A Mexican population-based study on exposure to paracetamol and the risk of wheezing, rhinitis, and eeczema in childhood.

BACKGROUND: There is some evidence suggesting a link between paracetamol exposure and atopy in both adults and children. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate whether further epidemiological support for a link between paracetamol intake and allergy could be found in a population of Mexican children. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study design, we applied the ISAAC questionnaire to 3493 children aged 6 to 7 years old. Two analyses were performed: (1) children were classified as cases if they had wheezing, rhinitis, or eczema at any time from their neonatal period up until they reached the age of 6 to 7 years, or as controls if they had never experienced these conditions, and (2) children were classified as cases if they had wheezing, rhinitis, or eczema in the 12 months prior to the study. Paracetamol intake was considered positive if it frequently occurred during the first year of life (first analysis) or in the last 12 months (second analysis). RESULTS: Paracetamol intake in the first year of life was significantly associated with an increased risk of ev having wheezing (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23 to 2.34) and rhinitis (adjusted OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.20 to 1.59) but not eczema (adjusted OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 0.91 to 2.32). Frequent paracetamol intake in the last year increased the risk of wheezing (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.54 to 7.18), rhinitis (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.33 to 1.95), or eczema (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.24 to 2.66). CONCLUSION: Frequent paracetamol exposure was associated with a significantly increased risk of wheezing and rhinitis and probably eczema in a Mexican population of children.

[Correlation between positive skin tests to molds, total IgE, and specific IgE using ELISA and mold cultures from the environment of the pediatric allergy patient]. / Correlación entre pruebas cutáneas positivas a hongos, IgE total, e IgE específica por ELISA y cultivos de hongos en el medio ambiente del paciente pediátrico alérgico.

The aim of this study was to made a correlation between allergic symptoms, positive skin prick test to fungi, total and specific IgE and mold culture in the patient's environmental. There were included 35 children (3-16 years), with skin prick test positive to fungi. The most frequent were: Rhizopus, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Candida. Total and specific IgE were measured with ELISA, with titers high in 77.2% and 31.4% respectively. Fungal cultures were collected from dwellings and schools. The most frequently isolated mold genera were Cladosporium, Alternaria and Penicillium in the same proportion in both places: dwellings and schools. We concluded fungi are commonly found in children's environment.

[Otitis media]. / Otitis media.

Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear, and a common problem of childhood. Acute otitis media and its different outcome; the factors implicated in the pathogenesis and in persistent infection; and the incriminated agents, sequels and complications are described. Conservative and surgical approaches are mentioned. Control of predisposing factors and prophylactic vaccines are usefulness in good control and prevention.

[Early identification of respiratory viruses in asthmatic children]. / Identificación temprana de virus respiratorios en niños asmáticos.

The role of viral infections as a part of the environmental factors that triggered asthma in atopic subjects, their age specific pattern, as well as many risk factors for the development of subsequent wheezing are described. Some pathogenic mechanisms and their importance in the induction of airway inflammation are mentioned and early identification by laboratory tests in outlined for preventive approach and early antiinflammatory treatment.