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It is very difficult to differentiate Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrom and macrochelitis granulomatosa. Two neurologists: Ernt Melkersson and Curt Rosenthal in 1928 and 1931 described classical symptoms of this syndrom: recurring facial paralysis, swelling of the face and lips and the development of folds and furrows in the tongue. In 1945 Miescher described a few cases of primary interstitial inflammation of the lips and gave them the name macrochelitis granulomatosa. Some patients had paralysis of the facial nerve, others folds of the tongue. In the present study the etiopatho-genesis, diagnostic and therapeutic problems are presented.

The study is aimed to determine the importance of type I and type IV allergy in eczema caused by allergy to nickel. The study was performed at 55 patients (42 women, 13 men, aged 16-58 yrs) suffering from hand dermatitis (19 cases), disseminated eczema (22 cases) and atopic dermatitis (14 cases) with positive skin patch test to 2.5% nickel sulphate. In each patients history of illness was analyzed, total serum IgE level (tIgE) was estimated and specific IgE (sIgE) for nickel and also absolute blood eosinophils and basophils counts were estimated for the evaluation of the atopy features. In each patient patch skin test with different nickel sulphate dilutions were performed as well as skin prick tests with different dilutions of nickel sulphate. The following oral provocation tests were carried out with the nickel sulphate in doses 0.56 mg, 1.12 mg, 2.24 mg, 5.6 mg and 11.2 mg. The test was stopped at the dose provoking the symptoms of illness. Positive family history, the increased tIgE serum level as well as absolute counts of eosinophils and basophils were present in some patients with atopic and contact dermatitis and they were not useful in differential diagnosis of this forms of skin allergy. Skin patch test with different concentrations of nickel sulphate was helpful to establish the degree of contact sensitivity in all patients. The oral provocation test with different dose of nickel sulphate also provoked symptoms in some patients in each observed groups, but the reaction to the lowest dose was observed only in patients with atopic dermatitis. Specific IgE to nickel as well as skin prick testing also with different dilutions of nickel sulphate are not useful in the diagnosis of nickel allergy. In the all examined patients they were negative. It seems that both types of allergy (type I and IV) may take part in the patho-mechanism of atopic and contact skin allergy with alternate prevalence of one of its depending on patient condition.

Prevalence of allergic diseases has been increasing over recent decades, especially in developed countries. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis in children of Krakow at school age, depending on home and school environment conditions. The study was carried out in two stages: questionnaire based on ISAAC questionnaire and skin prick tests in children with symptoms suggesting allergic disease were performed. Altogether 532 children from 4 primary schools (2 in central and 2 in peripheral parts of the city) were included. Symptoms suggestive of allergic disease were reported by 304 children (57.1%), including asthma in 145 (27.2%) and allergic rhinitis in 288 children (54.1%). Asthma and allergic rhinitis was previously diagnosed in 19 (4%) and 138 (26%) children respectively. In younger age groups more children reported symptoms suggestive of asthma. Pupils from schools in the center of Krakow exposed to high level of traffic significantly more frequently reported asthma and had diagnosed allergic rhinitis. Increased prevalence of allergic rhinitis symptoms was observed in children exposed to passive smoking. Skin prick tests were positive only in 29.7% of children qualified for them. The results of the study suggest that in pupils with allergic rhinitis in whom skin prick tests are weakly positive for inhaled allergens, environmental factors may play an important role in the development of clinical symptoms.

C1 inhibitor deficiency can be hereditary (Type I and II) or acquired (Type I and II). Clinically it is manifested by recurrent attacks of angioedema which may involve skin, airways and digestive tract. The acquired form of C1 inhibitor deficiency is associated with lymphoproliferative or connective tissue disorders as well as with autoimmunization. Clinical symptoms are similar in all forms of C1 inhibitor deficiencies and they are connected with low serum level of C4 as well as with decreased activity of C1 inhibitor. In acquired angioedema additionally they are also decreased C1 and C1q and in type II C3 serum concentration is diminished. The drugs of choice are anabolics (danazol, stanazolol). Antifibrinolitic drugs are also used, especially in acquired forms of C1 inhibitor deficiency. The infusion of C1 inhibitor concentrate is used in acute emergency treatment.

The aim of the study was estimation of the IgE value, circulating immunocomplexes and the activity of complement system in allergic contact as well as atopic dermatitis in patients with skin nickel hypersensitivity. The study was done in 30 patients in the age range of 18-53 yrs suffering from allergic contact dermatitis (15 patients) and atopic dermatitis (15 patients) with positive skin patch test to nickel. The concentration of total IgE as well as specific IgE to mites, Phleum, Betula, Artemisia and the concentration of circulating complexes in the serum of patients were estimated. The activity of C1inh and CH50 was estimated in plasma of the patients. The results of the study indicated an increase of concentration of circulating immuno-complexes in 80% of the patients of both groups, an increase of total IgE in 50% of patients with atopic dermatitis and in 25% of the patients with contact dermatitis. There were no changes in the activity of C1inh and the value of CH50 in both groups of patients.