Perivascular Innervation in the Nasal Mucosa and Clinical Findings in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis and Idiopathic Rhinitis.

Introduction The nonspecific hyperreactivity of rhinitis has been attributed to neurotrophins activating sensory nerves and inflammatory cells. The relationship between these markers and the intensity of the symptoms is not well established and few studies have evaluated individuals with idiopathic rhinitis. Objective The present study aims to evaluate whether perivascular innervation and nerve growth factor (NGF) are related to the intensity of the clinical conditions in allergic rhinitis (AR) and idiopathic rhinitis (IR). Methods A total of 15 patients with AR and 15 patients with IR with the indication for inferior turbinectomy (associated or not with septoplasty) were selected. The patients received a score according to their signs and symptoms. After the surgery, we quantified eosinophils, mast cells, NGF, and nerve fibers in the nasal turbinate. Results The score of the signs and symptoms was higher in the AR group. Nerve growth factor was found in the cytoplasm of inflammatory cells in the submucosa in greater quantity in the AR group. The nerve fibers were distributed throughout the tissue, mainly in the subepithelial, glandular, and vascular regions, and there was no difference between the groups. Greater perivascular innervation was associated with a higher signs and symptoms score. Conclusions We concluded that these findings suggest that the NGF produced by submucosal inflammatory cells stimulates increased perivascular innervation in rhinitis, thus directly reflecting in more intense clinical conditions, especially in AR.

Mecanismos da imunoterapia alérgeno-específica / Mechanisms of allergen-specific immunotherapy

A imunoterapia alérgeno-específica tem sido usada há mais de 100 anos como um tratamento de dessensibilização para doenças alérgicas, representando um método potencialmente curativo e específico. O presente estudo tem como objetivo revisar os mecanismos da imunoterapia alérgeno-específica, através de revisão bibliográfica com base em artigos publicados entre 1998 e 2016, disponíveis no banco de dados PubMed. Os mecanismos de ação da imunoterapia incluem modulação de linfócitos T e B, produção de IgG4 alérgeno-específica e redução de IgE alérgenoespecífica, migração de eosinófilos, basófilos e mastócitos nos tecidos, bem como a liberação de seus mediadores. As células T reguladoras (Treg) suprimem as células dendríticas responsáveis pela geração de células T efetoras, inibindo TH1, TH2 e TH17. As células Treg foram identificadas como peças-chave no processo de indução de tolerância periférica aos alérgenos.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy has been used for more than 100 years as a desensitizing therapy for allergic diseases, representing a potentially curative and specific method. The aim of the present study was to review the mechanisms of allergenspecific immunotherapy based on papers published between 1998 and 2016 and available in the PubMed database. The mechanisms of action of immunotherapy include modulation of T-and B-cell responses, induction of allergen-specific IgG4 and suppression of allergen-specific IgE production, migration of eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells to tissues, as well as release of their mediators. Regulatory T cells (Treg) suppress dendritic cells that support the generation of effector T cells, inhibiting TH1, TH2, and TH17 cells. Treg cells have been identified as key regulators of the induction process of peripheral allergen tolerance.

Perfil dos pacientes com urticária e angioedema por anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais do Serviço de Alergia e Imunologia do Hospital do Servidor Público do Estado de São Paulo / Profile of patients with urticaria and angioedema caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the Allergy and Immunology Division of Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo

Objetivos: Identificar pacientes com história de urticária e angioedema desencadeados por anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais (AINEs), no Serviço de Alergia e Imunologia do Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo, classificá-los como seletivos e não seletivos e avaliar a tolerabilidade ao inibidor de COX-2 (etoricoxib 90 mg). Métodos: Os indivíduos com múltiplas reações desencadeadas por AINE, de grupos diferentes, foram submetidos a teste de provocação oral com Etoricoxib 90 mg. Pacientes com história de urticária e/ou angioedema a um único grupo de AINE, ou com primeiro episódio, realizaram testes de provocação oral com outro grupo de AINE, para classificá-los em seletivo ou não. Resultados: Estudou-se 43 pacientes, com idade entre 18 e 71 anos, predomínio do sexo feminino (77%). A maioria dos pacientes apresentavam reações a múltiplos AINE (não seletivos) e 2 (5%) a um único AINEs (seletivos). Observou-se sintomas alérgicos em 53%, com predomínio da rinite (61%). Os fármacos mais implicados foram: dipirona (39%), diclofenaco (18%) e AAS (14%). Todos os pacientes apresentaram teste com etoricoxib 90 mg negativo. Conclusão: A maioria dos pacientes apresentou reação não seletiva, e todos os pacientes apresentaram teste com etoricoxib 90 mg negativo, demonstrando segurança e ser uma boa opção terapêutica.

Objectives: To identify patients with a history of urticaria and angioedema caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at the Allergy and Immunology Division of Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo, to classify them as selective or nonselective, and to evaluate their tolerability to cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (etoricoxib 90 mg). Methods: Patients with multiple reactions induced by NSAIDs, from different groups, were subjected to oral provocation test with etoricoxib 90 mg. Patients with a history of urticaria and/or angioedema induced by only one group of NSAIDs, or experiencing their first episode, were subjected to oral provocation test with another NSAID group to classify them as selective or non-selective. Results: A total of 43 patients aged 18-71 years, predominantly female (77%), were studied. The majority of patients showed reactions to multiple NSAIDs (non-selective); only 2 (4.6%) reacted to only one NSAID (selective). Allergic symptoms were observed in 53% of the patients, mainly rhinitis (61%). The drugs most frequently involved were dipyrone (39%), diclofenac (18%) and acetylsalicylic acid (14%). The etoricoxib 90 mg test resulted negative for all patients. Conclusion: The majority of patients showed nonselective reactions, and all of them showed negative etoricoxib 90 mg tests, demonstrating the safety and appropriateness of this treatment option.

Position statement of the Brazilian Academy of Rhinology on the use of antihistamines, antileukotrienes, and oral corticosteroids in the treatment of inflammatory sinonasal diseases.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory conditions of the nose and paranasal sinuses are very prevalent in the general population, resulting in marked loss of quality of life in affected patients, as well as significant work, leisure, and social activity losses. These patients require specific and specialized treatment. A wide range of oral medications are available. OBJECTIVE: The present document is aimed to clarify, for professionals treating patients with inflammatory sinonasal diseases, both specialists and general practitioners, specific oral therapies in noninfectious nasal inflammatory conditions. METHODS: The methodology used to create this article included the search for the key words: oral corticosteroids, antihistamines, antileukotrienes, rhinitis, rhinosinusitis in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases in the last 5 years. Since no relevant article was found for the text on the subject of interest in the last 5 years, the search was extended for another 5 years, and so on, according to the authors' needs. RESULTS: Relevant literature was found regarding the use of antihistamines, antileukotrienes and oral corticosteroids in these conditions. The Brazilian Academy of Rhinology emphasizes, after extensive discussion by the collegiate, key points in the treatment with these drugs. CONCLUSION: There is support in the literature for the use of these drugs; however, final considerations about the role of each of them have been made.

Prevalence of allergen sensitization, most important allergens and factors associated with atopy in children.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Knowledge of the profile of allergen sensitization among children is important for planning preventive measures. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and profile of sensitization to inhaled allergens and food among children and adolescents in an outpatient population in the city of Palmas. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at outpatient clinics in Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil. METHODS: Ninety-four patients aged 1-15 years who were attending two pediatric outpatient clinics were selected between September and November 2008. All of the subjects underwent clinical interviews and skin prick tests. RESULTS: A positive skin prick test was observed in 76.6% of the participants (72.3% for inhalants and 28.9% for food allergens). The most frequent allergens were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (34%), cat epithelium (28.7%), dog epithelium (21.3%), Dermatophagoides farinae (19.1%), Blomia tropicalis (18.1%), cow's milk (9.6%) and grasses (9.6%). A positive skin prick test correlated with a history of atopic disease (odds ratio, OR = 5.833; P = 0.002), a family history of atopic disease (OR = 8.400; P < 0.001), maternal asthma (OR = 8.077; P = 0.048), pet exposure (OR = 3.600; P = 0.012) and cesarean delivery (OR = 3.367; P = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was the most frequent aeroallergen and cow's milk was the most prevalent food allergen. There was a positive correlation between a positive skin prick test and several factors, such as a family history of atopic disease, maternal asthma, pet exposure and cesarean delivery.

Brazilian Academy of Rhinology position paper on topical intranasal therapy.

This documents aims at educating those who treat sinonasal diseases - both general practitioners and specialists - about topical nasal treatments. By means of scientific evidence reviews, the Brazilian Academy of Rhinology provides its practical and updated guidelines on the most utilized topical nasal medication, except for the drugs that have topical antibiotics in their formulas.

Prevalence of allergen sensitization, most important allergens and factors associated with atopy in children / Prevalencia de sensibilizacao a alergenos, alergenos mais relevantes e fatores associados com a atopia em criancas

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Knowledge of the profile of allergen sensitization among children is important for planning preventive measures. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and profile of sensitization to inhaled allergens and food among children and adolescents in an outpatient population in the city of Palmas. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at outpatient clinics in Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil. METHODS: Ninety-four patients aged 1-15 years who were attending two pediatric outpatient clinics were selected between September and November 2008. All of the subjects underwent clinical interviews and skin prick tests. RESULTS: A positive skin prick test was observed in 76.6% of the participants (72.3% for inhalants and 28.9% for food allergens). The most frequent allergens were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (34%), cat epithelium (28.7%), dog epithelium (21.3%), Dermatophagoides farinae (19.1%), Blomia tropicalis (18.1%), cow's milk (9.6%) and grasses (9.6%). A positive skin prick test correlated with a history of atopic disease (odds ratio, OR = 5.833; P = 0.002), a family history of atopic disease (OR = 8.400; P < 0.001), maternal asthma (OR = 8.077; P = 0.048), pet exposure (OR = 3.600; P = 0.012) and cesarean delivery (OR = 3.367; P = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was the most frequent aeroallergen and cow’s milk was the most prevalent food allergen. There was a positive correlation between a positive skin prick test and several factors, such as a family history of atopic disease, maternal asthma, pet exposure and cesarean delivery. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: O conhecimento sobre o perfil da sensibilização a alérgenos em crianças é importante para o planejamento de medidas preventivas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência e perfil de sensibilização a alérgenos inalados e alimentares em crianças e adolescentes em uma população ambulatorial na cidade de Palmas. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal em unidades ambulatoriais em Palmas, Tocantins, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 94 pacientes com idades entre 1 a 15 anos em 2 ambulatórios de pediatria entre setembro e novembro de 2008. Todos os sujeitos foram submetidos a entrevistas clínicas e testes cutâneos de puntura. RESULTADOS: Um teste cutâneo de puntura positivo foi observado em 76,6% dos participantes (72,3% para inalantes, 28,9% para alérgenos alimentares). Os alérgenos mais frequentes foram Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (34%), epitélio de gato (28,7%), epitélio de cão (21,3%), Dermatophagoides farinae (19,1%), Blomia tropicalis (18,1%), leite de vaca (9,6%) e gramíneas (9,6%). Um teste cutâneo de puntura positivo foi relacionado à história de doença atópica (razão de chances RC = 5,833, P = 0,002), história familiar de atopia (RC = 8,400, P < 0,001), asma materna (RC = 8,077, P = 0,048), exposição a animal de estimação (RC = 3,600, P = 0,012) e parto cesáreo (RC = 3,367, P = 0,019). CONCLUSÃO: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus foi o aeroalérgeno mais prevalente e, dentre alérgenos alimentares, o leite de vaca. Houve correlação positiva entre o teste cutâneo e alguns fatores, como história familiar de atopia, asma materna, exposição a animais domésticos e parto cesáreo. .

Futura study: evaluation of efficacy and safety of rupatadine fumarate in the treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis / Estudo futura: avaliação da eficácia e segurança do fumarato de rupatadina no tratamento da rinite alérgica persistente

Allergic rhinitis affects 10-30 percent of the population, negatively impacting one's quality of life and productivity. It has been associated with sinusitis, otitis media, sleep disorders, and asthma. Rupatadine is a second generation antihistamine with increased affinity to histamine receptor H1; it is also a potent PAF (platelet-activating factor) antagonist. It starts acting quite quickly, offers long lasting effect, and reduces the chronic effects of rhinitis. AIM: this study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of rupatadine in the treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis. MATERIALS AND METHOD: this is a multi-centric open prospective study. This study included 241 patients from 13 centers in Brazil and was held between October of 2004 and August of 2005. Signs and symptoms of rhinitis and tolerance to medication were analyzed after one and two weeks of treatment. RESULTS: reduction on general scores from 8.65 to 3.21 on week 2 (p<0.001). All signs and symptoms improved significantly in the first day of treatment (p<0.001), except for nasal congestion and secretion, which improved from the second day of treatment (p<0.001). Adverse events occurred in 19.9 percent of the cases, 27.7 percent on week 1. CONCLUSION: rupatadine effectively controls persistent allergic rhinitis; it is safe and presents low incidence of side effects.

A rinite alérgica acomete 10 a 30 por cento da população, interferindo na qualidade de vida e na capacidade produtiva. Está associada à sinusite, otite, roncopatias e asma. A Rupatadina é um anti-histamínico de segunda geração, com elevada afinidade ao receptor histamínico H1 e potente inibição do fator ativador plaquetário (PAF). Tem rápido início de ação, longa duração e reduz os efeitos crônicos da rinite. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia e segurança da rupatadina no tratamento da rinite alérgica persistente. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo multicêntrico, aberto, prospectivo. Foram selecionados 241 pacientes em 13 centros no Brasil durante o período de outubro de 2004 a agosto de 2005. Foram analisados os sinais e sintomas da rinite e a tolerabilidade após 1 e 2 semanas. RESULTADOS: Redução do escore geral de 8,65 para 3,21 na semana 2 (p<0,001). Todos os sinais e sintomas melhoraram significativamente, e no primeiro dia de tratamento (p<0,001), com exceção da obstrução e secreção nasal, a partir do segundo dia (P<0,001). A frequência de eventos adversos foi 19,9 por cento, sendo 27,7 por cento na 1ª semana. CONCLUSÕES: A rupatadina é eficaz no controle da rinite alérgica persistente, é segura e apresenta baixos índices de efeitos colaterais.

Remodeling of the lower and upper airways.

UNLABELLED: Remodeling is defined as modeling again or differently, as reconstructing. Remodeling is a critical aspect of wound repair in all organs; it represents a dynamic process that associates the production and degradation of matrix in reaction to inflammation. This leads to normal reconstruction or a pathologic process. AIM AND METHODS: To compare data in the current literature on upper and lower airways. RESULTS: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with abnormal airways remodeling. In allergic rhinitis, another chronic inflammatory disease, remodeling is still poorly understood. Even though inflammation is similar in allergic rhinitis and asthma, the pathologic extent of nasal remodeling, as well as its clinical consequences, might be different from those in bronchi. CONCLUSION: Remodeling occurs less in upper airways compared to lower airways; it is apparent, however, that the structure of the rhinitic nose is not normal.

Freqüência de sintomas associados à asma e doenças alérgicas em adultos jovens, na cidade de Santo André, SP / Frequency of asthma, allergic diseases and related symptoms among young adults of Santo André, state of São Paulo

OBJETIVO: Determinar a freqüência e a gravidade de sintomas relacionados à asma, à rinite e ao eczema atópico em adultos jovens, empregando o questionário escrito (QE) padronizado e auto-aplicável do ISAAC. MÉTODO: 747 estudantes da Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, (Medicina, Enfermagem e Farmácia) foram aleatoriamente escolhidos para responder o QE padrão ISAAC, composto pelos 3 módulos (asma, rinite, eczema). Destes, 600 o fizeram de forma correta e completa. Foram calculadas as freqüências relativas e absolutas das respostas afirmativas às questões analisadas. RESULTADOS: A média de idade da população estudada foi de 26 anos (17- 28), sendo que 67 por cento eram mulheres. A freqüência de asma ativa (sibilos nos últimos 12 meses) foi 15,3 por cento e a de asma grave (dificuldade de fala durante as crises) foi 2 por cento. A freqüência de rinite foi 62,1 por cento (35,8 por cento com sintomas graves), a de rinoconjuntivite foi 33,8 por cento e a de eczema flexural, 6,6 por cento. Com exceção da asma e seus sintomas, observou-se predomínio no sexo feminino. Os dados analisados indicam a necessidade de estudos adicionais em adultos jovens e a utilização de marcadores para as doenças alérgicas e atópicas.(AU)

AIM: To determine the Frequence and severity of symptoms related to asthma, rhinitis and atopic eczema in young adults, using the standard self-applicable ISAAC written questionnaire (WQ). METHOD: 747 students of Faculdade de Medicina do ABC (Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy) were randomly chosen to answer the WQ. Six hundred students correctly and completely answered the WQ. Relative and absolute frequencies of affirmative answers to the analyzed questions were calculated. RESULTS: The mean age of the studied population was 26 years (17-28) and 67 percent were women. The prevalence of active asthma (wheezing in the last 12 months) was 15.3 percent and of severe asthma (speech difficulty during the crisis), 2 percent. The Frequence of rhinitis was 62.1 percent (35.8 percent with severe symptoms), of rhinoconjunctivitis, 33.8 percent, and of flexural eczema, 6.6 percent. With the exception of asthma and its symptoms, there was predominance of these diseases in females. The analyzed data indicate the need for further studies in young adults and the use of markers for allergic and atopic diseases.(AU)

Freqüência de sintomas associados à asma e doenças alérgicas em adultos jovens, na cidade de Santo André, SP / Frequency of asthma, allergic diseases and related symptoms among young adults of Santo André, state of São Paulo

OBJETIVO: Determinar a freqüência e a gravidade de sintomas relacionados à asma, à rinite e ao eczema atópico em adultos jovens, empregando o questionário escrito (QE) padronizado e auto-aplicável do ISAAC. MÉTODO: 747 estudantes da Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, (Medicina, Enfermagem e Farmácia) foram aleatoriamente escolhidos para responder o QE padrão ISAAC, composto pelos 3 módulos (asma, rinite, eczema). Destes, 600 o fizeram de forma correta e completa. Foram calculadas as frequências relativas e absolutas das respostas afirmativas às questões analisadas. RESULTADOS: A média de idade da população estudada foi de 26 anos (17- 28), sendo que 67 por cento eram mulheres. A frequência de asma ativa (sibilos nos últimos 12 meses) foi 15,3 por cento e a de asma grave (dificuldade de fala durante as crises) foi 2 por cento. A frequência de rinite foi 62,1 por cento (35,8 por cento com sintomas graves), a de rinoconjuntivite foi 33,8 por cento e a de eczema flexural, 6,6 por cento. Com exceção da asma e seus sintomas, observou-se predomínio no sexo feminino. Os dados analisados indicam a necessidade de estudos adicionais em adultos jovens e a utilização de marcadores para as doenças alérgicas e atópicas.

AIM: To determine the Frequence and severity of symptoms related to asthma, rhinitis and atopic eczema in young adults, using the standard self-applicable ISAAC written questionnaire (WQ). METHOD: 747 students of Faculdade de Medicina do ABC (Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy) were randomly chosen to answer the WQ. Six hundred students correctly and completely answered the WQ. Relative and absolute frequencies of affirmative answers to the analyzed questions were calculated. RESULTS: The mean age of the studied population was 26 years (17-28) and 67 percent were women. The prevalence of active asthma (wheezing in the last 12 months) was 15.3 percent and of severe asthma (speech difficulty during the crisis), 2 percent. The Frequence of rhinitis was 62.1 percent (35.8 percent with severe symptoms), of rhinoconjunctivitis, 33.8 percent, and of flexural eczema, 6.6 percent. With the exception of asthma and its symptoms, there was predominance of these diseases in females. The analyzed data indicate the need for further studies in young adults and the use of markers for allergic and atopic diseases.

Alergia ao látex em profissionais de saúde de São Paulo, Brasil / Latex allergy in healthcare professionals in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil

FUNDAMENTOS: Alergia ao látex é comum em trabalhadores da saúde, resultando em absenteísmo e afastamento das atividades profissionais. Há no Brasil poucos estudos publicados sobre o assunto. Enquanto na população geral a prevalência de alergia ao látex é menor que 2 por cento, nos profissionais de saúde pode chegar a 30 por cento. OBJETIVO: Estudar a prevalência de alergia ao látex em profissionais de saúde do Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Foi aplicado questionário aberto a profissionais que têm contato com luvas de borracha em todos os serviços do hospital. Foi colhido sangue daqueles que referiram sintomas e dosado anticorpo IgE específico por meio do ImmunoCAP. Para análise estatística utilizaram-se porcentagens, tabelas e teste qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: Foram distribuídos 2.349 questionários, e respondidos 1.045, dos quais 129 referiram correlação entre uso de látex e sintomas sugestivos de alergia, e 54 permitiram a coleta de sangue para determinação de IgE específica. Neste grupo houve dois casos em que foi demonstrado anticorpo específico, estabelecendo-se prevalência de 3,7 por cento de alergia ao látex. Fatores como gênero, profissão, freqüência de contato com luvas, setor de trabalho e antecedentes de atopia foram relacionados com maior prevalência de alergia ao látex. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de alergia ao látex encontrada foi de 3,7 por cento.

BACKGROUND: Latex allergy is common among healthcare workers and leads to absence from work and withdraw from professional activities. There are few studies published in Brazil on this subject. In the general population the prevalence of allergy to latex is less than 2 percent, whereas in healthcare workers it may reach 30 percent. OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of latex allergy in healthcare workers at the Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to healthcare professionals from any sector of the hospital who have contact with rubber gloves. Blood was drawn from those who referred symptoms, for analyses of serum antilatex IgE antibody by Immunocap assay. Percentages, tables and the chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2349 questionnaires were distributed, and 1045 were answered. In that, 129 reported association between latex and allergy symptoms and 54 out of them agreed to blood collection for specific IgE determination. Specific antibody was demonstrated in tow cases, determining a prevalence of 3.7 percent of latex allergy. Gender, occupation, frequency of use of gloves, work sector and past history of atopy were related to greater prevalence of latex allergy. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of latex allergy found was 3.7 percent.

Evaluation of Brazilian web site information on allergic rhinitis.

UNLABELLED: Nowadays, the World Wide Web (Internet) is an information source for non-experts and physicians. AIM: To evaluate, based on ethical principles, Brazilian web sites information about "allergic rhinitis". Allergic rhinitis is a very common disease, effecting more than 10% of the general population, leading to decrease in quality of life. STUDY DESIGN: Review. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We performed the evaluation of 173 Brazilian web sites, which were obtained from four search engines (Google, Yahoo, AltaVista and Radar Uol). The web sites were evaluated according to the Manual of Ethical Principles, Regional Council of Medicine of the state of Sao Paulo (CREMESP), regarding transparency, honesty, quality, privacy, medical ethics, informed consent, responsibility and origin. RESULTS: Among the analyzed web sites, 149 (86.1%) were not in accordance with the Manual of Ethical Principles of Regional Council of Medicine of the state of Sao Paulo (CREMESP). According to the analyzed items, the irregularities that were found were quality (84.4%), privacy (46.2%), honesty (18.5%), informed consent (15.6%), responsibility and origin (13.9%), transparency (12.1%), medical ethics (2.3%). There was inaccurate information in 24.3% of the analyzed sites. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the websites regarding allergic rhinitis are not in accordance with the ethical principles of CREMESP. In general, the quality of a great part of the Brazilian web sites that address "allergic rhinitis", and the quality of the information disseminated by them, are insufficient to satisfy doctors and patients.

Evaluation of inspiratory pressure in children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids.

UNLABELLED: Children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids usually present breathing abnormalities such as snoring, mouth breathing and sleep apnea. It is known that upper airway obstruction and consequent mouth breathing may result in pulmonary diseases. AIM: The goal of this preliminary study was to evaluate the inspiratory pressure in children with upper airway obstruction due to enlarged tonsils. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical with transversal cohort. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We evaluated 37 children (4-3 years old, female/male) with enlarged tonsils who would be submitted to a T&A surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology, Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, from October 2002 to March 2003. The control group comprised 28 children without tonsillar disease submitted to the same tests. Inspiratory pressure was obtained using a manometer and vacuum meter. RESULTS: We could observe lower inspiratory pressures in children with upper airway obstruction. The mean of inspiratory pressure in the upper airway obstruction group was 14.607 cm/H2O and in the control group was of 27.580 cm/H2O. CONCLUSIONS: Enlarged tonsils and adenoids were associated with poor inspiratory pressure, resulting in increased breathing effort and work of the involved muscles.

Asma e gravidez / Asthma and pregnancy

O presente artigo contempla uma ampla revisäo dos fatores que afetam a gravidade da asma no período gestacional, chamando a atençäo para as principais alteraçöes fisiopatológicas implicadas na asma brônquica durante a gravidez. Tal revisäo baseia-se na experiência clínica dos autores e em grande número de publicaçöes relativas à asma na gravidez, sem deixar de levar em consideraçäo as recomendaçöes do Relatório do Grupo de Trabalho sobre Asma e Gravidez do Programa Nacional de Educaçäo da Asma do Instituto Nacional de Saúde dos Estados Unidos. Säo abordados aspectos essenciais para a avaliaçäo e conduta na grávida asmática, dispensando especial atençäo para os principais pontos do tratamento preventivo, farmacológico e imunoterápico envolvidos no controle da asma crônica, asma aguda e da asma durante o trabalho de parto. Säo igualmente discutidos o risco fetal e materno do uso de drogas durante a gravidez, assim como o risco provocado pela asma inadequadamente controlada.

Citocinas / Citokines

As citocinas säo mediadores proteicos da resposta imune intercelular. Neste artigo abordaremos suas funçöes e mecanismos de açäo, além das implicaçöes em doenças e possíveis usos terapêuticos.

Asma brônquica e higiene ambiental / Bronchial asthma and environmental control

A asma é uma doença na qual há um aumento da reatividade brônquica frente a vários estímulos que agem por mecanismo imune e näo imune e, clinicamente, manifesta-se por espisódios de tosse, sibilos e dispnéia. Os principais alérgenos que podem atuar nas vias aéreas säo os ácaros da poeira domiciliar, fungos, epitélios e salivas de animais, excreta de barata e pólens, O ácaro, com uma grande variedade de gêneros e espécies, é considerado o grande responsável pela alergenicidade do pó domiciliar. Estudos realizados no Brasil mostram uma predominancia das espécies Blomia tropicalis e Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Os irritantes como poluiçäo, fumaça, perfume e outros produtos químicos agem, na grande maioria das vezes, por mecanismo näo imunológico e desencadeiam crises de broncoespasmos por estimulaçäo inespecífica e/ou por induzir a inflamaçäo da parede brônquica. Este artigo comenta algumas características dos alérgenos e irritantes das vias aéreas, a importância do controle ambiental como uma das etapas no controle da crise de asma e a orientaçäo que o paciente deve seguir frente a esses vários estímulos alergênicos. O controle ambiental é um conjunto de medidas que visa diminuir a quantidade de alérgenos e irritantes para as vias aéreas, com a finalidade de melhorar as crises de asma, reduzindo assim a quantidade de drogas