Climate change is significantly altering the dynamics of airborne allergens, affecting their seasonality, allergenicity, and geographic distribution, which correlates with increasing rates of allergic diseases. This study investigates aeroallergen sensitization among populations from Tenerife, Spain, and Lima, Peru—two regions with similar climates but distinct socio-economic conditions. Our findings reveal that Spanish individuals, particularly those with asthma, demonstrate higher sensitization levels to a broader range of allergens, especially mites, with 85% of participants reacting to at least one mite allergen. In contrast, Peruvian patients exhibit a narrower spectrum of sensitization. These results highlight the influence of environmental factors, such as pollution and socio-economic disparities, on allergen exposure and immune responses. Moreover, this study underscores the necessity for region-specific diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to effectively address these variations. By elucidating the intricate relationship between climate change, environmental factors, and allergen sensitization, this research offers insights into respiratory allergic conditions, advocating for tailored interventions to mitigate their impact across diverse populations.
16 November 2022 in Immunity, Inflammation and Disease
Background: Probiotics in allergic rhinitis (AR) have shown improvement in clinical and quality of life scores, whereas the role of synbiotics in the treatment of AR has been poorly investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of synbiotics in children with AR.Methods: An observational, prospective cohort study of pediatric outpatients with AR from a private medical center in Peru (2021) was conducted. At baseline, patients who were prescribed synbiotics during routine and those who were not (controls) recruited and followed up on Days 30, 60, and 90 of follow‐up. Clinical efficacy was assessed with differences in Visual Analogous Scale (VAS), Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), Rhinitis Control Assessment Test (RCAT), and the Pediatric Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PRQLQ) scores between groups at follow‐up. Mean differences ± standard deviation (SD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) are reported.Results: Two hundred and fifteen participants were analyzed. Compared to controls (n = 115), those who used synbiotics (n = 100) had significantly lower VAS (mean difference 1.3; 95% CI: 0.8–1.8), TNSS (mean difference 1.1; 95% CI: 0.5–1.7) and higher RCAT scores and PRQLQ scores (mean difference 2.2; 95% CI: −3.3 to −1.2) and (mean difference 7.0; 95% CI: 3.1–10.9), respectively, at Day 90 of follow‐upConclusions: This paper reports significant improvement in clinical (VAS, RCAT, TNSS) and quality of life (PRQLQ) scores of small and large sizes, respectively. These preliminary findings support the need of future trials to assess the role of synbiotics in children with AR.
Background: The prevalence of symptomatic dermographism ( SD ) in the general population remains unclear. This study aimed to internationally estimate the prevalence of SD and two other dermographic subtypes—physiological red dermographism and simple urticarial dermographism—among adults worldwide. Methods: The PREVALENCE ‐D (Prevalence Estimation of Dermographism) study was the largest international, cross‐sectional, internet‐based investigation conducted by the Urticaria Centers of Reference and Excellence of the Global Allergy and Asthma Excellence Network from 2021 to 2024. A world expert‐designed questionnaire was completed by participants from 28 centers across 19 countries to diagnose SD . Participants were recruited into three age groups (18–24, 25–60, and > 60 years), with ≥ 1000 individuals per group per country. We calculated sex‐ and age‐adjusted prevalence estimates internationally and by country, with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Among 59,543 participants worldwide, those with SD had an adjusted point prevalence of 3.20% (95% confidence interval [ CI ] 2.68%–3.73%) and a lifetime prevalence of 5.94% (95% CI 5.32%–6.56%). The 25–60 years group presented the highest prevalence. Females had higher rates than males, with statistically significant differences across all age groups for both point and lifetime prevalence. Physiological red dermographism had an adjusted point prevalence of 10.02% (95% CI 9.48%–10.55%) and a lifetime prevalence of 33.47% (95% CI 32.01%–34.94%). Simple urticarial dermographism showed an adjusted point prevalence of 1.21% (95% CI 1.08%–1.35%) and a lifetime prevalence of 5.39% (95% CI 4.99%–5.79%). Conclusion: These findings provide comprehensive international estimates of dermographism, particularly SD , and emphasize the need for appropriate healthcare resource allocation and disease recognition.
24 March 2020 in Revista Peruana de Medicina Experimental Y Salud Pública
Con el objetivo de determinar el perfil de sensibilización a aeroalérgenos en pacientes pediátricos con asma y/o rinitis alérgica se realizó un estudio transversal en 411 pacientes usando una prueba cutánea de alergia. Se analizó la edad, sexo, nivel de IgE total y eosinófilos. La edad media fue de 8,1 ± 3,7 años y el 60,6% fueron varones. La media de los eosinófilos y el nivel de IgE total fue de 450,1 ± 377,3 células/mm3 y 861,7 ± 757,6 IU/mL, respectivamente. Los ácaros fueron los alérgenos sensibilizantes más frecuentes (79,8%) y el Dermatophagoides farinae (65,2%) fue el más común. La polisensibilización estuvo presente en el 76,2% de los pacientes. La sensibilización se evidenció en la mayoría de los pacientes con asma y/o rinitis alérgica y estuvo asociada con la edad, grupos etarios y nivel de IgE total.
26 April 2024 in Immunity, Inflammation and Disease
Background: Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) remains relatively understudied in Latin America.Methods: In this observational study, we enrolled 64 patients with a median age of 3 months, of whom 60% were male. Patients included had a history of IgE‐mediated reactions with IgE sensitization or non‐IgE‐mediated reactions or symptoms following exposure to cow's milk. They underwent skin prick test, ImmunoCAP, fecal calprotectin (FC), and fecal eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin (EDN), in addition to double‐blinded placebo‐controlled oral food challenges (DBPCFC), with clinical evolution and tolerance acquisition observed over 1 year.Results: Malnutrition was present in 78.1% of patients, and 87.5% had a family history of atopy, with 51.6% receiving exclusive breastfeeding. Gastrointestinal manifestations were prevalent in 90.6% of patients, followed by dermatological manifestations (10.9%), with only 2 experiencing anaphylaxis. IgE‐mediated CMPA was observed in only six patients. In those with non‐IgE‐mediated CMPA, FC had a median of 284 mg/dL (IQR: 138.5–415.5), while EDN had a median of 508.5 mg/dL (IQR: 160.25–868). One year after diagnosis, median FC significantly decreased (p < 0.0001), and malnutrition prevalence reduced to 17.1%. Moreover, 81% of patients acquired tolerance following DBPCFC, with 52% utilizing nutritional replacement formulas at diagnosis. Notably, 94% of those extensively hydrolyzed casein‐based formulas achieved tolerance (p = 0.08).Conclusion: Our findings provide a foundational framework for future investigations into CMPA diagnosis, tolerance acquisition, and the utilization of hypoallergenic formulas tailored to the unique characteristics of our region.