Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and tolerance acquisition in infants with cow's milk protein allergy in a private center in Lima, Peru for the period 2021-2022.

BACKGROUND: Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) remains relatively understudied in Latin America. METHODS: In this observational study, we enrolled 64 patients with a median age of 3 months, of whom 60% were male. Patients included had a history of IgE-mediated reactions with IgE sensitization or non-IgE-mediated reactions or symptoms following exposure to cow's milk. They underwent skin prick test, ImmunoCAP, fecal calprotectin (FC), and fecal eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), in addition to double-blinded placebo-controlled oral food challenges (DBPCFC), with clinical evolution and tolerance acquisition observed over 1 year. RESULTS: Malnutrition was present in 78.1% of patients, and 87.5% had a family history of atopy, with 51.6% receiving exclusive breastfeeding. Gastrointestinal manifestations were prevalent in 90.6% of patients, followed by dermatological manifestations (10.9%), with only 2 experiencing anaphylaxis. IgE-mediated CMPA was observed in only six patients. In those with non-IgE-mediated CMPA, FC had a median of 284 mg/dL (IQR: 138.5-415.5), while EDN had a median of 508.5 mg/dL (IQR: 160.25-868). One year after diagnosis, median FC significantly decreased (p < 0.0001), and malnutrition prevalence reduced to 17.1%. Moreover, 81% of patients acquired tolerance following DBPCFC, with 52% utilizing nutritional replacement formulas at diagnosis. Notably, 94% of those extensively hydrolyzed casein-based formulas achieved tolerance (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: Our findings provide a foundational framework for future investigations into CMPA diagnosis, tolerance acquisition, and the utilization of hypoallergenic formulas tailored to the unique characteristics of our region.

Awareness of primary immunodeficiency diseases at a national pediatric reference center in Peru.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the level of awareness of primary immunodeficiency diseases among physicians working at Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including pediatric residents and pediatricians working at the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño during the study period (2017-2019). Physicians working at the immunology unit and surgery departments were excluded. Three aspects of awareness of primary immunodeficiency diseases were investigated: education, general knowledge, and diagnostic suspicion and actions taken in the face of suspicion. RESULTS: This sample comprised 83 physicians with a median age of 33 years. Most physicians were women (71.1%) and half were pediatric residents. During their undergraduate studies, 43.1% had taken primary immunodeficiency disease courses, and 39.2% had attended conferences on this topic. During their residency training, 25.9% had taken primary immunodeficiency disease courses, and 60.3% had participated in conferences on this topic. Among pediatricians, 50% had taken primary immunodeficiency disease courses, and 53.1% had attended conferences on this topic. Only 39.8% of physicians reported being familiar with the list of 10 warning signs developed by the Jeffrey Modell Foundation. More than half of physicians considered the lack of access to laboratory tests the major challenge in making diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency diseases. CONCLUSION: This study revealed limited awareness of primary immunodeficiency diseases among physicians working at Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño. Although most physicians suspected primary immunodeficiency diseases in patients with a history of recurrent infections and frequent use of antibiotics, not all of them were familiar with the list of 10 warning signs proposed by the Jeffrey Modell Foundation, nor were they able to describe ancillary tests requested in suspected cases.

Pulmonary Infections and Surgical Complications in a Young Girl with Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Loss-of-Function Mutation Hyperimmunoglobulin E Syndrome: A Case Report.

Introduction: Hyperimmunoglobulin E syndromes (HIESs) are characterized by a high serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, eczematoid rashes, recurrent staphylococcal skin abscesses, and recurrent pneumonia and pneumatocele formation. Autosomal dominant HIES is the most common form of HIES and mainly occurs due to loss-of-function mutations in the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) gene (STAT3 LOF). Case Presentation: We report the case of an 11-year-old Peruvian girl diagnosed with STAT3 LOF caused by p.R382W mutation. She presented with recurrent staphylococcal pneumonia and empyema caused by the rarely reported Achromobacter xylosoxidans, which led to severe destruction of the lung parenchyma, multiple lung surgeries, and the development of bronchopleural fistulas. A laparotomy was also performed, which showed evidence of sigmoid colon perforation. The patient received immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IRT) and antibiotic prophylaxis, and the frequency of her infections has decreased over the past 3 years. Conclusion: This is the first case of STAT3 LOF diagnosed by genomic sequencing in Peru. Patients with this mutation have recurrent pulmonary infections, and require multiple surgical procedures with frequent complications. A. xylosoxidans infection could be related to the prolonged stay in intensive care leading to high mortality; therefore, additional care must be taken when treating patients with this infection. In addition, colonic perforation is a rare complication in STAT3 LOF patients. IRT and antibiotic prophylaxis appear to decrease the frequency of infections and hospitalizations.

Transfusión de plasma convaleciente de pacientes con COVID-19 / Transfusion of convalescent plasma from patients with COVID -19

RESUMEN Actualmente no existe vacuna disponible ni medicación específica contra la enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). El tratamiento se basa fundamentalmente en medidas de soporte. En este contexto, se han aprobado múltiples terapias de potencial utilidad para su uso en ensayos clínicos, como la transfusión de plasma convaleciente (TPC). Se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed de estudios sobre plasma convaleciente y COVID-19, SARS o MERS. Los estudios sobre la eficacia clínica en enfermedades causadas por otros coronavirus (SARS-CoV y MERS-CoV) evidenciaron mejoría clínica, aumento de anticuerpos neutralizantes, disminución de la mortalidad y ausencia de eventos adversos durante y después del tratamiento. En el caso de la COVID-19, se encontraron 13 estudios en pacientes con la COVID-19 grave y crítica. Aunque existen limitaciones en la metodología, en el número de pacientes y en los protocolos para el análisis del plasma convaleciente de los donantes, los pacientes que recibieron TPC evidenciaron mejoría clínica, mejoría de patrones ventilatorios, resolución de lesiones pulmonares, disminución de mortalidad, mejoría de parámetros laboratoriales, aumento de anticuerpos neutralizantes, disminución de carga viral y baja frecuencia de eventos adversos.

ABSTRACT There is currently no vaccine available and no specific medication against Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19). The treatment is mainly based on support measures. In this context, several potentially useful therapies have been approved for use in clinical trials, such as convalescent plasma transfusion (CPT). PubMed was searched for studies on convalescent plasma and COVID-19, SARS or MERS. Studies on clinical efficacy in diseases caused by other coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV) showed clinical improvement, increase of neutralizing antibodies, decreased mortality and absence of adverse events during and after treatment. We found 13 studies on this type of treatment used in patients with severe and critical COVID-19. Despite limitations regarding methodology, number of patients and the protocols for the analysis of donors' convalescent plasma, patients who received CPT showed clinical improvement, improvement of ventilatory patterns, resolution of lung injuries, decreased mortality, improvement of laboratory parameters, increase of neutralizing antibodies, decreased viral load and low frequency of adverse events.

Sensitization to aeroallergens in a peruvian pediatric population with allergic diseases. / Sensibilización a aeroalérgenos en una población pediátrica peruana con enfermedades alérgicas.

In order to determine the profile of sensitization to aeroallergens in pediatric patients with asthma and / or allergic rhinitis, a cross-sectional study was carried out in 411 patients using an allergy skin test. Age, sex, total IgE level and eosinophils were analyzed. The mean age was 8.1 ± 3.7 years and 60.6% were male. The average of the eosinophils and the level of total IgE was 450.1 ± 377.3 cells / mm3 and 861.7 ± 757.6 IU / mL, respectively. Mites were the most frequent sensitizing allergens (79.8%) and Dermatophagoides farinae (65.2%) was the most common. Polysensitization was present in 76.2% of patients. Sensitization was evident in the majority of patients with asthma and / or allergic rhinitis and was associated with age, age groups and total IgE level.

Con el objetivo de determinar el perfil de sensibilización a aeroalérgenos en pacientes pediátricos con asma y/o rinitis alérgica se realizó un estudio transversal en 411 pacientes usando una prueba cutánea de alergia. Se analizó la edad, sexo, nivel de IgE total y eosinófilos. La edad media fue de 8,1 ± 3,7 años y el 60,6% fueron varones. La media de los eosinófilos y el nivel de IgE total fue de 450,1 ± 377,3 células/mm3 y 861,7 ± 757,6 IU/mL, respectivamente. Los ácaros fueron los alérgenos sensibilizantes más frecuentes (79,8%) y el Dermatophagoides farinae (65,2%) fue el más común. La polisensibilización estuvo presente en el 76,2% de los pacientes. La sensibilización se evidenció en la mayoría de los pacientes con asma y/o rinitis alérgica y estuvo asociada con la edad, grupos etarios y nivel de IgE total.

Convalescent plasma transfusion of COVID-19 patients: Proposal from the Peruvian Immunology Society and the Peruvian Medical Association of Clinical Pathology for its implementation in our country / Transfusión de plasma convaleciente de pacientes con COVID-19: Propuesta de la Sociedad Peruana de Inmunología y la Asociación Médica Peruana de Patología Clínica para su implementación en nuestro país

Currently, there is no available vaccine or specific medication against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The treatment is fundamentally based on supportive measures. In recent weeks, in various parts of the world, including our country, there have been flexibilities for the scientific community to conduct clinical trials with potentially useful therapies, such as the case of convalescent plasma transfusion (CPT) of patients with COVID-19. A MEDLINE search of studies on convalescent plasma and COVID-19, SARS or MERS was performed. Studies on the clinical efficacy of this treatment in diseases caused by other coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV) showed clinical improvement, increased neutralizing antibodies, decreased mortality and the absence of adverse events during and after treatment. In the case of COVID-19, 6 studies were found of the use of this treatment in patients with severe COVID-19 (in mechanical ventilation and with acute respiratory distress syndrome). Although there are limitations in the methodology, number of patients and protocols for the analysis of convalescent plasma from donors, the patients who received CPT showed clinical improvement, improvement in ventilatory patterns, resolution of lung lesions, decreased mortality, improvement in laboratory parameters, increased neutralizing antibodies, decreased viral load and absence of adverse events. We also present a protocol for carrying out TPC and proposals for its implementation and use in our country.

Actualmente no existe vacuna disponible ni medicación específica contra la enfermedad de Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). El tratamiento se basa fundamentalmente en medidas de soporte. En las últimas semanas, en varias partes del mundo, incluido nuestro país, se han dado flexibilidades para que la comunidad científica conduzca ensayos clínicos con terapias de potencial utilidad, como es el caso de la transfusión de plasma convaleciente (TPC) de pacientes con COVID-19. Se realizó una búsqueda en MEDLINE de estudios sobre plasma convaleciente y COVID-19, SARS o MERS. Los estudios sobre la eficacia clínica de este tratamiento en enfermedades causadas por otros coronavirus (SARS-CoV y MERS-CoV) evidenciaron mejoría clínica, aumento de anticuerpos neutralizantes, disminución de mortalidad y ausencia de eventos adversos durante y después del tratamiento. En el caso del COVID-19, se encontraron 6 estudios del uso de este tratamiento en pacientes con COVID-19 severo (en ventilación mecánica y con síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo). Aunque existen limitaciones en la metodología, número de pacientes y protocolos para el análisis del plasma convaleciente de los donantes, los pacientes que recibieron TPC evidenciaron mejoría clínica, mejoría de patrones ventilatorios, resolución de lesiones pulmonares, disminución de mortalidad, mejoría de parámetros laboratoriales, aumento de anticuerpos neutralizantes, disminución de carga viral y ausencia de eventos adversos. Presentamos además un protocolo de realización de TPC y propuestas para su implementación y uso en nuestro país.

Sensibilización a aeroalérgenos en una población pediátrica peruana con enfermedades alérgicas / Sensitization to aeroallergens in a peruvian pediatric population with allergic diseases

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de determinar el perfil de sensibilización a aeroalérgenos en pacientes pediátricos con asma y/o rinitis alérgica se realizó un estudio transversal en 411 pacientes usando una prueba cutánea de alergia. Se analizó la edad, sexo, nivel de IgE total y eosinófilos. La edad media fue de 8,1 ± 3,7 años y el 60,6% fueron varones. La media de los eosinófilos y el nivel de IgE total fue de 450,1 ± 377,3 células/mm3 y 861,7 ± 757,6 IU/mL, respectivamente. Los ácaros fueron los alérgenos sensibilizantes más frecuentes (79,8%) y el Dermatophagoides farinae (65,2%) fue el más común. La polisensibilización estuvo presente en el 76,2% de los pacientes. La sensibilización se evidenció en la mayoría de los pacientes con asma y/o rinitis alérgica y estuvo asociada con la edad, grupos etarios y nivel de IgE total.

ABSTRACT In order to determine the profile of sensitization to aeroallergens in pediatric patients with asthma and / or allergic rhinitis, a cross-sectional study was carried out in 411 patients using an allergy skin test. Age, sex, total IgE level and eosinophils were analyzed. The mean age was 8.1 ± 3.7 years and 60.6% were male. The average of the eosinophils and the level of total IgE was 450.1 ± 377.3 cells / mm3 and 861.7 ± 757.6 IU / mL, respectively. Mites were the most frequent sensitizing allergens (79.8%) and Dermatophagoides farinae (65.2%) was the most common. Polysensitization was present in 76.2% of patients. Sensitization was evident in the majority of patients with asthma and / or allergic rhinitis and was associated with age, age groups and total IgE level.

[Transfusion of convalescent plasma from patients with COVID -19]. / Transfusión de plasma convaleciente de pacientes con COVID-19.

There is currently no vaccine available and no specific medication against Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19). The treatment is mainly based on support measures. In this context, several potentially useful therapies have been approved for use in clinical trials, such as convalescent plasma transfusion (CPT). PubMed was searched for studies on convalescent plasma and COVID-19, SARS or MERS. Studies on clinical efficacy in diseases caused by other coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV) showed clinical improvement, increase of neutralizing antibodies, decreased mortality and absence of adverse events during and after treatment. We found 13 studies on this type of treatment used in patients with severe and critical COVID-19. Despite limitations regarding methodology, number of patients and the protocols for the analysis of donors' convalescent plasma, patients who received CPT showed clinical improvement, improvement of ventilatory patterns, resolution of lung injuries, decreased mortality, improvement of laboratory parameters, increase of neutralizing antibodies, decreased viral load and low frequency of adverse events.

Actualmente no existe vacuna disponible ni medicación específica contra la enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). El tratamiento se basa fundamentalmente en medidas de soporte. En este contexto, se han aprobado múltiples terapias de potencial utilidad para su uso en ensayos clínicos, como la transfusión de plasma convaleciente (TPC). Se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed de estudios sobre plasma convaleciente y COVID-19, SARS o MERS. Los estudios sobre la eficacia clínica en enfermedades causadas por otros coronavirus (SARS-CoV y MERS-CoV) evidenciaron mejoría clínica, aumento de anticuerpos neutralizantes, disminución de la mortalidad y ausencia de eventos adversos durante y después del tratamiento. En el caso de la COVID-19, se encontraron 13 estudios en pacientes con la COVID-19 grave y crítica. Aunque existen limitaciones en la metodología, en el número de pacientes y en los protocolos para el análisis del plasma convaleciente de los donantes, los pacientes que recibieron TPC evidenciaron mejoría clínica, mejoría de patrones ventilatorios, resolución de lesiones pulmonares, disminución de mortalidad, mejoría de parámetros laboratoriales, aumento de anticuerpos neutralizantes, disminución de carga viral y baja frecuencia de eventos adversos.