1. |
- Bjermer, Leif, et al.
(author)
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The complex pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis : Scientific rationale for the development of an alternative treatment option
- 2019
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In: Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1710-1492. ; 15, s. 24-
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Allergic rhinitis (AR) poses a global health problem and can be challenging to treat. Many of the current symptomatic treatments for AR have been available for decades, yet there has been little improvement in patient quality of life or symptom burden over the years. In this review, we ask why this might be and explore the pathophysiological gaps that exist within the various AR treatment classes. We focus on the benefits and drawbacks of different treatment options and delivery routes for AR treatments and consider how, given what is known about AR pathophysiology and symptomatology, patients may be offered more effective treatment options for rapid, effective, and sustained AR control. In particular, we consider how a new AR preparation, MP-AzeFlu (Dymista ® , Meda, Sweden), comprising a formulation of an intranasal antihistamine (azelastine hydrochloride), an intranasal corticosteroid (fluticasone propionate), and excipients delivered in a single spray, may offer benefits over and above single and multiple AR therapy options. We review the evidence in support of this treatment across the spectrum of AR disease. The concept of AR control is also reviewed within the context of new European Union and Contre les Maladies Chroniques pour un VIeillissement Actif-Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma initiatives.
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2. |
- Bråbäck, Lennart, et al.
(author)
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Confounding with familial determinants affects the association between mode of delivery and childhood asthma medication : a national cohort study
- 2013
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In: Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. - : BioMed Central. - 1710-1484 .- 1710-1492. ; 9:1, s. 14-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Mode of delivery may affect the risk of asthma but the findings have not been consistent and factors shared by siblings may confound the associations in previous studies. METHODS: The association between mode of delivery and dispensed inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (a marker of asthma) was examined in a register based national cohort (n=199 837). A cohort analysis of all first born children aged 2-5 and 6-9 years was performed. An age-matched sibling-pair analysis was also performed to account for shared genetic and environmental risk factors. RESULTS: Analyses of first-borns demonstrated that elective caesarean section was associated with an increased risk of dispensed ICS in both 2-5 (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-1.29) and 6-9 (aOR=1.21, 1.09-1.34) age groups. In the sibling-pair analysis, the increased risk associated with elective caesarean section was confirmed in 2-5 year olds (aOR=1.22, 1.05-1.43) but not in 6-9 year olds (aOR=1.06, 0.78-1.44). Emergency caesarean section and vacuum extraction had some association with dispensed ICS in the analyses of first-borns but these associations were not confirmed in the sibling-pair analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Confounding by familial factors affects the association between mode of delivery and dispensed ICS. Despite this confounding, there was some evidence that elective caesarean section contributed to a modestly increased risk of dispensed ICS but only up to five years of age.
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3. |
- Dreborg, Sten, et al.
(author)
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Do epinephrine auto-injectors have an unsuitable needle length in children and adolescents at risk for anaphylaxis from food allergy?
- 2016
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In: Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1710-1484 .- 1710-1492. ; 12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Food allergy is the most common cause of anaphylaxis in children. Intramuscular delivery of epinephrine auto-injectors (EAI) is the standard of care for the treatment of anaphylaxis. We examined if children and adolescents at risk of anaphylaxis weighing 15-30 kg and >30 kg would receive epinephrine into the intramuscular space with the currently available EAI in North America and Europe. Methods: The distance from skin to muscle (STMD) and skin to bone (STBD) on the mid third anterolateral area of the right thigh was measured by ultrasound applying either high pressure ((max)) or slight pressure ((min)) in 102 children weighing 15-30 kg (group 1) and 100 children and adolescents, weighing more than 30 kg (group 2). Results: Using a high pressure EAI (HPEAI), Epipen Jr (R) and Auvi-Q (R)/Allerject (R) 0.15 mg, 11/102 (11 %) children in group 1 and 38/102 (38 %) using another HPEAI, Jext (R), had a STMDmax that showed a risk of intraosseous injection. There was a 1 % risk of subcutaneous injection with these devices. There was no risk of intraosseous injection using a low pressure EAI (LPEAI), Emerade (R). In group 2, the risk of intraosseous injection using a HPEAI was 3 % and no risk using a LPEAI. However, the risk of subcutaneous injection using HPEAI was 9 % and using LPEAI was 2 %. Conclusion: There is a risk of intraosseous injection using HPEAI (Epipen (R)/Epipen Jr (R), Auvi-Q (R)/Allerject (R) and especially Jext (R)) in children at risk of anaphylaxis. There was also a risk of subcutaneous injection using the currently available HPEAI in children and adolescents.
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4. |
- Dreborg, Sten, 1933-, et al.
(author)
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Epinephrine auto-injector needle length : The impact of winter clothing
- 2020
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In: Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. - : BMC. - 1710-1484 .- 1710-1492. ; 16
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Epinephrine auto-injectors are expected to deliver the drug intramuscularly.Objective: To study whether injection through clothing influences the frequency of subcutaneous and intraosseous/periosteal deposition of epinephrine.Methods: Skin to muscle and skin to bone distances were measured for 303 children and adolescents and 99 adults. Distance was determined by ultrasound, with high or low pressure on the ultrasound probe. The risk/percentage of subcutaneous and intraosseous/periosteal injections was calculated using the lower and upper limits for the authority-approved length of EAI needles as provided by two high pressure EAI manufacturers and one low pressure EAI manufacturer. The addition winter clothing on the delivery of epinephrine was illustrated by comparing drug delivery fissue depth with no clothes. Furthermore, the riof non-intramuscular delivery for the shortest and longest approved needle length was calculated.Results: When using EpipenJr(R) in children < 15 kg the risk of intraosseous/periostal injection was reduced from 1% and 59% for the shortest and longest approved needle length to 0 and 15% with winter clothes. The Auvi-Q(R) 0.1 mg had no risk of intraosseous/periosteal injection. However, the subcutaneous deposition risk increased from 94% and 28% to 100% and 99% with winter clothes. The risk of subcutaneous injection using EpipenJr(R) in the youngest children increased from 13% and 0% to 81% and 1% with winter clothes, and with Epipen(R) in adults from 45% and 17% to 60% and 38%. Emerade(R), had a risk of subcutaneous injection in adults increasing from 14% and 10% to 28% and 21% adding winter clothes.Conclusion The risk of intraosseous/periosteal injections decreases and the risk of subcutaneous injection increases when injecting through winter clothes for all EAIs.
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5. |
- Dreborg, Sten, 1933-, et al.
(author)
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International recommendations on epinephrine auto-injector doses often differ from standard weight-based guidance : a review and clinical proposals
- 2022
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In: Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1710-1484 .- 1710-1492. ; 18:1
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: In anaphylaxis, the dosing of injectable epinephrine in medical settings has been arbitrarily recommended to be 0.01 mg/kg of body weight. For ethical reasons, there have been no dose-response studies or double-blind studies performed on patients with active anaphylaxis. Intramuscular delivery of epinephrine has been the standard. Auto-injectors for use in the treatment of anaphylaxis are available in four strengths (0.1, 0.15, 0.3, and 0.5 mg). However, in many countries, only the 0.15 and 0.3 mg strengths are available. Consequently, many adult, heavy patients are prescribed the 0.3 mg dose, which may result in only one-fifth to one-third of the recommended weight-based dose being administered in heavy patients experiencing anaphylaxis. Underdosing may have therefore contributed to mortality in anaphylaxis. Objective: To review the doses of epinephrine recommended for the treatment of anaphylaxis in the community, and assess whether recommendations should be made to increase dosing for heavy adult patients in hopes of avoiding future deaths from anaphylaxis. Methods: We reviewed multiple national and international recommendations for the dosing of epinephrine. We also reviewed the literature on adverse drug reactions from epinephrine, lethal doses of epinephrine, and epinephrine dose-finding studies. Results: The majority of national and regional professional societies and authorities recommend epinephrine delivered by auto-injectors at doses far lower than the generally accepted therapeutic dose of 0.01 mg/kg body weight. Furthermore, we found that the recommendations vary even within regions themselves. Conclusions: We suggest prescribing more appropriate doses of epinephrine auto-injectors based on weight-based recommendations. There may be some exceptions, such as for patients with heart disease. We hypothesize that these recommendations will lead to improved outcomes of anaphylaxis.
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6. |
- Dreborg, Sten, 1933-, et al.
(author)
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The pharmacokinetics of epinephrine/adrenaline autoinjectors
- 2021
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In: Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1710-1484 .- 1710-1492. ; 17:1
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background For a century, epinephrine has been the drug of choice for acute treatment of systemic allergic reactions/anaphylaxis. For 40 years, autoinjectors have been used for the treatment of anaphylaxis. Over the last 20 years, intramuscular epinephrine injected into the thigh has been recommended for optimal effect. Objective To review the literature on pharmacokinetics of epinephrine autoinjectors. Results Six studies assessing epinephrine autoinjector pharmacokinetics were identified. The studies, all on healthy volunteers, were completed by Simons, Edwards, Duvauchelle, Worm and Turner over the span of 2 decades. Simons et al. published two small studies that suggested that intramuscular injection was superior to subcutaneous injection. These findings were partially supported by Duvauchelle. Duvauchelle showed a proportional increase in C-max and AUC(0-20) when increasing the dose from 0.3 to 0.5 mg epinephrine intramuscularly. Turner confirmed these findings. Simons, Edwards and Duvauchelle documented the impact of epinephrine on heart rate and blood pressure. Turner confirmed a dose-dependent increase in heart rate, cardiac output and stroke volume. Based on limited data, confirmed intramuscular injections appeared to lead to faster C-max. Two discernable C-max's were identified in most of the studies. We identified similarities and discrepancies in a number of variables in the aforementioned studies. Conclusions Intramuscular injection with higher doses of epinephrine appears to lead to a higher C-max. There is a dose dependent increase in plasma concentration and AUC(0-20). Most investigators found two C-max's with T-max 5-10 min and 30-50 min, respectively. There is a need for conclusive trials to evaluate the differences between intramuscular and subcutaneous injections with the epinephrine delivery site confirmed with ultrasound.
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7. |
- Ekstedt, S, et al.
(author)
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Effects of MP-AzeFlu enhanced by activation of bitter taste receptor TAS2R
- 2020
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In: Allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology : official journal of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1710-1484. ; 16:1, s. 45-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- MP-AzeFlu is relatively new a pharmaceutical drug used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. It is comprised of azelastine hydrochloride (AZE), a potent histamine-H1-receptor antagonist and fluticasone propionate (FP), corticosteroid. It’s somewhat bitter taste (often considered a disadvantage) can be attributed to AZE. We here hypothesize that MP-AzeFlu may induce some of its beneficial effects through activation of bitter taste receptors (Tas2R), which have recently been described in human airways. In the nose Tas2Rs induce secretion of antimicrobial peptides and increase ciliary activity, while in the lung they cause airway smooth muscle relaxation. The mechanisms behind Tas2R-mediated effects are not yet fully known. In order to evaluate the role of Tas2R in the effects induced by MP-AzeFlu the dilatory response of pre-contracted isolated airways from Balb/c mice was investigated in tissue bath myographs in the presence or absence of various well-characterized pharmacological antagonists or their corresponding vehicles. MP-AzeFlu caused a potent dose-dependent relaxation of pre-contracted airways, an effect probably mediated by its AZE component. The dilatory effect of MP-AzeFlu and AZE both mimicked the response induced by the Tas2R agonist, chloroquine, but was independent of histamine receptor (H1-, H2- and H3-), prostaglandins, cAMP and cGMP involvement, all known to be common pathways for airway dilation. Other bitter-tasting antihistamines (i.e. olopatadine and desloratadine) also relaxed airway segments. These data support the notion that MP-AzeFlu has the ability to activate Tas2R in the same way as chloroquine. The effect appears to be mediated by AZE, but not via the histamine receptor. Activation of Tas2R by MP-AzeFlu may contribute to its superior efficacy over FP observed in controlled clinical trials in patients with moderate/severe allergic rhinitis.
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8. |
- Frykas, TLM, et al.
(author)
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Mothers of children with food allergies report poorer perceived life status which may be explained by limited career choices
- 2021
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In: Allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology : official journal of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1710-1484. ; 17:1, s. 12-
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Pediatric food allergy is associated with direct, indirect and intangible costs. However, it remains unclear if intangible costs of pediatric food allergy influence parental career choices. Using data from 63 parents whose children had been diagnosed by a pediatric allergist with food allergy, we sought to (a) establish perceived life status of families with a food allergic child, and (b) to describe any career limitations viewed as attributable to food allergy. Compared to responding parents whose children had one to two food allergies, those with three or more food allergies had significantly poorer perceived life status (ß − 0.74; 95%CI − 1.41; − 0.07; p < 0.05). Overall, 14.3% of parents (all mothers) reported career limitations due to food allergy. Two of the 7 mothers (28.6%) who reported career limitations due to their child's food allergy fell below Statistics Canada cut-off for low-income, after tax dollars (LIM-AT). One of the three mothers who had changed jobs because of their child's food allergy was below the LIM-AT. No fathers reported food allergy-related career limitations. In conclusion, mothers of children with multiple food allergies reported worse perceived life status that may be partly explained by food allergy-related career limitations.
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- Lowe, Adrian J, et al.
(author)
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Pollen exposure in pregnancy and infancy and risk of asthma hospitalisation : a register based cohort study
- 2012
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In: Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. - : BioMed Central. - 1710-1484 .- 1710-1492. ; 8:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: A seasonal effect of month of birth and risk of allergic disease has been suggested by numerous studies. Few studies have directly measured pollen exposures at different points during pregnancy and in early life, and assessed their effects on risk of respiratory disease outcomes.METHODS: Pollen exposure was calculated for the first and last 12 weeks of pregnancy and the first 12 weeks of infancy for all children conceived by women residing in Stockholm, Sweden, between 1988 and 1995. Hospital admission data for respiratory conditions in the first year of life was also collected.RESULTS: Out of 110,381 children, 940 had been hospitalised for asthma by 12-months of age. Pollen levels showed both marked seasonal variations and between year differences. Exposure to high levels of pollen in the last 12 weeks of pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of asthma hospitalisation (aOR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.07-1.71 for highest quartile versus remaining infants). Exposure to high levels of pollen in the first three months of life was associated with a reduced risk (aOR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.59-0.98) but only in children of heavy smoking mothers.CONCLUSIONS: High levels of pollen exposure during late pregnancy were somewhat unexpectedly associated with an elevated risk of hospitalisation for asthma within the first year of life.
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13. |
- Olsson, Petter, et al.
(author)
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HealthSWEDE : costs with sublingual immunotherapy - a Swedish questionnaire study
- 2021
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In: Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. - : BMC. - 1710-1484 .- 1710-1492. ; 17:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to compare the health-economic consequences for allergic rhinitis (AR) patients treated with sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) in terms of direct and indirect costs with a reference population of patients receiving standard of care pharmacological therapy. Methods Primary objective was to analyse the health-economic consequences of SLIT for grass pollen allergy in Sweden vs reference group waiting for subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). A questionnaire was mailed to two groups of AR patients. Results The questionnaire was distributed to 548 patients, 307 with SLIT and 241 in reference group (waiting for SCIT). Response rate was 53.8%. Mean annual costs were higher for reference patients than SLIT group; euro 3907 (SD 4268) vs euro 2084 (SD 1623) p < 0.001. Mean annual direct cost was higher for SLIT-patients, euro 1191 (SD 465) than for reference, euro 751 (SD 589) p < 0.001. Mean annual indirect costs for combined absenteeism and presenteeism were lower for patients treated with SLIT, euro 912 (SD 1530), than for reference, euro 3346 (SD 4120) p < 0.001, with presenteeism as main driver. Conclusions SLIT seems to be a cost-beneficial way to treat seasonal AR. This information might be used to guide future recommendations.
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- Protudjer, JLP, et al.
(author)
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The need for a food allergy educator program for allied healthcare professionals in Canada
- 2022
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In: Allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology : official journal of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1710-1484. ; 18:1, s. 62-
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Owing to a collaborative approach to patient care, and a paucity of allergists in Canada, there is a need to develop a food allergy educational program for allied health care professionals in Canada. Such programs already exist in the United States and Britain. Herein, we describe the outcomes of recent conference proceedings to inform the educational needs for such a program. As part of the 76th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI), held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we hosted a virtual workshop on the need for a food allergy educator program for Canadian allied health professionals. This workshop was co-developed with the CSACI and an industry partner, and featured allergy specialist dietitians. Attendance was open to all conference delegates, and to allied health professionals. As part of the registration process, registrants posed diverse food allergy-related questions, ranging from how to use an epinephrine autoinjector, to daily management and, how to cure food allergy. A national food allergy educator program will empower both allergy and non-allergy specialist healthcare professionals to appropriately counsel patients. This virtually-delivered program will begin to close a gap in healthcare access resulting from the geographic size of Canada, as it will enhance allied healthcare providers’ confidence to provide evidence-based food allergy care appropriately for those with food allergy.
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17. |
- Pushpamithran, Giggil, et al.
(author)
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No impact of helminth coinfection in patients with smear positive tuberculosis on immunoglobulin levels using a novel method measuring Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antibodies
- 2023
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In: Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology. - : BMC. - 1710-1484 .- 1710-1492. ; 19:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Helminth/tuberculosis (TB)-coinfection can reduce cell-mediated immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and increase disease severity, although the effects are highly helminth species dependent. Mtb have long been ranked as the number one single infectious agent claiming the most lives. The only licensed vaccine for TB (BCG) offers highly variable protection against TB, and almost no protection against transmission of Mtb. In recent few years the identification of naturally occurring antibodies in humans that are protective during Mtb infection has reignited the interest in adaptive humoral immunity against TB and its possible implementation in novel TB vaccine design. The effects of helminth/TB coinfection on the humoral response against Mtb during active pulmonary TB are however still unclear, and specifically the effect by globally prevalent helminth species such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Ancylostoma duodenale, Trichuris trichiura. Plasma samples from smear positive TB patients were used to measure both total and Mtb-specific antibody responses in a Peruvian endemic setting where these helminths are dominating. Mtb-specific antibodies were detected by a novel approach coating ELISA-plates with a Mtb cell-membrane fraction (CDC1551) that contains a broad range of Mtb surface proteins. Compared to controls without helminths or TB, helminth/TB coinfected patients had high levels of Mtb-specific IgG (including an IgG1 and IgG2 subclass response) and IgM, which were similarly increased in TB patients without helminth infection. These data, indicate that helminth/TB coinfected have a sustained humoral response against Mtb at the level of active TB only. More studies on the species-specific impact of helminths on the adaptive humoral response against Mtb using a larger sample size, and in relation to TB disease severity, are needed.
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- Schäfer, Samuel, et al.
(author)
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Analysis of maternal and perinatal determinants of allergic sensitization in childhood
- 2020
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In: Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. - : BMC. - 1710-1484 .- 1710-1492. ; 16:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Non-communicable diseases, such as allergies, are influenced by both genetic and epigenetic factors. Perinatal determinants conceivably modify the epigenetic makeup of the developing fetal immune system preventing or predisposing the development of allergies. The aim of this study therefore was to identify independent perinatal factors associated with allergic sensitization in childhood. Methods In a single center retrospective case-cohort study electronic obstetric medical records and available skin prick testing results of children were analyzed. For the analysis 286 skin prick test positive (sensitized) children [median (IQR): 3.47 (1.70-7.34) years] were compared with data from all remaining live births in the obstetric cohort (n = 66,583). Results Sensitized children more frequently had a mother born in Asia (19.1% vs. 10.2%; P < 10-6). Applying backward elimination logistic regression, seven out of 23 initially entered perinatal factors remained in the model. High maternal age (> 35 years; OR: 1.912; P < 0.001), male offspring sex (OR: 1.423; P < 0.01) and assisted conception (OR: 1.771; P < 0.05) increased the risk for allergic sensitization. In contrast, maternal smoking (OR: 0.469; P < 0.005), increasing parity (OR: 0.881; P < 0.05), maternal pre-pregnancy overweight (OR: 0.742; P < 0.005) and preterm birth (OR: 0.484; P < 0.05) decreased the risk for allergic sensitization. Conclusions In addition to supporting previous findings, this study is first to report an increased risk of allergic sensitization after assisted conception. Beyond this findings potential implementation in preventative strategies, exploration of this association could further pathophysiological understanding of allergic disease.
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- Tavakol, M, et al.
(author)
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Diversity of malignancies in patients with different types of inborn errors of immunity
- 2022
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In: Allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology : official journal of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1710-1484. ; 18:1, s. 106-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Genetic defects in the development, maturation, and/or function of the immune cells can lead to Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) which may predispose patients to malignancies. The overall risk for cancer in children with IEI ranges from 4 to 25% and the type of malignancy is highly dependent on the specific mutant gene underlying IEI. We investigated 3056 IEI patients registered in the Iranian national registry between the years 1999 and 2020 in this retrospective cohort study. The frequency of malignancy and its association with the type of IEI in these patients were evaluated. A total of 82 IEI patients with malignancy were enrolled in this study. Among them, predominantly lymphoma was the most common type of malignancy (67.1%), followed by leukemia (11%), and cancers of the head and neck (7.3%). Among identified lymphoma cancers, non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas were the most frequent type (43.9%) followed by different subtypes of Hodgkin’s lymphoma (23.2%). Solid tumors (18.3%) appeared to be very heterogeneous by type and localization. The correlation between the type of malignancy and survival status and the association between the type of malignancy and IEI entities were unremarkable. The awareness of the association between the presence of IEI and cancer highlights the importance of a synergistic effort by oncologists and immunologists in the early diagnosis of malignancy and personalized therapeutic strategies in IEI patients.
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21. |
- Warm, Katja, et al.
(author)
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Increase in sensitization to common airborne allergens among adults : two population-based studies 15 years apart
- 2013
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In: Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. - : BioMed Central. - 1710-1484 .- 1710-1492. ; 9:1, s. 20-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Studies on time trends of allergic sensitization among adults are rare. The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of allergic sensitization to common airborne allergens among adults 15 years apart and to identify risk factors for allergic sensitization.METHODS: Clinical examinations including skin prick test (SPT) and structured interviews were performed in two random population samples in 1994 and 2009. Furthermore, specific IgE was analyzed in 2009. SPT data were available for 483 subjects in 1994 and for 463 subjects in 2009 in ages 20--60 years. Specific IgE was analyzed in 692 subjects in ages 20--79 years.RESULTS: Sensitization to cat (16% to 26%, p < 0.001), dog (13% to 25%, p < 0.001), birch (13% to 18%, p = 0.031) and timothy (12% to 21%, p < 0.001), based on SPT, increased significantly from 1994 to 2009. Sensitization to any positive SPT increased from 35% to 39%, p = 0.13.The proportion of having >=3 positive SPT reactions increased from 40% to 56%, p = 0.002. The sensitization pattern yielded similar results based on specific IgE. Risk factors for allergic sensitization were having a family history of allergy (OR 3.1, 95% CI 2.0-4.8 for any positive SPT; OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.8-4.0 for any elevated IgE) and urban living (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0-2.7; OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.4).CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of allergic sensitization to major airborne allergens as well as multi-sensitization increased significantly between the study years. Young age, a family history of allergy and urban living were significant risk factors for allergic sensitization.
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22. |
- Weinfeld, Dan, et al.
(author)
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A preseason booster prolongs the increase of allergen specific IgG4 levels, after basic allergen intralymphatic immunotherapy, against grass pollen seasonal allergy
- 2020
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In: Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1710-1484 .- 1710-1492. ; 16:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Allergen specific IgG4 levels have been monitored as a surrogate marker for the tolerance inducing effect of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) in many studies. Its accuracy at group level has been well established, but IgG4 has not yet found its place in the daily care of immunotherapy patients. Methods: Intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) is a novel route for allergy vaccination against pollen allergy, where an ultrasound-guided injection of 1000 SQ-U Alutard is given directly into a groin lymph node. The suggested standard dosing so far has been one injection with 4 weeks in-between. In total 3000 SQ-U with the treatment completed in 2 months. IgG4 was measured with Immulite technique and rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms were estimated with daily online questionnaires. Mann-Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test were applied for comparisons between groups and within groups, respectively. Results: The present study demonstrates that a single, preseason ILIT booster of 1000 SQ-U Alutard 5-grasses®, re-increases the allergen specific timothy-IgG4 levels, in patients already treated with ILIT before the previous pollen season. It also shows the feasibility of the ILIT-route for allergy vaccination of rhinitis patients, with or without concomitant asthma, with low degree of side effects and reconfirms high and sustained patient satisfaction. Conclusions: It is tempting to suggest that the allergen specific IgG4 levels can be used to build an intuitive algorithm for future clinical guidance of ILIT patients.
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- Conti, Diego M., et al.
(author)
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A EUFOREA comment on a lost comorbidity of asthma
- 2023
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In: Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology. - 1710-1484. ; 19:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- “Epidemiology of comorbidities and their association with asthma control” (Tomisa, G., Horváth, A., Sánta, B. et al. Epidemiology of comorbidities and their association with asthma control. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 17, 95 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13223-021-00598-3) is an interesting paper reflecting data collection from more than 12,000 asthmatic patients in Hungary regarding their condition and associated comorbidities. We found it valuable that the paper provides an overview of asthma comorbidities not usually considered in similar reports. Nevertheless, we believe that chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with or without nasal polyps (CRSwNP or CRSsNP) should have been listed due to its high incidence and prevalence, its association with asthma which is also endorsed in both GINA and EPOS, as well as in several peer-reviewed scientific papers, and to reflect the role of this comorbidity in poor control and a most severe presentation of asthma for the patient. Consequently, several targeted therapies (especially monoclonal antibodies) used for several years in severe forms of asthma are now indicated also for the effective treatment of nasal polyps.
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