Pre-asthma: a useful concept? A EUFOREA paper. Part 2-late onset eosinophilic asthma.

The concept of pre-diabetes has led to provision of measures to reduce disease progression through identification of subjects at risk of diabetes. We previously considered the idea of pre-asthma in relation to allergic asthma and considered that, in addition to the need to improve population health via multiple measures, including reduction of exposure to allergens and pollutants and avoidance of obesity, there are several possible specific means to reduce asthma development in those most at risk (pre- asthma). The most obvious is allergen immunotherapy (AIT), which when given for allergic rhinitis (AR) has reasonable evidence to support asthma prevention in children (2) but also needs further study as primary prevention. In this second paper we explore the possibilities for similar actions in late onset eosinophilic asthma.

EPOS2020/EUFOREA expert opinion on defining disease states and therapeutic goals in CRSwNP.

Severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), a form of diffuse bilateral (usually type 2) CRS, is a debilitating disease with a significant impact on quality of life (QoL). With novel knowledge and treatment options becoming available, there is a growing need to update or revise key definitions to enable communication across different specialties dealing with CRS, and to agree on novel goals of care in CRSwNP. The European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway diseases (EUFOREA) and EPOS expert members discussed how to measure treatment responses and set new treatment goals for CRSwNP. In this paper a consensus on a list of definitions related to CRSwNP is provided: control, remission, cure, recurrence/exacerbation, treatable traits, remodeling, progression, and disease modification. By providing these definitions, the involved experts hope to improve communication between all stakeholders involved in CRSwNP treatment for use in routine care, basic and clinical research and international guidelines aimed to harmonize and optimize standard of care of patients with CRSwNP in the future.

Consensus criteria for chronic rhinosinusitis disease control: an international Delphi Study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) disease control is a global metric of disease status for CRS. While there is broad acceptance that it is an important treatment goal, there has been inconsistency in the criteria used to define CRS control. The objective of this study was to identify and develop consensus around essential criteria for assessment of CRS disease control. METHODS: Modified Delphi methodology consisting of three rounds to review a list of 24 possible CRS control criteria developed by a 12-person steering committee. The core authorship of the multidisciplinary EPOS 2020 guidelines was invited to participate. RESULTS: Thirty-two individuals accepted the invitation to participate and there was no dropout of participants throughout the entire study (3 rounds). Consensus essential criteria for assessment of CRS control were: overall symptom severity, need for CRS-related systemic corticosteroids in the prior 6 months, severity of nasal obstruction, and patient-reported CRS control. Near-consensus items were: nasal endoscopy findings, severity of smell loss, overall quality of life, impairment of normal activities and severity of nasal discharge. Participants’ comments provided insights into caveats of, and disagreements related to, near-consensus items. CONCLUSIONS: Overall symptom severity, use of CRS-related systemic corticosteroids, severity of nasal obstruction, and patient-reported CRS control are widely agreed upon essential criteria for assessment of CRS disease control. Consideration of near-consensus items to assess CRS control should be implemented with their intrinsic caveats in mind. These identified consensus CRS control criteria, together with evidence-based support, will provide a foundation upon which CRS control criteria with wide-spread acceptance can be developed.

Farm Environment During Pregnancy and Childhood and Polysensitization at the Age of 31: Prospective Birth Cohort Study in Finland.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The farm environment, especially contact with farm animals in early childhood, may prevent allergic sensitization during adulthood. However, prospective associations between exposure to the farm environment and polysensitization have not been studied. Polysensitization is a risk factor for asthma and asthma-related morbidity. Objective: To investigate whether exposure to a farming environment in early childhood, especially exposure to animals, is associated with sensitization to specific allergens and polysensitization at the age of 31. METHODS: In a prospective birth cohort study, 5509 individuals born in northern Finland in 1966 underwent skin prick testing against birch, timothy, cat, and house dust mite at the age of 31. Prenatal exposure to the farming environment was documented at birth, whereas information on childhood exposure to pets was only collected retrospectively at the age of 31. Data were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Being born to a family with farm animals was associated with a reduced risk of sensitization to birch, timothy, and cat (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.55 [95%CI, 0.43-0.70]; aOR, 0.62 [95%CI, 0.48-0.79]; aOR, 0.60 [95%CI, 0.47-0.75]) and polysensitization at the age of 31 (aOR, 0.62 [95%CI, 0.48-0.80]). The number of animal species present during childhood was dose-dependently associated with a reduced risk of sensitization to birch, timothy, and cat, as well as of polysensitization. No association was found with sensitization to house dust mite. CONCLUSIONS: Growing up on a farm and contact with higher numbers of animal species in childhood are associated with less frequent sensitization to birch, timothy, and cat allergens and polysensitization in adulthood, but not with sensitization to house dust mite.

Farm Environment During Pregnancy and Childhood and Polysensitization at the Age of 31: Prospective Birth Cohort Study in Finland

BACKGROUND: The farm environment, especially contact with farm animals in early childhood, may prevent allergic sensitization during adulthood. However, prospective associations between exposure to the farm environment and polysensitization have not been studied. Polysensitization is a risk factor for asthma and asthma-related morbidity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether exposure to a farming environment in early childhood, especially exposure to animals, is associated with sensitization to specific allergens and polysensitization at the age of 31. METHODS: In a prospective birth cohort study, 5509 individuals born in northern Finland in 1966 underwent skin prick testing against birch, timothy, cat, and house dust mite at the age of 31. Prenatal exposure to the farming environment was documented at birth, whereas information on childhood exposure to pets was only collected retrospectively at the age of 31. Data were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Being born to a family with farm animals was associated with a reduced risk of sensitization to birch, timothy, and cat (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.55 [95%CI, 0.43-0.70]; aOR, 0.62 [95%CI, 0.48-0.79]; aOR, 0.60 [95%CI, 0.47-0.75]) and polysensitization at the age of 31 (aOR, 0.62 [95%CI, 0.48-0.80]). The number of animal species present during childhood was dose-dependently associated with a reduced risk of sensitization to birch, timothy, and cat, as well as of polysensitization. No association was found with sensitization to house dust mite. CONCLUSIONS: Growing up on a farm and contact with higher numbers of animal species in childhood are associated with less frequent sensitization to birch, timothy, and cat allergens and polysensitization in adulthood, but not with sensitization to house dust mite

ANTECEDENTES: El ambiente de granja, especialmente el contacto con animales de granja en la primera infancia, puede prevenir la sensibilización alérgica durante la edad adulta. Sin embargo, no se han estudiado las posibles asociaciones entre la exposición al entorno agrícola y la polisensibilización. La polisensibilización es un factor de riesgo para el asma y su morbilidad. OBJETIVO: Investigar si el entorno agrícola en la primera infancia, especialmente la exposición a animales, está asociado con la sensibilización a alérgenos específicos y la polisensibilización a la edad de 31 años. MÉTODOS: En un estudio prospectivo de cohorte de nacimiento, 5.509 sujetos nacidos en el norte de Finlandia en 1966 se sometieron a pruebas cutáneas a la edad de 31 años con abedul, hierba timotea, gato y ácaros del polvo doméstico. La exposición prenatal al ambiente agrícola se documentó al nacer, mientras que la información sobre la exposición infantil a las mascotas solo se recopiló retrospectivamente a la edad de 31 años. Se utilizó La regresión logística en los análisis estadísticos. RESULTADOS: Nacer en una familia con animales de granja se asoció con un menor riesgo de sensibilización frente a abedul, hierba timotea o gato (odds ratio ajustado, aOR = 0,55 [intervalo de confianza del 95% 0,43-0,70]; aOR = 0,62 [0,48-0,79] ; aOR = 0,60 [0,47-0,75]) y polisensibilización a la edad de 31 años (aOR = 0,62 [0,48-0,80]). La sensibilización frente a abedul, hierba timotea y gato, así como la polisensibilización, se asociaron de forma dependiente e inversa a la dosis con el número de especies animales presentes durante la infancia. No se encontró asociación con la sensibilización frente a los ácaros del polvo doméstico. CONCLUSIONES: Crecer en una granja y el contacto con un mayor número de especies animales en la infancia se asocia con una menor sensibilización frente al abedul, la hierba timotea, alérgenos de gato y polisensibilización en la edad adulta, pero no con sensibilización frente a los ácaros del polvo doméstico

Treatment of allergic rhinitis during and outside the pollen season using mobile technology. A MASK study.

BACKGROUND: The analysis of mobile health (mHealth) data has generated innovative insights into improving allergic rhinitis control, but additive information is needed. A cross-sectional real-world observational study was undertaken in 17 European countries during and outside the estimated pollen season. The aim was to collect novel information including the phenotypic characteristics of the users. METHODS: The Allergy Diary-MASK-air-mobile phone app, freely available via Google Play and App, was used to collect the data of daily visual analogue scales (VASs) for overall allergic symptoms and medication use. Fluticasone Furoate (FF), Mometasone Furoate (MF), Azelastine Fluticasone Proprionate combination (MPAzeFlu) and eight oral H1-antihistamines were studied. Phenotypic characteristics were recorded at entry. The ARIA severity score was derived from entry data. This was an a priori planned analysis. RESULTS: 9037 users filled in 70,286 days of VAS in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The ARIA severity score was lower outside than during the pollen season. Severity was similar for all treatment groups during the pollen season, and lower in the MPAzeFlu group outside the pollen season. Days with MPAzeFlu had lower VAS levels and a higher frequency of monotherapy than the other treatments during the season. Outside the season, days with MPAzeFlu also had a higher frequency of monotherapy. The number of reported days was significantly higher with MPAzeFlu during and outside the season than with MF, FF or oral H1-antihistamines. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the overall efficacy of treatments is similar during and outside the pollen season and indicates that medications are similarly effective during the year.

Executive summary of EPOS 2020 including integrated care pathways.

The European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020 is the update of similar evidence based position papers published in 2005 and 2007 and 2012(1-3). The core objective of the EPOS2020 guideline is to provide revised, up-to-date and clear evidence-based recommendations and integrated care pathways in ARS and CRS. EPOS2020 provides an update on the literature published and studies undertaken in the eight years since the EPOS2012 position paper was published and addresses areas not extensively covered in EPOS2012 such as paediatric CRS and sinus surgery. EPOS2020 also involves new stakeholders, including pharmacists and patients, and addresses new target users who have become more involved in the management and treatment of rhinosinusitis since the publication of the last EPOS document, including pharmacists, nurses, specialised care givers and indeed patients themselves, who employ increasing self-management of their condition using over the counter treatments. The document provides suggestions for future research in this area and offers updated guidance for definitions and outcome measurements in research in different settings.

European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020.

The European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020 is the update of similar evidence based position papers published in 2005 and 2007 and 2012. The core objective of the EPOS2020 guideline is to provide revised, up-to-date and clear evidence-based recommendations and integrated care pathways in ARS and CRS. EPOS2020 provides an update on the literature published and studies undertaken in the eight years since the EPOS2012 position paper was published and addresses areas not extensively covered in EPOS2012 such as paediatric CRS and sinus surgery. EPOS2020 also involves new stakeholders, including pharmacists and patients, and addresses new target users who have become more involved in the management and treatment of rhinosinusitis since the publication of the last EPOS document, including pharmacists, nurses, specialised care givers and indeed patients themselves, who employ increasing self-management of their condition using over the counter treatments. The document provides suggestions for future research in this area and offers updated guidance for definitions and outcome measurements in research in different settings. EPOS2020 contains chapters on definitions and classification where we have defined a large number of terms and indicated preferred terms. A new classification of CRS into primary and secondary CRS and further division into localized and diffuse disease, based on anatomic distribution is proposed. There are extensive chapters on epidemiology and predisposing factors, inflammatory mechanisms, (differential) diagnosis of facial pain, allergic rhinitis, genetics, cystic fibrosis, aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease, immunodeficiencies, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis and the relationship between upper and lower airways. The chapters on paediatric acute and chronic rhinosinusitis are totally rewritten. All available evidence for the management of acute rhinosinusitis and chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps in adults and children is systematically reviewed and integrated care pathways based on the evidence are proposed. Despite considerable increases in the amount of quality publications in recent years, a large number of practical clinical questions remain. It was agreed that the best way to address these was to conduct a Delphi exercise . The results have been integrated into the respective sections. Last but not least, advice for patients and pharmacists and a new list of research needs are included. The full document can be downloaded for free on the website of this journal: http://www.rhinologyjournal.com.

Assessing Cut-off Points of Eosinophils, Nasal Polyp, and Lund-Mackay Scores to Predict Surgery in Nasal Polyposis: A Real-World Study.

BACKGROUND: Developing tools to identify chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients requiring surgical treatment would help clinicians treat patients more effectively. The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to identify cut-off values ​​for eosinophil percentage, nasal polyps (NP), and Lund-Mackay (LM) scores that may predict the need for surgical treatment in Finnish CRSwNP patients. METHODS: Data of CRSwNP patients (N = 378) undergoing consultation for ESS in 2001-19 were used. Data was collected from patient records and Lund-Mackay scores were determined from sinus computed tomography scans. The percentage of eosinophils was microscopically evaluated from the polyp samples available (n = 81). Associations were analyzed by Mann Whitney U test, and cut-off values by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). RESULTS: ESS was performed to 293 (77.5%) of patients. Polyp eosinophilia was associated significantly with ESS (p = 0.001), whereas peripheral blood eosinophil count, LM- score and endoscopic NP- score were not (p > 0.05). AUROC values (95% CI) for detecting those needing ESS were for polyp eosinophilia 0.71 (0.60-0.83), p = 0.001, for LM score 0.59 (0.50-0.67), p = 0.054; for NP score 0.56 (0.48-0.64), p = 0.17, and for blood eosinophil count 0.68 (0.46-0.90), p = 0.08. With the threshold value of polyp eosinophilia (>25%), the sensitivity and specificity were optimal for detecting the group needing ESS from the group not undergoing ESS. The cut-off value of blood eosinophil count (>0.26 × 109/L) had relatively good, yet statistically insignificant (underpowered), predictive potential. Moderate cut-off values were found for endoscopic LM score (≥14/24) and NP score (≥4/8). CONCLUSIONS: Polyp eosinophilia (>25%) predicted ESS among Finnish hospital-level CRSwNP patients. A future challenge would be to find less invasive and cost-effective clinical factors predicting uncontrolled CRSwNP.

EPOS2020: development strategy and goals for the latest European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: The European Position Papers on Rhinosinusitis from 2005, 2007 and 2012 have had a measurable impact on the way this common condition with high impact on quality of life is managed around the world. EPOS2020 will be the latest iteration of the guideline, addressing new stakeholders and target users, presenting a summary of the latest literature and evolving treatment modalities, and formulating clear recommendations based on all available evidence. METHODOLOGY: Based on the AGREE II framework, this article demonstrates how the EPOS2020 steering group will address six key areas to ensure consistency in quality and presentation of information in the latest rhinosinusitis clinical practice guideline: scope and purpose; stakeholder involvement; rigour of development; clarity of presentation; recommendations and applicability; editorial independence. RESULTS: By analysing the guidance from AGREE II, we formulated a detailed development strategy for EPOS2020. We identify new stakeholders and target users and ratify the importance of patient involvement in the latest EPOS guideline. New and expanded areas of research to be addressed are highlighted. We confirm our intention to use mixed methodologies, combining evidence-based medicine with real life studies; when no evidence can be found, use Delphi rounds to achieve clear, inclusive recommendations. We also introduce new concepts for dissemination of the guideline, using Internet and social media to improve accessibility. CONCLUSION: This article is an introduction to the EPOS2020 project, and presents the key goals, core stakeholders, planned methodology and dissemination strategies for the latest version of this influential guideline.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Symptoms, Endoscopy, and Imaging Signs of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Without Nasal Polyps Compared to Allergic Rhinitis.

Objectives The diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) and distinguishing it from allergic rhinitis is difficult. Yet, early detection of CRSsNP is important to prevent progressive and severe chronic rhinosinusitis. Our aim was to compare diagnostic accuracy of symptoms, endoscopy, and imaging signs of CRSsNP and allergic rhinitis -only phenotypes. Setting Prospective controlled follow-up study. Participants Forty-two nonsmoking patients visiting tertiary care due to CRSsNP and 19 nonsmoking volunteer controls with allergic rhinitis filled a symptoms questionnaire and underwent nasal endoscopy off-seasonally. All CRSsNP patients underwent computed tomography scans of paranasal sinuses. All the allergic rhinitis control subjects and 14 of the CRSsNP patients underwent sinus magnetic resonance imaging. Results Radiologic Lund-Mackay score, duration of symptoms, visual analogue scale scores of symptoms, and Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 were significantly higher in the CRSsNP group compared to allergic rhinitis control group. These factors also correlated in part with each other. Endoscopic score did not correlate with other factors, nor did it differ between CRSsNP and allergic rhinitis groups. The highest area under curve value was demonstrated for visual analogue scale score of facial pain/pressure (0.93) and score ≥4/10 showed 60% sensitivity and 95% specificity for detecting CRSsNP group ( P < .001). Radiologic sign of obstructed osteomeatal complex showed 100% specificity and 38% sensitivity for detecting CRSsNP group ( P < .001). Conclusions CRSsNP phenotype could be primarily distinguished from allergic rhinitis by higher facial pain/pressure score and secondarily by radiologic sings of obstructed ostiomeatal complex and higher Lund-Mackay score. Endoscopic score has limited value in distinguishing CRSsNP from allergic rhinitis.

Daily allergic multimorbidity in rhinitis using mobile technology: A novel concept of the MASK study.

BACKGROUND: Multimorbidity in allergic airway diseases is well known, but no data exist about the daily dynamics of symptoms and their impact on work. To better understand this, we aimed to assess the presence and control of daily allergic multimorbidity (asthma, conjunctivitis, rhinitis) and its impact on work productivity using a mobile technology, the Allergy Diary. METHODS: We undertook a 1-year prospective observational study in which 4 210 users and 32 585 days were monitored in 19 countries. Five visual analogue scales (VAS) assessed the daily burden of the disease (i.e., global evaluation, nose, eyes, asthma and work). Visual analogue scale levels <20/100 were categorized as "Low" burden and VAS levels ≥50/100 as "High" burden. RESULTS: Visual analogue scales global measured levels assessing the global control of the allergic disease were significantly associated with allergic multimorbidity. Eight hypothesis-driven patterns were defined based on "Low" and "High" VAS levels. There were <0.2% days of Rhinitis Low and Asthma High or Conjunctivitis High patterns. There were 5.9% days with a Rhinitis High-Asthma Low pattern. There were 1.7% days with a Rhinitis High-Asthma High-Conjunctivitis Low pattern. A novel Rhinitis High-Asthma High-Conjunctivitis High pattern was identified in 2.9% days and had the greatest impact on uncontrolled VAS global measured and impaired work productivity. Work productivity was significantly correlated with VAS global measured levels. CONCLUSIONS: In a novel approach examining daily symptoms with mobile technology, we found considerable intra-individual variability of allergic multimorbidity including a previously unrecognized extreme pattern of uncontrolled multimorbidity.

Higher mortality of adults with asthma: A 15-year follow-up of a population-based cohort.

BACKGROUND: Higher all-cause mortality in asthmatics has been shown previously. Polysensitization is associated with higher morbidity among asthmatic children, and allergic rhinitis and/or allergic conjunctivitis (AR/AC) are associated with higher morbidity in adult asthmatics. Little is known about the effect of AR/AC and other factors on mortality among adult asthmatics. The aim was to study mortality and its risk factors in adults with and without asthma. METHODS: We randomly selected 1648 asthmatics with age over 30 years from national registers and matched the asthma sample with one or two controls. Baseline information was obtained by a questionnaire in 1997, and the study population was linked with the death certificate information of Statistics Finland from 1997 to 2013. Overall and cause-specific survival between the groups was compared in several adjusted models. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up period of 15.6 years, 221 deaths among 1052 asthma patients and 335 deaths among 1889 nonasthmatics were observed. Cardiovascular diseases were the main cause of death in both groups. Asthma was associated with increased all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 1.25; 95% CI 1.05-1.49, P = .011) as well as mortality from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR 12.0, 4.18-34.2, P < .001) and malignant neoplasms of respiratory organs (HR 2.33, 1.25-4.42, P = .008). Among asthmatics, smoking was associated with increased all-cause mortality, and self-reported AR/AC was associated with decreased mortality. Among nonasthmatics, smoking, and obesity were associated with increased all-cause mortality, whereas female gender showed an association with a decreased risk. CONCLUSIONS: Increased mortality among adult asthmatics was largely explained by the development of COPD, malignant respiratory tract neoplasms, and cardiovascular diseases. Smoking cessation is important for reduction in total mortality in both asthmatic and nonasthmatic adults. AR/AC was associated with decreased mortality only in asthmatics. Thus, studies in other populations of larger size are needed to explore further the nature of this association.

Rhinology Future Debates, an EUFOREA Report.

The first Rhinology Future Debates was held in Brussels in December 2016, organized by EUFOREA (European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airways diseases). The purpose of these debates is to bring novel developments in the field of Rhinology to the attention of the medical, paramedical and patient community, in a highly credible and balanced context. For the first time in Rhinology, a peer to peer scientific exchange with key experts in the field of rhinology and key medical colleagues from leading industries let to a brainstorming and discussion event on a number of hot issues in Rhinology. Novel developments are presented by key experts from industry and/or key thought leaders in Rhinology, and then followed by a lively debate on the potential positioning of new developments in care pathways, the strengths and weaknesses of the novel development(s), and comparisons with existing and/or competing products, devices, and/or molecules. As all debates are recorded and distributed on-line with limited editing (www.rhinology-future.com), EUFOREA aims at maximizing the education of the target groups on novel developments, allowing a critical appraisal of the future and a more rapid implementation of promising novel tools, techniques and/or molecules in clinical practise in Europe. The next Rhinology Future debate will be held in Brussels in December 2017.

Low lymphatic vessel density associates with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps (CRSwNP and CRSsNP) and antrochoanal polyps (ACP) are different upper airway inflammation phenotypes with different pathomechanisms. In order to understand the development of tissue edema, the present study aimed to evaluate lymphatic vessel density in CRSsNP, CRSwNP and ACP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 120 retrospective nasal and maxillary sinus specimens were stained immunohistochemically with a von Willebrand factor polyclonal antibody recognizing vascular and lymphatic endothelium, and with a podoplanin monoclonal antibody recognizing lymphatic endothelium. Vessels were studied by microscopy in a blinded fashion, and the vessel density and the relative density of lymphatic vessels were calculated. Patient characteristic factors and follow-up data of in average 9 years were collected from patient records. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In the nasal cavity, the low absolute and relative density of vessels and of lymphatic vessels was associated with CRSwNP and ACP tissues compared to control inferior turbinate. This was observed also in the inflammatory hotspot area. In the maxillary sinus, lower absolute and relative density of lymphatic vessels associated with the CRSwNP phenotype. High lymphatic vessel density in polyp tissue associated with the need for revision CRS-surgery. As a conclusion, low density of lymphatic vessels distinguished patients with CRSwNP not only in the hotspot area of polyp tissue, but also in maxillary sinus mucosa. Yet, higher lymphatic vessel density seems to associate with polyp recurrence. Further studies are still needed to explore if formation of nasal polyps could be diminished by intranasal therapeutics affecting lymphangiogenesis.

Birth decade affects the sensitization pattern and asthma risk in Finnish adult population.

We have previously shown that sensitizations to several types of allergens distinguish subjects with and without adult-onset asthma in Finland. The aim was to analyze how age affects sensitization and asthma risk. We used previous population-based case-control data (N=456) from Finnish adult asthma patients with one or two matched controls. Asthma was diagnosed based on a typical history of asthmatic symptoms and lung function tests. Allergic sensitization was determined by skin prick test (SPT) to 17 aeroallergens. Information on demographics was obtained by a questionnaire. Sensitization to more than one allergen type and the number of positive SPT reactions associated with younger age and asthma. Atopic subjects aged 65 and above were characterized by sensitization to only one to two allergens, with very few animal danders and without an association with asthma. Multiple sensitizations and animal dander sensitization are more common among Finnish asthmatic adults aged under 56 than among older asthmatics. Cohort studies are needed to understand timing of host-environmental interactions behind this.

Sensitization pattern affects the asthma risk in Finnish adult population.

BACKGROUND: There is a large global variation in the sensitization pattern and its association with allergic diseases. In temperate and tropical urban environments, mite monosensitization can be the predominant cause of allergic airway diseases, whereas in other environments, polysensitization is more typical. Sensitization to mite allergens associates with asthma. However, it is suggested that mite sensitization might play a minor role in Northern Europe. The aim of the study was to analyze how sensitization pattern affects the asthma risk in Finnish adults, with a special focus on mites. METHODS: A population-based case-control data (N = 523) from Finnish adult asthma patients with one or two matched controls were used. Asthma was diagnosed based on a typical history of asthmatic symptoms and lung function tests. The allergic sensitization was determined based on skin prick test (SPT) of five mites, three molds, and nine other aeroallergens. Information on demographics was obtained by a questionnaire. RESULTS: The proportion of sensitization to any allergen was 55% in the asthma group and 39% in the control group (P = 0.001, OR 2.06, 95% CI = 1.35-3.14). Sensitization to animal dander, pollen, or Aspergillus fumigatus was associated with asthma. Polysensitization to more than one allergen types and the number of SPT-positive reactions associated with asthma, whereas sensitization to only one allergen type was not associated with asthma. CONCLUSIONS: The large number of sensitizations to several types of allergens distinguishes subjects with asthma. Mite sensitization had little independent association with asthma in Finland.

The multi-faceted role of allergen exposure to the local airway mucosa.

Airway epithelial cells are the first to encounter aeroallergens and therefore have recently become an interesting target of many studies investigating their involvement in the modulation of allergic inflammatory responses. Disruption of a passive structural barrier composed of epithelial cells by intrinsic proteolytic activity of allergens may facilitate allergen penetration into local tissues and additionally affect chronic and ongoing inflammatory processes in respiratory tissues. Furthermore, the ability of rhinoviruses to disrupt and interfere with epithelial tight junctions may alter the barrier integrity and enable a passive passage of inhaled allergens through the airway epithelium. On the other hand, epithelial cells are no longer considered to act only as a physical barrier toward inhaled allergens, but also to actively contribute to airway inflammation by detecting and responding to environmental factors. Epithelial cells can produce mediators, which may affect the recruitment and activation of more specialized immune cells to the local tissue and also create a microenvironment in which these activated immune cells may function and propagate the inflammatory processes. This review presents the dual role of epithelium acting as a passive and active barrier when encountering an inhaled allergen and how this double role contributes to the start of local immune responses.

Predictors of post-operative response to treatment: a double blind placebo controlled study in chronic rhinosinusitis patients.

BACKGROUND: In the majority of CRS patients suffering from primary or recurrent CRS, topical glucocorticoids are highly effective. A subset of CRS patients, however, does not respond to (topical) glucocorticoids and requires surgical intervention. Although surgery is highly effective in those individuals, recurrence of disease is observed in some. In this study we describe our search for one or more predictors predicting the response to surgery in combination with peri-operative oral glucocorticoids in CRS patients. METHODS: Thirty-five inferior turbinate specimens were randomly selected from a larger group of CRS patients requiring FESS for persistent disease that either responded favorably or demonstrated recurrent disease. Tissue biopsies were taken at the time of surgery and compared for inflammatory markers, endothelial cell markers, and various leukocyte subsets using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared to non-responders, the baseline level of lamina propria activated eosinophils is significantly increased in CRS patients responding to surgery in combination with peri-operative oral glucocorticoids treated or not treated post-operatively with topical glucocorticoids. No significant differences were observed for all other studied parameters. Post-operative treatment with FPANS 100 µg q.i.d. was significantly associated with response to treatment. A trend towards association was observed for increased numbers of eosinophils at baseline. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that CRS patients with higher levels of eosinophils are less likely to suffer from post-operative recurrent sinonasal disease when treated post-operatively with FPANS 100 µg q.i.d.

Computed tomography findings after endoscopic sinus surgery with preserving or enlarging maxillary sinus ostium surgery.

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is the main surgical approach in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) after failure of medical treatment. ESS is based on the theory that obstruction of the maxillary sinus ostium is mainly behind the pathogenesis of CRS. Controversy remains concerning the enlargement of the natural maxillary sinus ostium. The aim of this study was to compare computed tomography (CT) findings after preservation or enlargement of the maxillary sinus ostium. Thirty patients with non-polypous CRS underwent randomized endoscopic sinus surgery with uncinectomy on one side and additional middle meatal antrostomy on the other side. Lund-Mackay (LM) scores and the ostium diameters were analysed from CT scans taken preoperatively and nine months postoperatively, and were used for comparison of the two operative techniques. In addition, the correlation between CT findings and subjective outcomes was studied. Comparison of the preoperative and postoperative CT scans revealed that significant reduction of LM score was achieved on both sides, regardless of the type of procedure performed. The postoperative area of the ostium remained significantly larger on the antrostomy side compared to the uncinectomy side. A large maxillary sinus ostium size seems to associate with lower postoperative LM score, but does not seem to provide superior symptom relief.