alergia por MACVIA-ARIA es gratuita y está disponible para Android e iOS. Al descargarla al celular del paciente, a este se le piden datos de su perfil, patologías alérgicas y medicación; posteriormente, mediante una escala visual analógica se le invita a determinar el grado de afectación en nariz, ojos y bronquios y su influencia sobre su productividad laboral/escolar. Con los datos del Diario de Alergia se observa que existe un nuevo patrón de presentación: rinitis alérgica + conjuntivitis alérgica + asma, con mayor afectación, así como un alto nivel de automedicación: en general, el paciente toma medicación cuando presenta síntomas. La app se ha desplegado en 23 países, incluyendo varios países hispanohablantes.

[Executive Summary of ARIA 2019: Integrated care pathways for allergic rhinitis in Argentina, Spain and Mexico]. / Resumen ejecutivo de ARIA 2019: Vías integradas de atención para la rinitis alérgica en Argentina, España y México.

The health and economic impact of allergic diseases are increasing rapidly, and changes in management strategies are required. Its influence reduces the capacity of work and school performance by at least a third. The ICPs of the airways (integrated care pathways for respiratory diseases) are structured multidisciplinary healthcare plans, promoting the recommendations of the guidelines in local protocols and their application to clinical practice. This document presents an executive summary for Argentina, Mexico, and Spain. Next-generation ARIA guidelines are being developed for the pharmacological treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR), using the GRADE-based guidelines for AR, tested with real-life evidence provided by mobile technology with visual analogue scales. It is concluded that in the AR treatment, H1-antihistamines are less effective than intranasal corticosteroids (INCS), in severe AR the INCS represent the first line of treatment, and intranasal combination INCS + anti-H1 is more effective than monotherapy. However, according to the MASK real-life observational study, patients have poor adherence to treatment and often self-medicate, according to their needs.

El impacto sanitario y económico de las enfermedades alérgicas está aumentando rápidamente y se necesitan cambios en las estrategias para su manejo. Su influencia reduce al menos en un tercio la capacidad de desempeño laboral y escolar. Los ICP (Vías Integradas de Atención) de las enfermedades de las vías respiratorias son planes de atención estructurados y multidisciplinarios, que promueven las recomendaciones de las guías en protocolos locales y su aplicación a la práctica clínica. En este documento se presenta un resumen ejecutivo para Argentina, México y España. Se desarrollan las guías ARIA de próxima generación para el tratamiento farmacológico de la rinitis alérgica (RA) utilizando las pautas basadas en GRADE para RA, probadas con evidencia de la vida real proporcionada por tecnología móvil basada en escalas visuales analógicas. Se concluye que en el tratamiento de la RA, los antihistamínicos anti-H1 son menos efectivos que los corticoides intranasales (CINS), que en la rinitis gravelos CINS representan la primera línea de tratamiento, y que la combinación intranasal de CINS + anti-H1 es más eficaz que la monoterapia. Sin embargo, según el estudio MASK observacional en vida real, los pacientes tienen pobre adherencia al tratamiento y frecuentemente se automedican de acuerdo con sus necesidades.

[Frequency of skin reactivity to food allergens in allergic patients]. / Frecuencia de reactividad cutánea hacia alérgenos alimentarios en pacientes alérgicos.

BACKGROUND: Food allergy is deemed to have a worldwide prevalence ranging from 2 to 10 %. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of skin reactivity to food allergens by age groups. METHODS: Cross-sectional, descriptive, prolective, observational study. Patients aged from 2 to 64 years with symptoms consistent with allergic disease were included. Skin prick tests were carried out with food allergens. Frequencies and percentages were estimated. RESULTS: One-hundred and ninety-one patients were included, out of which 63.4% were females. Mean age was 22.5 years; 19.3 % showed positive skin reactivity to at least one food. Distribution by age group was as follows: preschool children 13.5 %, schoolchildren 24.3 %, adolescents 2.7 % and adults 59.5 %. Diagnoses included allergic rhinitis in 84.3 %, asthma in 19.4 %, urticaria in 14.1 % and atopic dermatitis in 8.4 %. Positive skin reactivity frequency distribution in descending order was: soybeans with 5.2 %, peach with 4.7 %, grapes, orange and apple with 3.6 %, nuts with 3.1 %, pineapple, avocado, tomato and tuna with 2.6 %. CONCLUSION: The frequency of skin reactivity to food allergens was similar to that reported in the national and Latin American literature, but sensitization to each specific allergen varied for each age group.

Antecedentes: Se considera que la alergia alimentaria tiene una prevalencia mundial de 2 a 10 %. Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de reactividad cutánea hacia alérgenos alimentarios por grupos de edad. Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal y prolectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes de 2 a 64 años de edad con cuadro compatible de enfermedad alérgica. Se efectuaron pruebas por punción cutánea con alérgenos alimentarios. Se estimaron frecuencias y porcentajes. Resultados: Se incluyeron 191 pacientes, 63.4 % fue del sexo femenino. La edad promedio fue 22.5 años; 19.3 % mostró reactividad cutánea positiva al menos a un alimento. La distribución por grupo etario fue la siguiente: preescolares 13.5 %, escolares 24.3 %, adolescentes 2.7 % y adultos 59.5 %. Los diagnósticos fueron rinitis alérgica 84.3 %, asma 19.4 %, urticaria 14.1 % y dermatitis atópica 8.4 %. La distribución de la frecuencia de reactividad cutánea positiva en orden descendente fue 5.2 % a soya, 4.7 % a durazno, 3.6 % a uva, naranja y manzana, 3.1 % a nuez y 2.6 % a piña, aguacate, tomate y atún. Conclusión: La frecuencia de reactividad cutánea para alérgenos alimentarios fue similar a la informada en la literatura nacional y latinoamericana, pero la sensibilización para cada alérgeno específico varió en cada grupo etario.

[Skin reactivity frequency to aeroallergens in patients with clinical symptoms of allergic disease]. / Frecuencia de reactividad cutánea hacia antígenos inhalables en pacientes con cuadro clínico de enfermedad alérgica.

BACKGROUND: Allergic diseases diagnosis must be based on adequate allergological anamnesis and an immunological sensitization test; the most sensitive and specific is the skin prick test. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of skin reactivity to aeroallergens, by age groups, in patients of the Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology of the Hospital Universitario de Puebla, in Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted that included patients aged 2 to 64 years with symptoms suggestive of allergic disease, in which skin prick tests with aeroallergens were performed; the diagnostic criteria were those of international guidelines. Frequencies, percentages and dispersion measures were calculated. RESULTS: Of 173 patients, 63 % were females. Mean age was 22.3 years. The frequency of skin reactivity for Quercus sp. was 12.72 %, for Periplaneta americana, 9.83 %, for Dermatophagoides farinae, 9.25 %, for Cynodon dactylon, 8.09 %, for Blatella germanica, 8.09 %, for Holcus halepensis, 6.94 %, for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, 6.36 %, for Schinus molle, 5.78 %, for Fraxinus uhdei, 5.20 %, for Lolium perenne, 5.20 %, for Ambrosia eliator, 5.20 % and for Artemisa tridentata, 4.62 %. CONCLUSION: Although Dermatophagoides are the most frequently reported aeroallergens, the most common aeroallergen in this study was pollen, probably owing to geographical and environmental factors, although this was not observed in the analysis by age groups.

Antecedentes: El diagnóstico de las enfermedades alérgicas debe basarse en la historia clínica alergológica adecuada y en una prueba inmunológica de sensibilización; la de mayor sensibilidad y especificidad es la prueba cutánea por punción. Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de la reactividad cutánea hacia aeroalérgenos, por grupos etarios, en pacientes del Servicio de Alergia e Inmunología Clínica del Hospital Universitario de Puebla, México. Métodos: Se realizó estudio transversal que incluyó a pacientes de 2 a 64 años de edad, con síntomas sugestivos de enfermedad alérgica, en quienes se realizaron pruebas cutáneas con aeroalérgenos; los criterios diagnósticos fueron los de las guías internacionales. Se calcularon frecuencias, porcentajes y medidas de dispersión. Resultados: De 173 pacientes, 63 % fue del sexo femenino. La edad media fue de 22.3 años. La frecuencia de la reactividad cutánea para Quercus sp. fue 12.72 %, Periplaneta americana 9.83 %, Dermatophagoides farinae 9.25 %, Cynodon dactylon 8.09 %, Blatella germanica 8.09 %, Holcus halepensis 6.94 %, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 6.36 %, Schinus molle 5.78 %, Fraxinus uhdei 5.20 %, Lolium perenne 5.20 %, Ambrosia eliator 5.20 % y Artemisa tridentata 4.62 %. Conclusión: Los Dermatophagoides son los aeroalérgenos más identificados, pero en el presente estudio fue más común un polen, probablemente debido a factores geográficos-medioambientales, aunque no fue así en el análisis por grupos etarios.