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We described the development process of Vitulia questionnaire, auseful instrument to evaluate health-related quality of life in children aged 4-7 years affected by food allergy.&nbsp

Allergic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, are global health issues and have had an increasing prevalence in the last decades. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only curative treatment for allergic rhinitis and asthma, as it has a disease-modifying effect. AIT is generally administered by two routes: subcutaneous (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). Local side effects are common, but usually well-tolerated and self-limited. However, systemic side effects are rare, and associated with uncontrolled asthma and bronchial obstruction, or related to errors in administration. Physicians should constantly assess potential risk factors for not only reporting systemic reactions and fatalities but also implementing other therapies to improve AIT safety. This paper highlights recent evidence on local and systemic reactions related to SCIT and SLIT in children.

In recent years, the prevalence of large spectrum of gluten-related disorders (GRDs) has increased. Gluten is one of the most widely distributed components of food in both industrialized and developing countries. The main structural protein complex of wheat and its proteins are classified into albumins, salt-soluble globulins, and insoluble prolamins (gliadins and glutenins). Gluten is also included in other cereals, including rye and barley. GRDs can be classified, based on their pathogenic mechanism, into (i) Autoimmune disorders, (ii) Allergic disorders, (iii) No autoimmune, not allergic disorders. Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder that occurs in genetically predisposed individuals who develop an immune reaction to gluten. It affects about 1% of people in most populations. The disease primarily interests the small intestine, but it is characterized by a wide range of clinical presentations, with both intestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms. Wheat allergy (WA) is an adverse immunologic reaction to wheat proteins. In the large field of WA a further classification can be made, distinguishing IgE-dependent WA, triggered by ingestion, inhalation or cutaneous and/or mucosal contact of wheat, and IgE-non-dependent WA. Its prevalence varies depending on the age and region, from 0.4% to 4%. Urticaria and/or angioedema, and anaphylaxis with or without exercise as a trigger, appear typically during childhood, asthma and/or rhinitis (Baker’s asthma) are more common during adulthood. Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a condition in which gluten ingestion leads to one or more of a variety of immunological, morphological or symptomatic (both gastrointestinal or extra gastrointestinal) manifestations in people in whom CD has been excluded. It is supposed it’s due to an activated innate immune response.

BACKGROUND: Characterization of disease endotypes will open a new window for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). Herein we provide the first attempt to identify specific AR phenotypes/endotypes and/or any biomarker/predictor for specific treatment response based on local biological parameters. METHODS: This observational study was carried out in 142 patients with seasonal AR and 20 non-allergic controls. Total IgE levels, specific IgE to 112 allergenic molecules and 92 proinflammatory and immunologic proteins were measured in both serum and nasal secretions (NS). RESULTS: We found increased values of MCPs and MMPs in adults both in NS and serum when compared with pediatric patients (p

Background Pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS) is a frequently underdiagnosed disease due to diverse triggers, clinical presentations, and test results. This is especially relevant in geographic areas with a broad spectrum of pollen sensitization, such as Southern Europe. Objectives To elucidate similarities and differences of PFAS in nine Southern European centers and identify associated characteristics and unique markers of PFAS. Methods As part of the @IT.2020 Multicenter Study, 815 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), aged 10-60 years, were recruited in seven countries. They completed questionnaires regarding SAR, comorbidities, family history, and PFAS, and underwent skin prick testing (SPT) and serum IgE testing. Results Of the 815 patients, 167 (20.5%) reported PFAS reactions. Most commonly, eliciting foods were kiwi (58, 34.7%), peach (43, 25.7%), and melon (26, 15.6%). Reported reactions were mostly local (216/319, 67.7%), occurring within 5 min of contact with elicitors (209/319, 65.5%). Associated characteristics included positive IgE to at least one panallergen (profilin, PR-10, or nsLTP) (p = 0.007), maternal PFAS (OR: 3.716, p = 0.026), and asthma (OR: 1.752, p = 0.073). Between centers, heterogeneity in prevalence (Marseille: 7.5% vs. Rome: 41.4%, p < 0.001) and of clinical characteristics was apparent. Cypress played a limited role, with only 1/22 SPT mono-sensitized patients reporting a food reaction (p < 0.073). Conclusions PFAS is a frequent comorbidity in Southern European SAR patients. Significant heterogeneity of clinical characteristics in PFAS patients among the centers was observed and may be related to the different pollen sensitization patterns in each geographic area. IgE to panallergen(s), maternal PFAS, and asthma could be PFAS-associated characteristics., EAACI Fellowship Award of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology; Euroimmun [118583], SA was supported by the EAACI Fellowship Award of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology. The study has been supported by an unrestricted grant from Euroimmun (grant number 118583). The ESEP assay has been provided by Euroimmun. The Informatics Platform AllergyCARD (TM) and the app AllergyMonitor (R) have been provided by TPS Production.

Although currently approved to treat severe asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria, omalizumab has also been an effective and safe add-on treatment for other allergic diseases. Namely, omalizumab has been proposed to be used as add-on therapy in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma and undergoing specific allergen immunotherapy (AIT). AIT is the only treatment that modifies the natural history of IgE-mediated diseases. This brief review summarizes the available evidence and controversies on the efficacy and safety of omalizumab combined with specific AIT.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic remitting-relapsing inflammatory skin disorder. Due to the multifactorial pathogenesis, there are numerous therapeutic management approaches, mainly based on symptomatic treatments. In recent years, allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has been progressively advanced as targeted disease-modifying treatment of allergic disease. The most recent guideline from the American Academy of Dermatology concludes that data available do not support its use in AD. The Joint Task Force and The European Academy of Dermatology suggest that clinicians can consider AIT treatment in selected patients characterized by aeroallergen sensitization, prevalently HDM, severe AD, and clinical exacerbation after exposure to the causative allergen. Nevertheless, its role in AD is still under debate, especially in children.

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a well-established treatment for allergic respiratory diseases. It represents a cornerstone in the clinical management of allergic children since it is the only curative option to date able to modify the natural history of Ig-E mediated allergic diseases. Through a well-defined immunologic mechanism, AIT promotes regulatory T cells and cuts down the immune response induced by allergens. According to current guidelines based on up-to-date evidence, AIT should be offered to children with moderate-severe allergic rhinitis and/or controlled asthma starting from 5 years of age, further to an adequate risk-benefit assessment which includes patient's adherence to the treatment and a proper selection of the right product. Younger age and mild disease could be considered based on an individual evaluation. Both subcutaneous (SCIT) and sublingual (SLIT) routes of administration have a good efficacy and safety profile with safer outcomes for SLIT compared to SCIT. Only standardized products with documented evidence of clinical efficacy should be used. Although AIT is used worldwide, there are still gaps and limitations, including the lack of reliable biomarkers predictive of the clinical outcome. Novel adjuvants are currently under investigations to boost the strength and efficiency of the immune response, as well as new formulations with better efficacy and better patient's adherence to the treatment. Herein, we aim to provide an overview of current key evidence with major regard to clinical practice as well as knowledge gaps and future research needs in the context of AIT in children with respiratory allergic diseases.

Aims Aim of our observational study was to assess the prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes who use technological devices for diabetes treatment and its management. Secondary outcome was to identify possible clinical and/or demographic variables that could be associated to contact dermatitis. Methods Among a total of 215 patients using insulin pumps and/or glucose sensors followed-up at our Pediatric Diabetes Centre between January and September 2018, 64 patients were enrolled and 42 (19 male and 23 female) completed the study. Demographic and clinical features of the study population were statistically analysed. All the patients underwent patch testing with specific allergens belonged to resin and acrylate classes. Results Eighteen patients experienced skin reactions suggestive of allergic contact dermatitis, demonstrating a prevalence of 8.4%. None of the demographic or clinical variables were associated to skin reactions. Colophonium was the most identified sensitizing allergen (87.5% of the cases). Conclusions The rate of sensitization to allergens included into diabetes devices among pediatric patients is higher than commonly assumed. Well-designed studies are needed to better investigate the association between type 1 diabetes and allergic contact dermatitis. Moreover, we suggest that manufactures should supply detailed information about adhesives in order to avoid dermatological complications and consequently a worsening of disease management and patients’ quality of life.

Omalizumab is a monoclonal antibody, targeting Fc receptor of IgE, approved for the treatment of allergic asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria. Its utility in atopic dermatitis appears controversial from data in literature since the molecule is well tolerated but it seems less effective than other medications used in adult patients (eg, Dupilumab). At present, the use of Dupilumab is not approved in pediatric patients therefore there are no second level treatments available in this age group. Here we report two clinical cases of patients (15 and 16 years old) suffering from both atopic dermatitis and asthma, treated with Omalizumab. Our experience suggests that atopic eczema of young patients with allergic comorbidities can benefit from asthma treatment with Omalizumab observing improvement on both conditions.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic skin disease in children, with an increasing prevalence in the past three decades. Adequate treatment is prescribed for individual patient based on symptoms and disease severity. However, further underlying diagnosis should be researched when therapeutic strategies for symptoms fail and skin lesions and pruritus persist. We reported herein the case of a 19-month-old infant with a history of AD unresponsive to treatment due to the type 2 progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). A new homozygous mutation of the ABCB11 gene was found. The severe pruritus, the early onset jaundice, poor growth and raised transaminase levels with normal gamma glutamyl transpeptidase have led to the suspicion of PFIC. The presence of severe AD and intrahepatic chronic cholestasis, both pruritus associated, could delay a proper diagnosis. To our knowledge, for the first time, a case of comorbidity between type 2 PFIC and AD-like disease had been described.

Background Currently, severe allergic asthma and food allergy in children represent an important public health problem with medical, psychosocial and economic impacts. Omalizumab is a humanized monoclonal anti-IgE antibody, approved for refractory allergic asthma and chronic urticaria. It has been widely used in clinical practice as add-on therapy in patients with severe uncontrolled allergic asthma. In recent years there has seen the emergence of an allergic epidemic with increasing food allergy, which represents the main cause of anaphylaxis in children. The standard of care for food allergy is strictly dietary allergen avoidance and emergency treatment, but recent clinical trials have suggested that omalizumab may have a role to play as an adjuvant to oral immunotherapy (OIT). We present a case series of patients treated at our institution with omalizumab for severe allergic asthma and food allergy. Methods Patients received omalizumab according to a standard reference nomogram after failing standard therapies. In children with comorbid severe food allergy, omalizumab was administered in conjunction with an oral immunotherapy protocol. Results Omalizumab was effective in controlling symptoms of allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis, but not eosinophilic esophagitis, while aiding successful oral desensitization of comorbid severe food allergies. Conclusions Omalizumab appears to be an excellent therapeutic option in children with inadequately controlled severe allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis, with or without food allergy.

48, XXYY is a very rare sex chromosome aneuploidy, characterized by both an extra X and Y chromosome with a prevalence of 1:18,000-1:40,000. Most patients are diagnosed prenatally by cytogenetic examination of amniotic fluid, or during the first years of life because of severe developmental delay, cognitive impairment and behavioural disorders. This syndrome shares two findings with Klinefelter syndrome, namely tall stature and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism but at this time no genital anomalies have been reported in patients with this tetrasomy. We describe a 48, XXYY neonate and a clinical picture characterized by small penis, bifid scrotum, scrotal hypospadias and testes palpable in the labioscrotal folds.