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The Journal of Asthma : Official... Jul 2024IntroductionAllergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a lung disease caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to antigens of .ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to...
IntroductionAllergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a lung disease caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to antigens of .ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of omalizumab use in patients with ABPA.MethodsIn this retrospective study, 12 patients diagnosed with ABPA and receiving omalizumab for at least 2 years, and 32 patients diagnosed with severe allergic asthma and receiving omalizumab for at least 2 years (control group) were evaluated.ResultsEvaluation was made of a total of 44 participants, comprising 11 (25%) males and 33 (75%) females, who received omalizumab for at least 2 years with the diagnosis of control group (n = 32) and ABPA (n = 12). The increase in asthma control test (ACT) score after omalizumab was significant at 12 months and at 24 months in patients with ABPA. After omalizumab, the use of oral corticosteroid (OCS), annual number of asthma attacks and hospitalizations were significantly decreased at 12 months and at 24 months in patients with ABPA. The increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (%) and ACT score after omalizumab were significant at 12 months and at 24 months in the control group. After omalizumab, the use of OCS, annual number of asthma attacks and hospitalizations were significantly decreased at 12 months and at 24 months in the control group.ConclusionLong-term omalizumab use in patients with ABPA seems to be an effective treatment for improving pulmonary function and reducing asthma exacerbations and hospitalizations.
PubMed: 38957942
DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2024.2375271 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Dec 2024To fully understand the safety of DTaP-IPV/Hib vaccination, we evaluated the differences between DTaP-IPV/Hib co-administration and separate administration of the DTaP,... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
To fully understand the safety of DTaP-IPV/Hib vaccination, we evaluated the differences between DTaP-IPV/Hib co-administration and separate administration of the DTaP, IPV and Hib vaccines (DTaP+IPV+Hib) based on adverse events following immunization (AEFI). All AEFI reported in Hebei Province, China, between 2020 and 2022 were included in this study. The risk difference (RD%), relative risk (RR), and Chi-square value were used to compare the differences in reported rates of AEFI between the DTaP-IPV/Hib and DTaP+IPV+Hib groups. From 2020 to 2022, 130 AEFI cases were reported in Hebei Province after DTaP-IPV/Hib vaccination, corresponding to an AEFI reported rate of 66.9/million doses, which was significantly lower than that for DTaP+IPV+Hib (9836 AEFI with a reported rate of 637.8/million doses). The overall reported rate of non-severe AEFI for DTaP+IPV+Hib vaccines was 9.5 times that of DTaP-IPV/Hib vaccination [ (: 8.0, 11.3]. Meanwhile, the reported rate of AEFI among infants aged 0-1 y was 9.8 times higher for DTaP+IPV+Hib than for DTaP-IPV/Hib (: 8.2, 11.7). DTaP+IPV+Hib vaccination also resulted in higher risks of high fever, localized redness and swelling, localized induration, and allergic rash compared with DTaP-IPV/Hib vaccination. The risk of AEFI, which were mostly mild reaction, was higher after vaccination with DTaP+IPV+Hib than after DTaP-IPV/Hib vaccination.
Topics: Humans; Haemophilus Vaccines; Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated; Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine; Infant; Vaccines, Combined; China; Female; Male; Vaccination; Haemophilus Infections; Immunization Schedule; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis Vaccines
PubMed: 38957938
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2372884 -
Ghana Medical Journal Sep 2023To describe the clinical characteristics and identifiable risk factors for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in a real-world clinical setting.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical characteristics and identifiable risk factors for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in a real-world clinical setting.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional study among patients with COPD.
SETTING
The Respiratory clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
PARTICIPANTS
Consecutive patients with spirometry confirmed COPD on follow-up for ≥3 months. There were 79 participants.
INTERVENTION
None.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
COPD risk factors, disease severity, comorbidities, and the severity of airflow limitation.
RESULTS
The mean age of the participants was 63.3± 12.4 years, and 47 (59.5) were male. There was a high symptom burden (73.4% had COPD assessment test (CAT) score >10), 33 (41.8%) and 4 (5.1%) had GOLD 3 and GOLD 4 airflow limitation, respectively. Risk factors were identified for 96.2% of the participants: history of asthma in 37 (46.8%), tobacco smoking 22 (27.8%), occupational exposure 15 (19%), biomass exposure 5 (6.6%), post-tuberculosis 3 (3.8%), old age (3.8%), and prematurity 1 (1.3%). Fifty-nine (74.7%) had Asthma COPD Overlap (ACO). There were no significant associations between the risk factors and disease severity. Participants with ACO had lower lung function and a high frequency of allergic rhinitis.
CONCLUSION
Asthma was the most commonly identifiable risk factor for COPD, underscoring asthma risk reduction and management optimisation as priorities toward COPD burden mitigation. Future studies need to validate these findings and identify the predominant COPD phenotypes in our setting.
FUNDING
None declared.
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Male; Nigeria; Female; Risk Factors; Cross-Sectional Studies; Middle Aged; Aged; Spirometry; Severity of Illness Index; Asthma; Tertiary Care Centers; Comorbidity; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 38957678
DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v57i3.3 -
Dermatology Reports Jun 2024Hyaluronic acid (HA) filler, a transient injectable used for rejuvenating facial treatments, has become increasingly popular over time since it doesn't require surgery....
Hyaluronic acid (HA) filler, a transient injectable used for rejuvenating facial treatments, has become increasingly popular over time since it doesn't require surgery. Although these procedures are generally safe, there are some application-related complications. These issues fall into three categories: reactions with early, delayed, or late onset. This case report features a 55-year-old female patient who developed widespread facial edema as a result of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction that happened after HA filler was applied.
PubMed: 38957643
DOI: 10.4081/dr.2023.9800 -
Frontiers in Allergy 2024Compared to households not managing food allergy, households managing food allergy are faced with greater direct and indirect costs. To address these cost burdens, we...
INTRODUCTION
Compared to households not managing food allergy, households managing food allergy are faced with greater direct and indirect costs. To address these cost burdens, we developed and piloted a milk allergy-friendly food supplement program for lower- and middle-income households managing a dairy allergy in a child age <6 years. Herein, we aimed to evaluate to the impact of this program on food costs, food security, and caregiver mental health using a longitudinal design.
METHODS
Participants living in or near the city of Winnipeg, in Manitoba, Canada were recruited from January to February 2022 via social media, word-of-mouth, and a database maintained by the principal investigator. Consenting participants took part in a 6-month allergen-friendly food supplement program that provided them with biweekly deliveries of allergen-friendly foods free of charge. To evaluate the impact of the program on food costs, food security, and well-being, participants completed a series of questionnaires at baseline, mid-point, and at the end of the program. Changes in these variables were assessed via a series of Friedman tests.
RESULTS
The final sample was comprised of 8 households. Relative to baseline, participants reported higher total direct food costs at midpoint (+5.6%) and endpoint (+13.5%), but these changes did not reach statistical significance. In contrast, total indirect food costs decreased over the course of the study relative to baseline (midpoint = -28.2%; endpoint = -18.5%), but the changes were not found to be statistically significant. Participants did, however, report a statistically significant decrease in costs related to lost time from work or school as a result of their child's food allergy at endpoint relative to baseline (-100%). Few changes in food security, caregiver well-being, or child food allergy quality of life were noted.
DISCUSSION
The provision of allergen-friendly foods helped keep grocery costs below the pace of inflation. Participants also reported reduced costs associated with missed time from work or school as a result of their child's food allergy. Despite these encouraging findings, a relatively high proportion of the current sample reported experiencing food insecurity throughout the study period, suggesting that additional financial support for families is needed.
PubMed: 38957544
DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2024.1301834 -
Allergologie Select 2024To describe a young patient with scorpion sting (SS) with typical lesions of urticaria besides the local SS clinical picture. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To describe a young patient with scorpion sting (SS) with typical lesions of urticaria besides the local SS clinical picture.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic screening of articles dating from 1966 to 2021 was conducted in the main databases. All articles included the association between SS and urticaria. A new case report is added to the published list.
RESULTS
The literature search found 5 articles with 29 patients with SS and urticaria/allergic reactions. We performed our analysis by adding our present case, resulting in a total of 30 cases. Most were male, and their ages varied from 29 to 48 years. Regarding SS severity, most were mild or moderate. In two articles, patients had more than one sting. The allergic reaction varied from urticaria, pruritus, flushing, angioedema, wheezing, rhinorrhea, sneezing, consciousness alterations, and gastrointestinal and cardiovascular alterations. In 5/6 (83%) articles, the patients were alive at the study time. One subject died from anaphylactic shock.
CONCLUSION
The present article systematically reviewed all published cases of SS and allergic reactions to scorpion venom. It is an infrequent association; most patients are male and in the productive age, and reaction may vary from mild to severe, including death.
PubMed: 38957356
DOI: 10.5414/ALX400582 -
Journal of Neurological Surgery Reports Jul 2024Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity to galatcose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), a carbohydrate compound present in nonprimate...
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity to galatcose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), a carbohydrate compound present in nonprimate mammalian products. Initial exposure to alpha-gal most often occurs through a tick bite, most commonly the lone star tick in the United States. Repeated exposure to alpha-gal may elicit severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. The allergy restricts dietary intake and may significantly impact perioperative risk, as many medications, anesthetics, and intraoperative surgical products utilize bovine or porcine-derived agents, including those containing magnesium stearate, glycerol, and gelatin. Here, we review the perineurosurgical care of two individuals with AGS and highlight pertinent clinical practices and perioperative management of these patients.
PubMed: 38957306
DOI: 10.1055/a-2341-7365 -
Cureus Nov 2023Angioedema is a localized swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous tissues, and/or submucosal tissues caused by fluid extravasation into these tissues. Angioedema is... (Review)
Review
Angioedema is a localized swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous tissues, and/or submucosal tissues caused by fluid extravasation into these tissues. Angioedema is associated with certain vasoactive molecules and is typically mediated by histamine or bradykinin. It manifests clinically as facial edema, swelling of the extremities and urogenital area, and potential involvement of the larynx, leading to dyspnea and inspiratory stridor, which can become life-threatening. Histamine-mediated angioedema is associated with urticaria and pruritus and will show classic signs of allergic (type 1 hypersensitivity) reactions. Bradykinin-mediated angioedema is often familial (hereditary angioedema) and is more often associated with gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), edema of the extremities and trunk, and a lack of urticaria and pruritus. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are a class of medications commonly prescribed for hypertension, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy. ACEIs are associated with an increased risk of angioedema, which can range from a mild reaction to severe and life-threatening. ACEI-induced angioedema is a bradykinin-mediated reaction that can occur in individuals with a genetic predisposition. Other medications, such as angiotensin receptor blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain antibiotics, most notably those in the beta-lactam class, can also cause drug-induced angioedema. The present investigation describes current knowledge of the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, predisposing factors, and management of drug-induced angioedema.
PubMed: 38957198
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49306 -
Contact Dermatitis Jul 2024Isocyanates are used as starting materials of polyurethane (PU) products. They are relatively important occupational skin sensitizers.
BACKGROUND
Isocyanates are used as starting materials of polyurethane (PU) products. They are relatively important occupational skin sensitizers.
OBJECTIVES
To analyse results of a large isocyanate patch test series of 19 isocyanate test substances and 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane (MDA), a marker of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) hypersensitivity.
METHODS
Test files were screened for positive reactions in the isocyanate series. Patients with positive reactions were analysed for occupation, exposure and diagnosis.
RESULTS
In 2010-2019, 53 patients had positive reactions in the series (16% of 338 patients tested). MDA, the well-established screening substance for MDI allergy, was positive in 30 patients, an in-house monomeric MDI test substance in 23 patients and 3 different polymeric MDI test substances in 19-21 patients. We diagnosed 16 cases of occupational allergic contact dermatitis (OACD) from MDI including 3 pipe reliners. Hexamethylene-1,6-diisocyanate (HDI) oligomers in paint hardeners caused 5 cases of OACD, more cases than 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (TDI; n = 3) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI; n = 1) put together.
CONCLUSIONS
In contrast to previous studies, polymeric MDI test substances were not superior to a monomeric MDI. Pipe reliners may get sensitised not only by epoxy products and acrylates but also by MDI in hardeners of PU pipe coatings. HDI oligomers were the second most important causes of OACD after MDI.
PubMed: 38956835
DOI: 10.1111/cod.14621 -
Journal of Ovarian Research Jul 2024This study investigated changes in plasma microbial-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance (PCOS-IR)...
INTRODUCTION
This study investigated changes in plasma microbial-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance (PCOS-IR) before and after metformin treatment, and aimed to identify bacterial taxa within EVs that were biologically and statistically significant for diagnosis and treatment.
METHODS
The case-control study was conducted at Xiamen Chang Gung Hospital, Hua Qiao University. Plasma samples were collected from five PCOS-IR patients of childbearing age before and after 3 months of metformin treatment, and the samples were sequenced. The diversity and taxonomic composition of different microbial communities were analyzed through full-length 16 S glycosomal RNA gene sequencing.
RESULTS
After metformin treatment, fasting plasma glucose levels and IR degree of PCOS-IR patients were significantly improved. The 16 S analysis of plasma EVs from metformin-treated patients showed higher microbial diversity. There were significant differences in EVs derived from some environmental bacteria before and after metformin treatment. Notably, Streptococcus salivarius was more abundant in the metformin-treated group, suggesting it may be a potential probiotic.
DISCUSSION
The study demonstrated changes in the microbial composition of plasma EVs before and after metformin treatment. The findings may offer new insights into the pathogenesis of PCOS-IR and provide new avenues for research.
Topics: Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Metformin; Female; Extracellular Vesicles; Insulin Resistance; Adult; Case-Control Studies; Hypoglycemic Agents; Young Adult
PubMed: 38956672
DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01444-x