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Background Several cases of pine nut allergies and anaphylaxis have been reported in the literature, but only few pine nut allergens have been characterized. The aim of this research is to identify through immunoelectrophoretic techniques the major pine nut allergens in a group of children monosensitized to pine nuts. Methods We studied five children with pine nut allergies and no other sensitization to food except to pine nuts, confirmed by in vivo (prick test, prick-to-prick) and in vitro tests (specific IgE determinations [CAP-FEIA]). The protein profile of pine nuts was analyzed by Sodium Dodecyl sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Immunoblotting was performed after incubation of membranes with the sera from the children included in the present study. Results Immunoblotting (SDS-PAGE) demonstrated five similar bands between 6 and 47 kDa in all the subjects studied. Conclusion These bands should be considered the potential allergens for pine nut allergic children.

Uveitis treatment involves topical corticosteroids along with cycloplegic-mydriatics. Particularly severe cases may require systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) treatment consists of a brief period of topical corticosteroids and/or cyclosporine. In patients refractory to traditional treatment, the use of 0.1% topical ophtalmic FK- 506 (tacrolimus) ointment has been occasionally reported. This is the first report of the coexistence of uveitis and VKC. The documented response to topical tacrolimus eyedrop of uveitis and VKC is also of interest, in particular since to our knowledge there are no published reports on its clinical use in uveitis.

Background: Little is known about the cause of food-induced anaphylaxis in children or about the factors that might affect its clinical severity. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the cause of food-induced anaphylaxis in children in Italy and to identify factors that could influence the appearance of symptoms and the severity of anaphylaxis. Methods: One hundred and sixty-three children with anaphylaxis consecutively attending 29 outpatient allergy clinics throughout Italy were enrolled in this prospective study. Information about past anaphylaxis episodes was collected with a standardized questionnaire. Food sensitization was evaluated by skin-prick test. Results: A clinical history of asthma increased the risk of wheezing [odds ratio (OR) 2.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-4.5] and respiratory arrest (OR 6.9; 95% CI 1.4-34.2). A clinical history of chronic/relapsing gastrointestinal symptoms increased the risk of vomiting (OR 2.1; 95% CI 0.9-4.3), hypotension (OR 7.9; 95% CI 1.9-32.0), and bradycardia/cardiac arrest (OR 9.2; 95% CI 0.9-91.3). The severity of present and previous episodes was similar only in patients with mild or moderate anaphylaxis. Peanut and egg were the most frequent causes of severe anaphylaxis. Conclusions: A clinical history of asthma and chronic/relapsing gastrointestinal symptoms (probably linked to food allergy) may predict the development of respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms and the severity of anaphylaxis. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.