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- Zuberbier, T., et al.
(author)
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Proposal of 0.5 mg of protein/100 g of processed food as threshold for voluntary declaration of food allergen traces in processed food-A first step in an initiative to better inform patients and avoid fatal allergic reactions: A GA(2)LEN position paper
- 2022
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 0105-4538 .- 1398-9995. ; 77:6, s. 1736-1750
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Food anaphylaxis is commonly elicited by unintentional ingestion of foods containing the allergen above the tolerance threshold level of the individual. While labeling the 14 main allergens used as ingredients in food products is mandatory in the EU, there is no legal definition of declaring potential contaminants. Precautionary allergen labeling such as "may contain traces of" is often used. However, this is unsatisfactory for consumers as they get no information if the contamination is below their personal threshold. In discussions with the food industry and technologists, it was suggested to use a voluntary declaration indicating that all declared contaminants are below a threshold of 0.5 mg protein per 100 g of food. This concentration is known to be below the threshold of most patients, and it can be technically guaranteed in most food production. However, it was also important to assess that in case of accidental ingestion of contaminants below this threshold by highly allergic patients, no fatal anaphylactic reaction could occur. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to assess whether a fatal reaction to 5mg of protein or less has been reported, assuming that a maximum portion size of 1kg of a processed food exceeds any meal and thus gives a sufficient safety margin. Methods MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched until 24 January 2021 for provocation studies and case reports in which one of the 14 major food allergens was reported to elicit fatal or life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and assessed if these occurred below the ingestion of 5mg of protein. A Delphi process was performed to obtain an expert consensus on the results. Results In the 210 studies included, in our search, no reports of fatal anaphylactic reactions reported below 5 mg protein ingested were identified. However, in provocation studies and case reports, severe reactions below 5 mg were reported for the following allergens: eggs, fish, lupin, milk, nuts, peanuts, soy, and sesame seeds. Conclusion Based on the literature studied for this review, it can be stated that cross-contamination of the 14 major food allergens below 0.5 mg/100 g is likely not to endanger most food allergic patients when a standard portion of food is consumed. We propose to use the statement "this product contains the named allergens in the list of ingredients, it may contain traces of other contaminations (to be named, e.g. nut) at concentrations less than 0.5 mg per 100 g of this product" for a voluntary declaration on processed food packages. This level of avoidance of cross-contaminations can be achieved technically for most processed foods, and the statement would be a clear and helpful message to the consumers. However, it is clearly acknowledged that a voluntary declaration is only a first step to a legally binding solution. For this, further research on threshold levels is encouraged.
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- Wang, R, et al.
(author)
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The Impact and Consequences of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on a Single University Dermatology Outpatient Clinic in Germany
- 2020
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In: International journal of environmental research and public health. - : MDPI AG. - 1660-4601. ; 17:17
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The pandemic outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects health care systems globally and leads to other challenges besides infection and its direct medical consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic on the university dermatology outpatient clinic (UDOC) of the Technical University of Munich, Germany. We analyzed datasets from 2015 until 2020 extracted from the hospital information system database and our documented outpatient files regarding patient numbers, gender, age, and diagnoses. In 2020, case numbers of outpatient care declined significantly (p = 0.021) compared to previous years and was related to the timing of political announcements answering SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Additionally, during calendar week 10 to 15—the peak time of the spread of COVID-19 in Germany—the proportion of patients missing their consultation was significantly higher in 2020 than in 2019 (22.4% vs. 12.4%; p < 0.001). Gender-associated differences regarding absences were not detected, but patients aged 85 years or older were significantly more likely to miss their consultation compared to all other age groups (p = 0.002). Regarding different disease clusters, patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases and infectious and malignant diseases were more likely to miss their consultation (p = 0.006). Noticeably, less patients with malignant diseases, and particularly malignant melanoma, were registered during this pandemic. Our data support the hypothesis that medically constructive prioritization might not be implemented properly by patients themselves. Identifying missed patients and catching up on their medical care apart from COVID-19 will pose an enormous challenge for health care systems globally.
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| 18. |
- Ahlgrim, C., et al.
(author)
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Comparison of Molecular Multiplex and Singleplex Analysis of IgE to Grass Pollen Allergens in Untreated German Grass Pollen-Allergic Patients
- 2015
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In: Journal of investigational allergology & clinical immunology. - 1018-9068 .- 1698-0808. ; 25:3, s. 190-195
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The ImmunoCAP ISAC 112 platform is the only commercially available molecular allergy IgE multiplex test. Data on the comparison of this rather novel test with the molecular singleplex ImmunoCAP IgE platform are lacking. Objective:To compare the multiplex ISAC 112 platform and the singleplex ImmunoCAP platform in regard to IgE to grass pollen allergens in untreated grass pollen allergic patients in Germany. Methods: Serum samples from 101 adults with grass pollen allergy were analyzed for specific IgE (sIgE) to 8 allergenic molecules from timothy grass pollen and to the 112 allergenic molecules included in the ISAC panel. The results for the multiplex and singleplex tests were subsequently analyzed statistically. Results: Comparison of sIgE to grass pollen allergens detected by ISAC 112 and the singleplex ImmunoCAP assay revealed the following correlation coefficients: 0.88 (rPhl p1), 0.96 (rPhl p2), 0.70 (nPhl p4), 0.94 (rPhl p5b), 0.92 (rPhl p6), 0.85 (rPhl p11), and 0.78 (rPhl p12). Conclusion: Molecular testing with ISAC 112 correlates well with the ImmunoCAP platform for respective molecular timothy grass pollen allergens.
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- Darsow, U., et al.
(author)
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Heterogeneity of molecular sensitization profiles in grass pollen allergy - implications for immunotherapy?
- 2014
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In: Clinical and Experimental Allergy. - : Wiley. - 0954-7894 .- 1365-2222. ; 44:5, s. 778-786
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundData on molecular allergy diagnostics in adults with grass pollen allergy with regard to conjunctival and nasal provocation test outcome and specific immunotherapy are lacking to date. ObjectiveTo assess whether molecular allergy diagnostics for grass pollen allergens could help with predicting provocation test outcomes and serve as a basis for future component-resolved specific immunotherapy. MethodsSera of 101 adults with grass pollen allergy was analysed for IgE against timothy grass pollen (Phleum pratense), rPhl p 1, rPhl p 2, nPhl p 4, rPhl p 5b, rPhl p 6, rPhl p 7, rPhl p 11 and rPhl p12 and correlated with the individuals' outcome in the nasal and conjunctival provocation tests and investigated in regard to a potential component-resolved specific immunotherapy. ResultsAn increasing number of sensitizations to timothy grass allergens was correlated to a positive reaction in the conjunctival (4.9 vs. 3.6, P=0.003) and nasal provocation tests (4.5 vs. 2.2, P=0.0175). In molecular sensitization profiles, a substantial heterogeneity was detected, with none of the patients exactly matching the allergen composition of a previously published component-resolved specific immunotherapy containing Phl p 1, Phl p 2, Phl p 5a/b and Phl p 6. The results indicate that in 95% of the patients, a proportion of 50% of timothy-IgE would be targeted with such a specific immunotherapy, while in 50% and 10% of patients, 80% and 90% of timothy-IgE would be targeted, respectively. Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceMolecular allergy diagnostics is a prerequisite for future component-resolved specific immunotherapy due to the high heterogeneity of sensitization profiles. However, of current clinical relevance is the observed correlation between the number of sensitizations and provocation test outcome.
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| 21. |
- Hartmann, Karin, et al.
(author)
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Cutaneous manifestations in patients with mastocytosis : Consensus report of the European Competence Network on Mastocytosis; the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; and the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology
- 2016
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In: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0091-6749 .- 1097-6825. ; 137:1, s. 35-45
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cutaneous lesions in patients with mastocytosis are highly heterogeneous and encompass localized and disseminated forms. Although a classification and criteria for cutaneous mastocytosis (CM) have been proposed, there remains a need to better define subforms of cutaneous manifestations in patients with mastocytosis. To address this unmet need, an international task force involving experts from different organizations (including the European Competence Network on Mastocytosis; the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; and the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology) met several times between 2010 and 2014 to discuss the classification and criteria for diagnosis of cutaneous manifestations in patients with mastocytosis. This article provides the major outcomes of these meetings and a proposal for a revised definition and criteria. In particular, we recommend that the typical maculopapular cutaneous lesions (urticaria pigmentosa) should be subdivided into 2 variants, namely a monomorphic variant with small maculopapular lesions, which is typically seen in adult patients, and a polymorphic variant with larger lesions of variable size and shape, which is typically seen in pediatric patients. Clinical observations suggest that the monomorphic variant, if it develops in children, often persists into adulthood, whereas the polymorphic variant may resolve around puberty. This delineation might have important prognostic implications, and its implementation in diagnostic algorithms and future mastocytosis classifications is recommended. Refinements are also suggested for the diagnostic criteria of CM, removal of telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans from the current classification of CM, and removal of the adjunct solitary from the term solitary mastocytoma.
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| 22. |
- Huss-Marp, J, et al.
(author)
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Can Immunoglobulin E-measurement replace challenge tests in allergic rhinoconjunctivits to grass pollen?
- 2011
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In: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY. - 0954-7894. ; 41:8, s. 1116-1124
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: There is minimal data available concerning the dose-response relationship between allergen exposure and clinical reactivity for outdoor aeroallergens, such as timothy grass pollen. Timothy pollen-specific IgE (sIgE) determinations might assist in predicting the clinical reactivity in patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC). METHODS: Allergen-sIgE antibody levels of timothy grass pollen were correlated with individual threshold doses eliciting allergic reactions in skin prick test (SPT), conjunctival (CPT) and nasal (NPT) provocation tests in patients suffering from pollen-induced rhinoconjunctivitis and healthy controls. RESULTS: One hundred and four patients with ARC (median age: 27 years; range: 18-64; females: 58%) and 36 controls (25 years (22-77); females: 70%) were included in the study. Ninety-six percent of the patients showed a positive reaction in the nasal and 57% showed a positive reaction in the conjunctival provocation. With regarding to titrated SPT, 98% of the patients showed a positive skin test reaction; correlating with the level of sIgE for timothy (P < 0.001). For both provocation protocols, there was no correlation between the provocation concentration at the reaction and the level of sIgE for timothy. The ratio of sIgE/total IgE correlated with the dilution level of SPT (P < 0.002) and CPT (P < 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A dose-response relationship between the levels of sIgE and clinical outcome of timothy allergen exposure could not be established. Although IgE-determination remains an important key element in allergy diagnosis, provocation tests are procedures of choice if the clinical relevance of an allergen has to be confirmed.
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- Papadopoulos, Nikolaos G, et al.
(author)
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Research needs in allergy: an EAACI position paper, in collaboration with EFA.
- 2012
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In: Clinical and translational allergy. - : Wiley. - 2045-7022. ; 2:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ABSTRACT: In less than half a century, allergy, originally perceived as a rare disease, has become a major public health threat, today affecting the lives of more than 60 million people in Europe, and probably close to one billion worldwide, thereby heavily impacting the budgets of public health systems. More disturbingly, its prevalence and impact are on the rise, a development that has been associated with environmental and lifestyle changes accompanying the continuous process of urbanization and globalization. Therefore, there is an urgent need to prioritize and concert research efforts in the field of allergy, in order to achieve sustainable results on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this most prevalent chronic disease of the 21st century.The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) is the leading professional organization in the field of allergy, promoting excellence in clinical care, education, training and basic and translational research, all with the ultimate goal of improving the health of allergic patients. The European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients' Associations (EFA) is a non-profit network of allergy, asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) patients' organizations. In support of their missions, the present EAACI Position Paper, in collaboration with EFA, highlights the most important research needs in the field of allergy to serve as key recommendations for future research funding at the national and European levels.Although allergies may involve almost every organ of the body and an array of diverse external factors act as triggers, there are several common themes that need to be prioritized in research efforts. As in many other chronic diseases, effective prevention, curative treatment and accurate, rapid diagnosis represent major unmet needs. Detailed phenotyping/endotyping stands out as widely required in order to arrange or re-categorize clinical syndromes into more coherent, uniform and treatment-responsive groups. Research efforts to unveil the basic pathophysiologic pathways and mechanisms, thus leading to the comprehension and resolution of the pathophysiologic complexity of allergies will allow for the design of novel patient-oriented diagnostic and treatment protocols. Several allergic diseases require well-controlled epidemiological description and surveillance, using disease registries, pharmacoeconomic evaluation, as well as large biobanks. Additionally, there is a need for extensive studies to bring promising new biotechnological innovations, such as biological agents, vaccines of modified allergen molecules and engineered components for allergy diagnosis, closer to clinical practice. Finally, particular attention should be paid to the difficult-to-manage, precarious and costly severe disease forms and/or exacerbations. Nonetheless, currently arising treatments, mainly in the fields of immunotherapy and biologicals, hold great promise for targeted and causal management of allergic conditions. Active involvement of all stakeholders, including Patient Organizations and policy makers are necessary to achieve the aims emphasized herein.
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| 27. |
- Romantowski, J, et al.
(author)
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A Challenge for Allergologist: Application of Allergy Diagnostic Methods in Mast Cell Disorders
- 2021
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In: International journal of molecular sciences. - : MDPI AG. - 1422-0067. ; 22:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Primary and secondary mast cell activation syndromes (MCAS) can occur in patients with mastocytosis. During the past few years our knowledge about the pathogenesis and disease-triggering mechanisms in MCAS and mastocytosis have increased substantially. Whereas mastocytosis is characterized by an accumulation of neoplastic (clonal) mast cells (MC) in various organ systems, MCAS is defined by a massive and systemic activation of these cells. Mast cells are crucial effector cells in allergic diseases, thus their elevated number and activation can cause severe anaphylactic reactions and MCAS in patients with mastocytosis. However, these cells may also degranulate spontaneously or degranulate in response to non-allergic triggers leading to clinical symptoms. In mastocytosis patients, such symptoms may lead to the diagnosis of a primary MCAS. The diagnosis of a concomitant allergy in mastocytosis patients is challenging. In these patients, a mixed form (primary and secondary) of MCAS may be diagnosed. These patients may also suffer from life-threatening anaphylactic reactions when exposed to allergens. In these cases, the possibility of severe side effects of in vivo provocations can sometimes also limit diagnostic evaluations. In the current article, we discuss the diagnosis and management of patients suffering from mastocytosis and concomitant MCAS, with special emphasis on novel diagnostic tests and management, including allergen microarrays, recombinant allergen analysis, basophil activation tests, optimal prophylaxis, and specific therapies.
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- Valent, Peter, et al.
(author)
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Advances in the Classification and Treatment of Mastocytosis : Current Status and Outlook toward the Future.
- 2017
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In: Cancer Research. - 0008-5472 .- 1538-7445. ; 77:6, s. 1261-1270
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Mastocytosis is a term used to denote a heterogeneous group of conditions defined by the expansion and accumulation of clonal (neoplastic) tissue mast cells in various organs. The classification of the World Health Organization (WHO) divides the disease into cutaneous mastocytosis, systemic mastocytosis, and localized mast cell tumors. On the basis of histomorphologic criteria, clinical parameters, and organ involvement, systemic mastocytosis is further divided into indolent systemic mastocytosis and advanced systemic mastocytosis variants, including aggressive systemic mastocytosis and mast cell leukemia. The clinical impact and prognostic value of this classification has been confirmed in numerous studies, and its basic concept remains valid. However, refinements have recently been proposed by the consensus group, the WHO, and the European Competence Network on Mastocytosis. In addition, new treatment options are available for patients with advanced systemic mastocytosis, including allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and multikinase inhibitors directed against KIT D816V and other key signaling molecules. Our current article provides an overview of recent advances in the field of mastocytosis, with emphasis on classification, prognostication, and emerging new treatment options in advanced systemic mastocytosis.
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