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Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disease with significant mortbidity and mortality for which early diagnosis and effective therapy are critical. Many Asia-Pacific (AP) countries still lack access to diagnostic tests and evidence-based therapies. Epidemiological data from the AP is needed to formulate regional guidelines to improve standards of care for HAE.To investigate the estimated minimal prevalence, needs and potential interventions for the diagnosis and management of HAE in the AP.A structured questionnaire was distributed to representative experts from member societies of the Asia Pacific Association of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology (APAAACI). Patient profiles and presence of diagnostic facilities/ tests, regional / national HAE guidelines and patient support groups were reported and compared.Completed questionnaires were received from 14 representatives of 12 member countries/territories, representing 46% of the world population. Overall minimal prevalence of HAE in the AP region was 0.02 per 100,000 population, with significant heterogeneity across different centres. Only half and one-third had registered on-demand and prophylactic medications, respectively. Few had patient support groups (58%) or regional guidelines (33%), and their existence was associated with availability of HAE-specific medications. Availability of C1-inhibitor level testing was associated with a lower age of HAE diagnosis (p=0.017).HAE in the AP differs from Western countries. HAE-specific medications were only registered in a minority of countries/territories, but those with patient support groups or regional guidelines were more likely to have better access. AP specific consensus and guidelines are lacking and urgently needed.

House dust mite (HDM) is the predominant cause of allergic rhinitis (AR) in Hong Kong but remains under-diagnosed and -treated. The association between patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and nasoendoscopy findings for AR have also not been investigated. This study investigated the demographics, sensitisation patterns, quality of life, use of sublingual immunotherapy and the association of PROMs and nasoendoscopy findings in AR patients through the first allergist-otorhinolaryngologists AR joint (ARJ) clinic in Hong Kong.This single-centred, retrospective observational study was conducted between January 2021 and December 2021. Clinical data from AR patients attending the ARJ clinic were analysed to identify the prevalence of HDM allergens, change in PROMs and the association of PROMs with nasoendoscopy scores.The three most common sensitising HDM allergens wereThe ARJ clinic significantly improved AR symptoms. SLIT was effective and safe for patients who failed conventional treatments. VAS positively correlated with nasoendoscopy findings. Testing forThe online version of this article (10.1007/s40629-022-00218-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

There is a high prevalence of unconfirmed penicillin allergy, which is associated with a multitude of adverse clinical outcomes. With the overwhelming burden of currently incorrect labels and the lack of allergy specialist services, new delabeling strategies are urgently needed.To assess the effectiveness, safety, and real-world outcomes of a nurse-led, protocol-driven evaluation of penicillin allergy, the Hong Kong Drug Allergy Delabelling Initiative (HK-DADI).Adult patients with suspected penicillin allergy were recruited into HK-DADI. Allergy and postdelabeling outcomes were retrospectively compared between patients evaluated via HK-DADI or traditional allergist evaluation.A total of 312 completed penicillin allergy evaluation: 84 (27%) and 228 (73%) via HK-DADI and traditional pathways, respectively. Overall, 280 penicillin allergies were delabeled (90%). The delabeling rate between HK-DADI and traditional pathways was similar (90% vs 89%; P = .796). Among patients of the HK-DADI pathway, the delabeling rate was significantly higher among low-risk (LR) compared with non-LR patients (97% vs 77%; P = .010). Skin tests did not add diagnostic value among LR patients. No patients developed severe or systemic reactions during the evaluation. Upon 6- to 12-month follow-up (median, 10 months), 123 patients experienced infective episodes (44%) and 63 used penicillins again after delabeling (23%). This proportion was significantly higher in patients who were delabeled via HK-DADI compared with the traditional pathway (32% vs 19%; P = .026).The Hong Kong Drug Allergy Delabelling Initiative, a nurse-led, protocol-driven evaluation, was safe and effective in penicillin allergy delabeling. It led to an even higher rate of future penicillin use after delabeling and mitigated the need for unnecessary skin testing among LR patients.

Recommendations regarding family screening for hereditary angioedema (HAE) remain variable and mostly based on expert opinion. Studies evaluating its implementation and efficacy are lacking.A novel HAE screening program was established to evaluate the efficacy and impact of cascade family screening (CFS) for at-risk relatives.Potential HAE relatives were screened through the CFS approach. Prospective data on clinical, psychological, and HAE-related outcomes were collected at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Longitudinal outcomes were analyzed and compared between index patients and those given a diagnosis through CFS.Of 179 relatives, 53% were contactable, 67% of whom consented to screening. Twenty-nine patients (46%) were newly given the diagnosis of HAE; half were symptomatic at baseline (52%). There was a stronger trend toward higher diagnostic yield among first-degree families, although this did not meet statistical significance (57.6% vs 33.3%; P = .077). Among symptomatic patients, there was a higher proportion with complete annual HAE remission (15% vs 46%; P = .021) and a reduction in annual HAE-related hospital admissions (1 vs 0; P = .016) and length of stay (3 vs 2 days; P = .001) after 1 year. Among all patients, there were reduced Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-anxiety (14.35 ± 6.32 vs 6.47 ± 4.14; P = .001) and improved Angioedema Quality of Life scores (55% vs 35%; P.001). By extrapolation, CFS led to a reduction of at least HK $1,200 (US $153) in HAE-related costs per patient per year. Screening using a greater than suggested C4 cutoff of 22.9 mg/dL yielded superior sensitivity (100%) and specificity (77%).Cascade family screening is an effective approach to family screening in HAE, improving clinical and psychological outcomes, and reducing disease-related costs.

Purpose of review Drug allergy management has previously not been emphasized in the elderly. However, the geriatric population poses several unique characteristics, challenges for drug allergy testing and considerations in the management. Especially in the era of COVID-19, the elderly population is a vulnerable cohort and reviewing the management during this unprecedented time is both timely and relevant. Recent findings In recent years, larger scale studies focusing on the epidemiology and prevalence trends of drug allergies among older adults has been summarized in this review. Emphasis on anaphylaxis in the older adults has been studied. Summary There are many implications of these findings. Epidemiological studies are useful in realizing the burden and spectrum of drug allergies on our healthcare system. It has allowed us to identify certain barriers in drug allergy management and develop ways to overcome these challenges through. Lastly, we have proposed an approach to drug allergy management based on previous studies as well as from our perspective and local experience.

Background Anaphylaxis has been increasing in developed countries but there is very little published data on the burden of anaphylaxis and the pattern of adrenaline autoinjector (AAI) prescription from Asia. We aim to determine the incidence rates of anaphylaxis and prescription rates of AAI over the past decade in Hong Kong. Methods Using a centralized electronic database of Hong Kong’s sole public-funded healthcare provider, we obtained and analysed all patients between 2009 and 2019 with physician-reported diagnosis of anaphylaxis. Incidence rates were calculated using population statistics as the denominator. Patients’ prescriptions on discharge were collected to determine the AAI prescription rates. Results The overall 10-year estimated incidence rate of anaphylaxis was 3.57 per 100,000 person-years. An increasing trend over time across both paediatric and adult populations from 2009 to 2014 was found, which remained stable until 2019. This was more marked among the paediatric population (paediatric vs adult incidence rate ratio in 2019: 3.51 [95% CI 1.12–2.66] vs 1.82 [95% CI 1.05–1.60]). There was an overall increasing rate of AAI prescription for patients admitted for anaphylaxis, but the overall AAI prescription rate was less than 15% and was significantly less likely to be prescribed for the adult compared to paediatric patients (36.5% vs. 89.4%, p Conclusions An increasing trend of anaphylaxis incidence rates over the past decade is evident in Asian populations, with a discrepantly low rate of AAI prescription, particularly in the adult patients.

International audience; Background: The issues and challenges in the diagnosis of drug allergy/hypersensitivity among children and adults in Asia are likely to be different from non-Asian countries.Objective: To study the diagnostic modalities used in the evaluation and management of drug allergy/drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) among member societies of the Asia Pacific Association of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology (APAAACI).Methods: A questionnaire comprising 41 questions was circulated electronically to member societies and individual members of APAAACI between January 23, 2020 and March 6, 2020.Results: Twenty-six respondents from 15 member societies and 1 individual member responded. European DHR guidelines were most commonly used. Skin prick and intradermal testing was used by 100%, with only 60% having access to commercial penicillin skin test reagents. In vitro-specific IgE tests were used by 75%, and basophil activation test by 56.3% for immediate DHR. Patch tests were used by 75% in contrast to lymphocyte transformation tests by 25% for nonimmediate DHR. Drug provocation tests were used by 68.8%, the most common indication being to exclude hypersensitivity where history/symptoms were not suggestive of drug hypersensitivity/allergy (93.3%). Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotype testing was mandatory among 25% respondents before new carbamazepine prescriptions, and 8.3% for allopurinol prescriptions.Conclusions: There was increased use of skin testing for iodinated contrast media hypersensitivity and patch testing for nonimmediate DHR. HLA genotype testing prior to new carbamazepine, allopurinol and abacavir prescriptions remain variable despite strong associations for severe cutaneous adverse reactions with Asian ethnicity. Results of this survey form a useful framework for developing educational and training needs and for improving access to drug allergy diagnostic and treatment modalities across APAAACI member societies.

Objectives Complete C6 deficiency (C6Q0) is a rare primary immunodeficiency leading to increased susceptibility to recurrent Neisseria infections. Patients with C6Q0 have mostly been reported in individuals of African ancestry previously, but never in Chinese. We identify the first Chinese patients with C6Q0 through family screening of an index case presenting with recurrent Neisseria meningitis with septicaemia and performed extensive clinical, serological and genetic investigations. Methods Two variants in C6 were identified by next‐generation sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing in an index case of C6Q0. Immunological investigations, complement haemolytic assays (CH50/AH50), C6 gene sequencing and quantification of serum C6 levels were performed for all available members of his nonconsanguineous family. Results Three C6Q0 patients were identified with near‐absent C6 levels, absent CH50/AH50 activity and compound heterozygous for two nonsense mutations in the C6 gene: NM_000065.4:c.1786C>T (p.Arg596Ter) and NM_000065.4:c.1816C>T (p.Arg606Ter). Neither mutations have been reported to be pathogenic previously. Two other family members who were heterozygous for either p.Arg596Ter or and p.Arg606Ter had intermediate C6 levels but preserved CH50/AH50 activity. These two loss‐of‐function mutations showed a strong genotype–phenotype correlation in C6 levels. Conclusions We report on two compound heterozygous mutations in C6, p.Arg596Ter and p.Arg606Ter inherited in three patients of the first recorded Chinese pedigree of C6Q0. Neither mutations had been reported to be pathogenic previously. We demonstrate that heterozygous family members with subtotal C6 levels had preserved complement haemolytic function and demonstrate a threshold effect of C6 protein level., We report on two compound heterozygous mutations in C6 (p.Arg596Ter and p.Arg606Ter) in the first recorded Chinese pedigree of complete C6 deficiency. We demonstrate that heterozygous family members with subtotal C6 levels had preserved complement hemolytic function and demonstrate a threshold effect of C6 protein level.

Due to global concerns over coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine-associated allergic reactions; the Hong Kong Institute of Allergy (HKIA) formulated an initial set of consensus statements (CS) on COVID-19 Vaccine Allergy Safety (VAS) in early 2021. Following accumulation of both local and international experience on and COVID-19 VAS, the HKIA task force reformed to update the Hong Kong consensus on COVID-19 VAS. A nominated task force of experts managing patients with drug and vaccine allergies in Hong Kong formulated the updated CS by unanimous decision. A total of 9 new statements were established. Individuals with history of food allergies and anaphylaxis unrelated to the components of COVID-19 vaccines do not require allergist review prior to vaccination. Individuals with history suspicious of an excipient allergy may now be vaccinated with a non-PEG containing vaccine without prior allergist assessment. Individuals with suspected mild allergic reactions following prior COVID-19 vaccination can proceed with the next dose. Only individuals who present with immediate-type allergic reaction with systemic symptoms or more severe nonimmediate type reactions should defer their next dose until allergist review. The remaining statements regarding adequate safety during vaccination and advocation for legislative changes regarding excipient disclosure in Hong Kong remained unchanged from the prior CS. The updated CS are updated in accordance with local and international experience thus far and serve as guidance for local frontline healthcare providers to further promote safe COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Hong Kong.

Background True corticosteroid (CS) allergy is rare. Instead, many patients may be allergic to excipients found in various CS preparations. Excipient testing is frequently overlooked. It might lead to unnecessary CS avoidance or dangerous re-exposure. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and frequency of excipient allergy in patients with confirmed type I hypersensitivity to systemic CS preparations. Methods Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of allergy (positive skin test or drug provocation test [DPT]) or tolerance (negative DPT to CS) over the past 10 years were studied. Patient characteristics, index CS, route of administration, clinical indications, symptoms of index reaction, and outcomes of CS/excipient allergy testing were analyzed. Results Sixty-four patients underwent CS allergy testing. True CS allergy was confirmed in 9 of 64 (14%) patients. The majority (5/9, 56%) with positive skin tests or DPT were actually allergic to the excipients (2 to carboxymethylcellulose and 3 to polyethylene glycol) rather than the CS. Respiratory manifestations were significantly associated with confirmed allergy (odds ratio = 6.79 [95% confidence interval = 1.36-34.03], P = .02). Conclusions Patients with respiratory manifestations were significantly more likely to be truly allergic. CS allergies are rare and may be overdiagnosed without excipient testing. We suggest the use of Carmellose eye drops as a readily available source of carboxymethylcellulose for testing and propose a comprehensive diagnostic algorithm for suspected CS allergy.

Background Omega-5-gliadin (O5G) allergy, also known as wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis, is commonly reported in the Western, but not Asian, populations. Although significant differences in O5G allergy presentation across different populations are likely but there have been no previous reports on this important topic. Objective To report on the prevalence and characteristics of O5G allergy in Hong Kong (HK) compared with the United Kingdom (UK). Methods O5G allergy patients attending Queen Mary Hospital (HK cohort), and Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London (UK cohort) were studied and compared. Results A total of 46 O5G allergy patients (16 HK; 30 UK) were studied. In the HK cohort, 55% of all patients previously labeled as "idiopathic anaphylaxis" were diagnosed with O5G allergy. Exercise was the most common cofactor in both cohorts, followed by alcohol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). A higher proportion of the HK cohort reported NSAID as a cofactor (13% vs. 0%, p = 0.048). In the HK cohort, more patients presented with urticaria and cardiovascular manifestations (100% vs. 77%, p = 0.036; 100% vs. 70%, p = 0.015, respectively); the range of presentation was more diverse in the UK cohort. In HK fewer patients adhered to wheat avoidance (50% vs. 87%, p = 0.007) and more patients avoided cofactors only (44% vs. 10%, p = 0.008). Conclusion O5G allergy appears relatively underdiagnosed in HK. Urticaria and cardiovascular manifestations are common; NSAID plays an important role as a cofactor and patients are less concordant with dietary avoidance measures than in the Western population.

Introduction: Beta-lactams (BL) are the most frequently reported drug allergy, but the vast majority of patients are found not to be genuinely allergic after evaluation. Few studies have investigated the clinical predictors of genuine BL allergy, and the prevalence in hospitalized Chinese patients is unknown. Methods: Patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Hong Kong (HK) were analyzed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with the presence of BL allergy labels among hospitalized Chinese patients. A combined cohort of patients having completed allergy investigation for suspected BL allergies in the United Kingdom (UK) and HK were analyzed to identify predictors of genuine allergy. Results: The prevalence of BL allergy labels in hospitalized HK Chinese was 5%, which was associated with female gender and concomitant non-BL antibiotic allergy labels. The rate of genuine BL allergy patients referred for suspected allergies in the UK and HK cohort was only 14%. History of anaphylaxis and interval of less than a year since the index reaction were independent clinical predictors of genuine BL allergy. The negative predictive value of penicillin skin testing was 90%, confirming the need for drug provocation testing after negative skin testing. There was a high rate of confirmed piperacillin-tazobactam allergy. Discussion: The estimated true prevalence of genuine BL allergy in hospitalized HK Chinese is around 0.5%. This high rate of BL mislabeling highlights the need for comprehensive allergy evaluation and screening. History of anaphylaxis and duration since the index reaction are important predictors of genuine allergy. Piperacillin-tazobactam allergy may pose a unique challenge in this population with a high prevalence of suspected allergies, surging antibiotic resistance, and lack of testing available. Keywords: Allergy, Antibiotics, Beta-lactams, Chinese, Drug, Epidemiology, Hypersensitivity, Penicillins, Predictors, Prevalence

Background:Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) is an opportunistic infection affecting immunocompromised individuals. Due to its high mortality, PJP prophylaxis is commonly recommended for many immunocompromising conditions. However, evidence regarding the burden and role of prophylaxis in PJP among rheumatic patients remains limited. There is lack of consensus for when and for whom to initiate prophylaxis. Delineating the epidemiology, predictors of mortality and efficacy of prophylaxis in PJP among rheumatic patients is urgently needed.Objectives:To delineate the epidemiology of PJP, identify predictors of mortality and evaluate the usefulness of prophylaxis in rheumatology patients.Methods:We performed a big-data cohort study based on the territory-wide healthcare database of the Hong Kong Hospital Authority. All patients with a diagnosis of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV), immune-mediated myositis (IMM), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), or spondyloarthritis (SpA) between 2015-2019 were included. PJP were identified based on physician diagnosis and/or positive microbiological results from deep respiratory tract specimens. Prophylaxis was defined as prescription of a prophylactic dose of co-trimoxazole for at least 2 weeks and/or inhaled pentamidine. Prevalence of PJP, prophylaxis and mortality among rheumatic patients were calculated. Demographics, blood parameters and immunosuppressants use was also collected for multivariate analysis. Number needed to treat (NNT) analysis was performed based on absolute risk reduction of PJP in patients with and without prior PJP prophylaxis.Results:A total of 21,587 unique rheumatic patients were analysed (54% RA, 25% SLE, 13% SpA, 5% IMM, 2% AAV and 1% SSc). Between 2015-2019, 1141 (5.3%) patients were prescribed PJP prophylaxis and 48 (0.2%) developed PJP. None of those patients who developed PJP had received prophylaxis prior to infection. The risk of PJP was highest among SSc (1.8%), AAV (1.4%) and IMM (0.7%) patients, with NNT of SSc 36, AAV 48 and IMM 114. Within these disease entities, the majority of PJP occurred at prednisolone dose of 15mg/day (P15) or above (100% in SSc and IIM, 66.7% in AAV). Overall, PJP was associated with a mortality-rate of 39.6%. Glucocorticoid dose (daily prednisolone dose equivalent 29.1±23.5mg vs 11.4±7.2mg, P9/L vs 0.90x109/L, P= 0.04) at PJP diagnosis were associated with PJP mortality in rheumatic patients.Conclusion:PJP is an uncommon but important infection in rheumatic patients associated with significant mortality. PJP prophylaxis is effective and should be considered in patients with SSc, AAV and IMM, especially in those receiving a steroid dose above P15.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Background:Cardiovascular (CVS) diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide and patients with rheumatic diseases have an increased CVS risk including stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) (1-3). CVS risk factors and CVS events are common in SpA (4). Delineating the CVS risk and the association with medications in patients with SpA would be useful.Objectives:The objective of this study was to delineate the CVS risk and the association with medications in patients with SpA.Methods:Patients with SpA and patients with non-specific back pain (NSBP) were identified in rheumatology and orthopedics clinics respectively. Clinical information and CVS events were retrieved. Incidence rates were calculated. Association analysis was performed to determine the CVS risk of SpA and other modifiable risk factors.Results:A total of 5046 patients (SpA 2616 and NSBP 2430) were included from eight centers. Over 56 484 person-years of follow-up, 160 strokes, 84 MI and 262 major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were identified. Hypercholesterolemia was more prevalent in SpA (SpA 34.2%, NSBP 28.7%, PConclusion:SpA is an independent CVS risk factor. Anti-TNF drugs were associated with a reduced CVS risk in these patients.References:[1]Crowson CS, Liao KP, Davis JM, 3rd, Solomon DH, Matteson EL, Knutson KL, et al. Rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Am Heart J. 2013;166(4):622-8 e1.[2]Verhoeven F, Prati C, Demougeot C, Wendling D. Cardiovascular risk in psoriatic arthritis, a narrative review. Joint Bone Spine. 2020;87(5):413-8.[3]Liew JW, Ramiro S, Gensler LS. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2018;32(3):369-89.[4]Molto A, Etcheto A, van der Heijde D, Landewe R, van den Bosch F, Bautista Molano W, et al. Prevalence of comorbidities and evaluation of their screening in spondyloarthritis: results of the international cross-sectional ASAS-COMOSPA study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2016;75(6):1016-23.Disclosure of Interests:None declared.

There are geographical, regional, and ethnic differences in the phenotypes and endotypes of patients with drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) in different parts of the world. In Asia, aspects of drug hypersensitivity of regional importance include IgE-mediated allergies and T-cell-mediated reactions, including severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), to beta-lactam antibiotics, antituberculous drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and radiocontrast agents. Delabeling of low-risk penicillin allergy using direct oral provocation tests without skin tests have been found to be useful where the drug plausibility of the index reaction is low. Genetic risk associations of relevance to Asia include human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B*1502 with carbamazepine SCAR, and HLA-B*5801 with allopurinol SCAR in some Asian ethnic groups. There remains a lack of safe and accurate diagnostic tests for antituberculous drug allergy, other than relatively high-risk desensitization regimes to first-line antituberculous therapy. NSAID hypersensitivity is common among both adults and children in Asia, with regional differences in phenotype especially among adults. Low dose aspirin desensitization is an important therapeutic modality in individuals with cross-reactive NSAID hypersensitivity and coronary artery disease following percutaneous coronary intervention. Skin testing allows patients with radiocontrast media hypersensitivity to confirm the suspected agent and test for alternatives, especially when contrasted scans are needed for future monitoring of disease relapse or progression, especially cancers.

Background: There are marked geographical as well as temporal differences in patient sensitization profiles to β-lactams (BL). Objective: To determine the utility of skin test reagents and identify a cohort of patients where skin testing can be safely omitted in a cohort of patients referred to a UK tertiary referral center. Methods: A retrospective study of the clinical characteristics of 1092 patients referred for BL allergy testing was analyzed using multivariate regression analysis. The effectiveness of skin test reagents was also evaluated. Results: Multivariate logistic regression identified that a history of anaphylaxis (odds ratio [OR] 10.98, P =.001) and the patients' recall of the index drug (apart from ampicillin and meropenem, OR 3.51-12.43, P

Introduction There is a high and rising prevalence of many allergic diseases in the Asia Pacific, including Hong Kong (HK), which is unmatched by a commensurate provision of clinical allergy services. Method This review highlights progress and deficiencies in allergy service and training in HK. The allergy work force was estimated from the numbers of doctors practicing allergy registered with the HK Medical Council Specialist Register in Immunology and Allergy; Paediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases (includes allergy); Paediatrics; and Immunology (as a discipline of Pathology). The numbers of trainees were estimated from the trainee lists of the Hong Kong Colleges of Physicians, Paediatrics and Pathology. The numbers of allergy clinics were estimated from existing services in Hospital Authority public hospitals in HK. Results In the last 3 years, two new drug allergy clinics have been established in public hospitals, and for the first time in 20 years, Hong Kong has a trainee in adult allergy. The current ratio of allergists per head of population has improved slightly from 1:1.46 million in 2014 to 1:1.17 million, but it is still low compared to many countries. There are 5-fold more paediatric allergists than adult allergists per head of population in HK. Discussion Hong Kong is not equipped to take advantage of major public health advances in allergy prevention. If the unbalance of adult to paediatric allergists remains uncorrected, continuing care for allergic children as they grow into adulthood will be an increasing problem. Conclusion Hong Kong still has an unmet need for allergy specialists and is ill equipped to exploit recently discovered public health opportunities to prevent allergy. This review provides recommendations to improve allergy service provision and training, including the creation of Centres of Excellence in allergy to drive the growth of the specialty.

Background True IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to opioids is rare and many reactions are due to direct mast cell degranulation. Opioid drug provocation testing (DPT) is the gold standard for diagnosis but is underutilized. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and predictors of opioid hypersensitivity, as well as outcomes of opioid DPT. Methods Patients referred for opioid DPT over the past 9 years were studied. Patient characteristics, indications for opioid use, symptoms of index reaction, and outcomes of DPT were analyzed. Association analysis was performed to study variables associated with a diagnosis of opioid hypersensitivity. Results Of the total of 98 patients referred with suspected opioid hypersensitivity, 15 (15%) were diagnosed with opioid allergy. Angioedema (odds ratio [OR]: 5.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49-21.47; P = .011) and hypotension (OR: 5.00; 95% CI: 1.15-21.70; P = .032) were significantly more frequent in opioid allergic patients than those with a negative DPT. Patients who received opioids during anesthesia were significantly more likely to be opioid allergic (OR: 6.74; 95% CI: 2.05-22.13; P = .001). In contrast, a negative association was identified with patients who received opioids for analgesia (OR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.08-0.86; P = .008). Conclusions Only 15% of our cohort were diagnosed with opioid allergy, emphasizing the importance of DPT in preventing erroneous overdiagnosis. Patients with a history of angioedema or hypotension as their index reaction were significantly more likely to be opioid allergic. DPT are safe when performed by experienced clinicians after risk stratification and using individualized protocols.

Background Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is an umbrella term which includes several inflammatory arthritides sharing common clinical features, such as sacroiliitis, spondylitis, peripheral arthritis/enthesitis and other extra-articular manifestations. Although typically presenting at a young age, SpA is often a relentlessly progressive disease even in this new era of biologics. In the last few years, much research has been generating on discovering new and more sensitive modalities in the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for assessing SpA. The advent of MRI has enabled clinicians to detect objective features of active inflammation, thereby allowing earlier diagnosis and more quantitative assessment of disease severity. Despite these rapid advancements, there have been few reports on examining the association between age and disease activity in SpA, especially with the use of these various new modalities of imaging. In this cross-sectional analysis, we examine the associations between age and the clinical and radiological disease activities in axial SpA using radiographs as well as different modalities of MRI. Methods One hundred and twenty one patients fulfilling the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society Classification Criteria for axial SpA were included in analyses. Patient demographics, disease activity and radiographic scores, as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion weighted imaging derived apparent diffusion coefficient values ((DWI(ADC)), were compared between patients older than and younger/equal to 40 years of age at a cross-sectional level. Variables with significant differences in univariate analyses were used as dependent variables in multivariate linear regression models adjusted for potential confounding/contributing factors. Results Multivariate analysis showed that increasing age was significantly associated with higher Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (B=0.04, p Conclusions Increasing age in SpA was associated with greater functional impairment and structural damage, more inflammation of the axial spine, but less inflammation of the SI joints. Our findings are consistent with the traditional belief of SpA being an “ascending disease” and highlights the importance of different modalities of MRI in the diagnosis and disease monitoring of SpA. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background DWI has been proposed for SpA diagnosis and disease monitoring1,2. The clinical correlation and effectiveness of this imaging when compared to the traditional STIR sequence is still under evaluation. Objectives To compare DWI with with clinical features, and traditional STIR sequence in detecting spinal and SI joints inflamation in SpA patients. Methods One hundred and ten patients fulfilled ASAS Axial SpA criteria were recruited consecutively from two rheumatology centers in Hong Kong. Clinical, radiological and blood parameters were collected. DWI and STIR MRI were performed simultaneously and results were scored according to the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) for comparison. The Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) values were also calculated. Results DWI showed no correlation with clinical features. When compare with STIR sequence, it correlated well with STIR sequence at the SI joints level (CC 0.76, p Conclusions Both STIR sequence and DWI perform similiarily in detecting active sacroiliitis. At spinal level, ADC values appear to be independent of other imaging/ clinical assessment and are not affected by degenerations. References Gaspersic N, Sersa I, Jevtic V, et al. Monitoring ankylosing spondylitis therapy by dynamic contrast-enhanced and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Skeletal Radiol. 2008 Feb; 37(2): 123–31. Sahin N, Hacibeyoglu H, Ince O, et al. Is there a role for DWI in the diagnosis of sacroiliitis based on ASAS criteria? Int J Clin Exp Med. 2015 May 15; 8(5): 7544–52. Disclosure of Interest None declared

To the Editor: We read with interest the study of Hellquist, et al 1 showing tyrosine kinase 2 ( TYK2 ) is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Similar results have been reported in different Caucasian populations2,3,4, but not in a recently published Japanese study5. Interestingly, we also found TYK2 polymorphisms were not associated with SLE in Hong Kong Chinese, although subphenotype analysis revealed it may be associated with the development of photosensitivity and discoid rash. Our study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Hong Kong/Hospital Authority Hong Kong West Cluster. The study included 669 patients with SLE and 2538 controls, as reported6,7. Genotyping with the Illumina 610-Quad Human Beadchip (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA) from 612 patients and 2193 healthy controls included 9 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) within 10 kilobases spanning TYK2 . Additional genotyping by direct sequencing on 150 patients and 345 healthy controls was performed for rs12720270, rs2304356, and rs2304255, which were not included … Address correspondence to Dr. Lau; E-mail: lauylung{at}hkucc.hku.hk