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Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is potentially life-threatening, but post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in the caregivers of children with anaphylaxis have not been evaluated. This study aimed to investigate the psychological burden on mothers of children with recent anaphylaxis.A total of 188 children with recent anaphylaxis was recruited from 13 hospitals in Korea. Validated questionnaires, including the Korean versions of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (K-BAI), the Beck Depression Inventory (K-BDI), and the Impact of Event Scale Revised-Korean version (IES-R-K), were used to evaluate maternal anxiety, depression, and PTSS.The median ages of children and their mothers were 4 and 36 years, respectively. PTSS (IES-R-K ≥ 25) were identified in 56.9% of mothers, and 57.9% of them showed severe PTSS. The proportions of mothers who had anxiety (K-BAI ≥ 22) and depression (K-BDI ≥ 17) were 18.6% and 33.0%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that the patient's history of asthma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.46; 95% CI, 1.17-25.59) and the presence of central nervous symptoms (aOR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.07-9.96) were associated with PTSS. Age of 2 or older (aOR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.10-7.52) and eggs, milk, or wheat as the cause of anaphylaxis (aOR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.10-7.52) increased the risk of severe PTSS.The rate of PTSS among mothers of children with recent anaphylaxis was high at 56.9%. Clinicians who care for pediatric anaphylaxis patients should be aware of the psychological burden on their caregivers.

This study aimed to investigate whether obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with pulmonary function in Korean children and adolescents. Data from the 2009–2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey which is cross-sectional, nationwide, and representative survey were used. Adjusted regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of obesity and MetS with lung function in children and adolescents. A total of 763 children and adolescents aged 10–18 years were evaluated. We found no significant difference in FEV1% predicted, FVC% predicted, and FEV1/FVC ratio among the obesity groups. Subjects with MetS showed a significantly lower FEV1 predicted (91.54 ± 0.74% vs 94.64 ± 0.73%, P = 0.004), lower FVC% predicted (91.86 ± 0.63% vs 95.20 ± 0.63%, P 1/FVC ratio (76.76 ± 0.43% vs 80.13 ± 0.43%, P 1/FVC ratio (all P 1/FVC ratio. In conclusion, lung function in MetS patients was significantly lower, and the MetS component was independently associated.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effects of daily vacuuming of mattresses on the concentration of house dust mite (HDM) allergens and on allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms in children sensitized to HDM. METHODS Forty children between the ages of 6 and 12 years with mild persistent AR and sensitized only to HDM were enrolled and randomly allocated to 2 groups. Caregivers of children in the experimental group cleaned the children's rooms and vacuumed their mattresses daily for 2 weeks. Caregivers of children in the control group cleaned the children's rooms without vacuuming mattresses. Symptoms of AR were checked weekly and dust samples were collected from the mattresses before and after the study. RESULTS Demographics at the beginning of the study were not significantly different between the 2 groups. In the experimental group, symptoms of AR and dust weight were significantly decreased after 2 weeks (total symptoms of AR, P

Recurrent bacterial infection causes frequent bronchiectasis (BE) exacerbations. The effectiveness and safety of long-term administration of macrolides in BE remain controversial, especially in children who require minimal treatment to prevent exacerbation. We conducted this meta-analysis to determine the usefulness of long-term macrolide use in pediatric BE. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library databases, Embase, KoreaMed, Igaku Chuo Zasshi, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which elucidated long-term macrolide treatment (≥ 4 weeks) in non-cystic fibrosis BE in children aged

Quite a few patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) are refractory to H₁-antihistamines, even though the dose of H₁-antihistamines is increased up to 4-fold. CSU that is not controlled with H₁-antihistamines results in increased disease burden. Several immunomodulators have been used to manage these patients. The guidelines reported herein are connected to Part 1 of the KAAACI/KDA Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria in Korean Adults and Children, and aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of H₁-antihistamine-refractory CSU. Part 2 focuses on the more commonly used additional treatment options for refractory CSU, including omalizumab, cyclosporine, leukotriene receptor antagonist, dapsone, methotrexate, and phototherapy. The evidence to support their efficacy, dosing, safety, and selection of these agents is systematically reviewed. To date, for patients with refractory CSU, the methodologically sound data to evaluate the use of omalizumab has been growing; however, the evidence of other immunomodulators and phototherapy is still insufficient. Therefore, an individualized stepwise approach with a goal of achieving complete symptom control and minimizing side effects can be recommended. Larger controlled studies are needed to elevate the level of evidence to select a rational therapeutic agent for patients with refractory CSU.

PURPOSE Although anaphylaxis is recognized as an important, life-threatening condition, data are limited regarding its triggers in different age groups. We aimed to identify anaphylaxis triggers by age in Korean children. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of medical records for children diagnosed with anaphylaxis between 2009 and 2013 in 23 secondary or tertiary hospitals in South Korea. RESULTS A total of 991 cases (mean age=5.89±5.24) were reported, with 63.9% involving patients younger than 6 years of age and 66% involving male children. Food was the most common anaphylaxis trigger (74.7%), followed by drugs and radiocontrast media (10.7%), idiopathic factors (9.2%), and exercise (3.6%). The most common food allergen was milk (28.4%), followed by egg white (13.6%), walnut (8.0%), wheat (7.2%), buckwheat (6.5%), and peanut (6.2%). Milk and seafood were the most common anaphylaxis triggers in young and older children, respectively. Drug-triggered anaphylaxis was observed more frequently with increasing age, with antibiotics (34.9%) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (17.9%) being the most common causes. CONCLUSIONS The most common anaphylaxis trigger in Korean children was food. Data on these triggers show that their relative frequency may vary by age.

Background Anaphylaxis is increasing in young children. The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of anaphylaxis in Korean infants, with a focus on food triggers. Methods The study analyzed the medical records of infants aged 0 to 2 years old who had been diagnosed with anaphylaxis in 23 secondary or tertiary hospitals in Korea. Results We identified 363 cases of infantile anaphylaxis (66.9% male). Cutaneous symptoms were most prevalent (98.6%), followed by respiratory (83.2%), gastrointestinal (29.8%), and neurologic (11.6%) symptoms. Cardiovascular symptoms were noted in 7.7% of the cases. Most of the cases of anaphylaxis (338; 93.1%) were induced by foods. The most common trigger food was cow's milk and cow's milk products (43.8%), followed by hen's eggs (21.9%), walnuts (8.3%), wheat (7.7%), peanuts (4.8%), other nuts (3.0%), and fish (2.1%). In cow's milk-induced anaphylaxis cases, more than half the cases had cow's milk specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels that were lower than the diagnostic decision points (DDPs), which is 5 kUA/L for those under the age of 1 and 15 kUA/L for those over the age of 1. In anaphylaxis induced by hen's egg, most of the cases (91.8%) had hen's egg sIgE levels that were higher than the DDP, which is 2 kUA/L for those under the age of 2 and 7 kUA/L for those over the age of 2. Of the infantile anaphylaxis cases, 46.8% had been treated with epinephrine, and 25.1% had been prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector. Conclusion Cow's milk is the most frequent trigger food of anaphylaxis in Korean infants. However, we found no significant correlation between the sIgE level and clinical severity. Education is required regarding the importance of epinephrine as the first line therapy for anaphylaxis and on properly prescribing epinephrine for infants with a history of anaphylaxis., Graphical Abstract

Background Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity that occurs frequently in older children with pollen sensitization. This study focused on the clinical characteristics of OAS in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) and birch sensitization. Method s: A total of 186 patients aged 2–18 years with AD and birch sensitization were enrolled in this study between January 2016 and March 2017. Their levels of serum total IgE and birch- and ragweed-specific IgE (sIgE) were measured using ImmunoCAP (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Uppsala, Sweden). Information regarding causative foods and symptoms were obtained via interviews. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their ages (group 1, 2–6 years; group 2, 7–12 years; and group 3, 13–18 years). Results Eighty-one of the 186 (43.5%) children with AD who were sensitized to birch pollen were diagnosed as having OAS. The prevalence of OAS in group 1 (the children who had AD and birch sensitization aged 2–6 years) was 36.6%. A greater predominance of men was noted in the non-OAS group (77.1%) compared to the OAS group (60.5%). Apples were the most common causative food in group 2 and 3 while kiwis were the most common cause of OAS in group 1. There was a statistically significant correlation between birch-sIgE levels and the prevalence of OAS (P = 0.000). The cut-off value was 6.77 kUA/L with 55.6% sensitivity and 79.0% specificity (area under the curve 0.653). Conclusion In our study, the prevalence of OAS in children with AD and birch sensitization was 43.5%. Even in the preschool age group, the prevalence of OAS was considerable. Patients with high levels of birch-sIgE were more likely to have OAS. Clinicians should therefore be vigilant about OAS in patients with a high degree of sensitization to birch pollen and even young children if they have birch sensitization., Graphical Abstract

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is defined as the occurrence of spontaneous wheals, angioedema, or both for >6 weeks in the absence of specific causes. It is a common condition associated with substantial disease burden both for affected individuals and societies in many countries, including Korea. CSU frequently persists for several years and requires high-intensity treatment; therefore, patients experience deteriorations in quality of life and medication-associated complications. During the last decade, there have been major advances in the pharmacological treatment of CSU and there is an outstanding need for evidence-based guidelines that reflect clinical practice in Korea. The guidelines reported here represent a joint initiative of the Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology and the Korean Dermatological Association, and aim to provide evidence-based guidance for the management of CSU in Korean adults and children. In Part 1, disease definition, guideline scope and development methodology as well as evidence-based recommendations on the use of antihistamines and corticosteroids are summarized.

Peanut (PN) and tree nuts (TNs) are common causes of anaphylaxis in Western countries, but no information is available in Korea. To feature clinical characteristics of anaphylaxis caused by PN, TNs, and seeds, a retrospective medical record review was performed in 14 university hospitals in Korea (2009-2013). One hundred and twenty-six cases were identified, with the mean age of 4.9 years. PN, walnut (WN), and pine nut accounted for 32.5%, 41.3%, and 7.1%, respectively. The median values of specific IgE (sIgE) to PN, WN, and pine nut were 10.50, 8.74, and 4.61 kUA /l, respectively. Among 50 cases managed in the emergency department, 52.0% were treated with epinephrine, 66.0% with steroid, 94.0% with antihistamines, 36.0% with oxygen, and 48.0% with bronchodilator. In conclusion, WN, PN, and pine nut were the three most common triggers of anaphylaxis in Korean children, and anaphylaxis could occur at remarkably low levels of sIgE.

Purpose Recently, an increase in the number of patients sensitized to rice allergen with or without clinical symptoms has been reported. This study was designed to determine the major allergens in rice and their clinical significance. Methods Twenty-four children (15 boys and 9 girls; mean age, 16.3 months) with allergic disease, who were sensitized to rice antigen (by UniCAP) in the Pediatric Allergy Respiratory Center at Soonchunhyang University Hospital, were enrolled in this study. The allergenicity of various types of rice (raw, cooked, and heat-treated, simulated gastric fluid [SGF], and simulated intestinal fluid [SIF]) was investigated using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) immunoblots. The patients' medical records, including laboratory data and allergy symptoms after ingestion of rice were reviewed. Results Patients were sensitized to an average of 13.5 food antigens and their mean total IgE was 6,888.7 kU/L. In SDS-PAGE, more than 16 protein bands were observed in the raw rice, whereas only 14-16 kDa and 31-35 kDa protein bands were observed in cooked rice. The common SDS-PAGE protein bands observed in SGF-, SIF-, and heat-treated rice were 9, 14, and 31 kDa. In a heated-rice IgE immunoblot, protein bands of 9, 14, and 31-33 kDa were found in 27.8%, 38.9%, and 38.9% of all sera, respectively, and in 50%, 50%, and 75%, of ser a from the 4 symptomatic patients, respectively. Conclusion The 9-, 14-, and 31-kDa protein bands appeared to be the major allergens responsible for rice allergy symptoms.

With increasing need to prevent serious food allergy reactions, Korean food allergen labeling regulation has been revised repeat edly. This paper aims to summarize current statuses of food allergen labeling in Korea and foreign countries and to analyze the issue of food allergen labeling regulation. Korean food labeling regulation currently requires 19 items and 22 foods to be reported on la bels (eggs, milk, buckwheat, peanut, soybean, wheat, mackerel, crab, shrimp, pork, peach, tomato, sulfite, walnut, chicken, beef, squid, shellfish, and pine nut). However, some common food triggers (for example, almond, cashew nut, and kiwi fruit) are not in cluded in the current labeling regulation. Another issue is that the Korean labeling regulation has not yet been fully implemented for nonprepacked foods; thus, consumers still have difficulty in correctly identifying allergenic ingredients in food. It should be as sessed whether warning statements for cross-contamination are reasonable. To prevent the occurrence of serious reactions from accidental ingestion, efforts must be made to solve recently raised issues including the items required to be listed on food labels, the system of standards for labeling and display methods. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2019;7:67-72)

Food allergy has emerged as an important public health problem affecting people of all ages in many countries. The prevalence var ies according to age, geographic regions, and ethnicity. For several years, many studies have suggested that the prevalence of food allergy is increasing at an alarming rate, for unclear reasons. Conversely, some studies have also provided findings that sensitization to common food allergens did not increase. Increased recognition rather than an actual increase in patients with IgE-mediated food allergy might lead to the increases in the prevalence of self-reported or physician-diagnosed food allergy. It is also noted that the prevalence of food allergy differs even in the same region according to the study design, i.e., hospital-based or community-based studies. Despite these limitations, epidemiologic data are important because they provide useful information on diagnosis, treat ment, and prevention of food allergy. This review focuses on advances in the epidemiology of food allergy in Korean children. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2018;6:4-13)

Chronic cough is common in the community and causes significant morbidity. Several factors may underlie this problem, but comorbid conditions located at sensory nerve endings that regulate the cough reflex, including rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, asthma, eosinophilic bronchitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, are considered important. However, chronic cough is frequently non-specific and accompanied by not easily identifiable causes during the initial evaluation. Therefore, there are unmet needs for developing empirical treatment and practical diagnostic approaches that can be applied in primary clinics. Meanwhile, in referral clinics, a considerable proportion of adult patients with chronic cough are unexplained or refractory to conventional treatment. The present clinical practice guidelines aim to address major clinical questions regarding empirical treatment, practical diagnostic tools for non-specific chronic cough, and available therapeutic options for chronic wet cough in children and unexplained chronic cough in adults in Korea.

Background: The skin prick test (SPT) for detecting atopic sensitization is not preferred in young infants with atopic dermatitis (AD) because of concerns about poor skin reactivity. This study aimed to evaluate whether the results of SPT agreed well with those of specific serum immunoglobulin E (sIgE) antibody test in young infants with AD. Methods: This study included 2,077 eligible infants (age

Purpose Age-based causes and clinical characteristics of immediate-type food allergy (FA) have not been sufficiently studied. Therefore, we investigated age-dependent clinical profiles of FA in Korean children through an extensive multicenter investigation. Methods Using a case report form developed by the authors, a retrospective medical record review was performed of patients (0-18 years old) diagnosed with immediate-type FA between September 2014 and August 2015 in 14 tertiary hospitals in Korea. Results A total of 1,353 children and adolescents, 93% younger than 7 years, were enrolled in the present study, and 1,661 cases of immediate-type FA were recorded in these patients. The 7 major causative foods were cow's milk (28.1%), hen's eggs (27.6%), wheat (7.9%), walnuts (7.3%), peanuts (5.3%), buckwheat (1.9%), and shrimps (1.9%). Categorizing the patients into 4 age groups revealed that the most common causative food was different for each age group: cow's milk (

Community-acquired pneumonia is the leading cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality. However, there is a lack of data on the epidemiology of pneumonia in Korean children. In this review, we aimed to summarize pneumonia studies in Korea and suggest di agnostic methods and treatment for Korean children who were referred based on the foreign guidelines for pediatric community-acquired pneumonia. A Korean guideline for pediatric pneumonia in tune with domestic circumstances is needed. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2017;5:177-184)

Although several scoring systems are available to measure the severity of atopic dermatitis (AD), they all have limitations with regard to the subjective expression of severity by patients.This study was designed to evaluate the correlation of patients subjective symptom score with various scoring systems.Fifty children with AD were recruited from the pediatric allergy and respiratory center at Soonchunhyang University hospital from June 1 to July 31, 2007. We measured their SCORAD score, EASI score, SASSAD score, parental visual analog scale (PTVAS, 0-10 point), and investigator visual analog scale (INVAS, 0-10 point). Each scoring system was analyzed and the results compared.The objective scoring systems including the SCORAD, EASI, and SASSAD showed a statistically significant correlation. (SCORAD vs. EASI; r = 0.84, SCORAD vs SASSAD; r = 0.92, and EASI vs. SASSAD; r = 0.86) The INVAS showed a more significant correlation than the PTVAS with the objective scores (SCORAD, EASI, and SASSAD). (r = 0.60, 0.52, 0.52 vs. 0.37, 0.23, 0.33)Our results demonstrated that all scoring systems did not reflect the subjective severity experienced by the patient. Therefore, a new severity scoring system including the subjective symptoms is needed. In addition, patient's subjective symptoms are a point to be considered by physician.

Purpose: It is recommended to use 200 (2 puffs) or 400 (4 puffs) μg of salbutamol in the bronchodilator response (BDR) test. We aimed to compare the difference between these 2 doses with regard to small airway dysfunction.Methods: One hundred sixteen subjects who visited the hospital for diagnosis or follow-up of asthma were consecutively enrolled between June 1 and November 31, 2013. The subjects were randomly assigned to the BDR test at the 2 doses (200 or 400 μg of salbutamol), with physicians blinded to the group each subject was assigned to and undertook the BDR test using the spirometry and impulse oscillometry system (IOS).Results: A total of 116 subjects participated in this study; the mean age was 7.8±3.6 years. The number of participants who were assigned to 2 and 4 puffs groups was 59 and 57, respectively. The mean age was older in the 4 puffs group than in the 2 puffs group (P=0.008). There were no significant difference in spirometric and oscillometric parameters between the 2 and 4 puffs groups. However, in subgroup analysis of asthmatic patients on maintenance therapy (n=21), there was a significant difference in relative changes in Rrs5 between the 2 and 4 puffs groups (16.4%±9.6% vs. 28.7%±8.8%, P=0.035). The forced expiratory volume of 1 second showed a significant correlation with resistance in the 2 puffs group and with reactance in the 4 puffs group.Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between the amounts of bronchodilators administered and the small airway dysfunction in children with asthma on maintenance therapy. Further research is warranted to delineate changes in spirometric and IOS measures in accordance with the different amounts of bronchodilators administered. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2016:4:284-289)

Purpose Some studies report a role of leukotrienes in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and suggest a rationale for the use of leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. This study aimed to evaluate the treatment effectiveness of montelukast in children with atopic dermatitis. Methods Fifty-four children between the ages of 2 and 6 years with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis were enrolled. Group A received montelukast for 8 weeks, followed by a crossover to 8 weeks of placebo after a 2-week washout period. Group B reversed the administration according to a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. The SCORing atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index, urinary leukotriene E₄ (LTE₄), and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) were assessed at every visit. Results Forty-three patients (21 males) completed the study. Although the SCORAD index was decreased in both groups, there was no statistically significant difference between montelukast and placebo (-3.0±11.2 vs -5.7±11.3, P=0.43). The level of urinary LTE₄ was decreased after taking montelukast when compared to placebo, but there was no statistically significant difference (-65.9±556.2 vs 87.7±618.3, P=0.26). The changes in urinary EDN after taking montelukast and placebo had no significant difference (37.0±1,008.6 vs -195.8±916.7, P=0.10). When analyzing SCORAD indices, urinary LTE₄, and EDN, we could not prove the effectiveness of montelukast in the atopic, non-atopic or high ECP (ECP ≥15 μg/L) subgroups. Conclusions There was no statistically significant difference in clinical improvement or biomarkers between montelukast and placebo treatment. Therefore, conventional treatments with skin care and infection control might be more important strategies in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Purpose Egg (egg white) allergies are among the most common food allergies in infants and young children. Serum egg white-specific IgE (sIgE) levels have been shown to be correlated with clinical symptoms, and the predictive decision point of sIgE levels has been proposed and used widely in the clinical setting. However, some patients whose sIgE levels to egg white are higher than the predictive decision point value show no clinical symptoms, and vice versa. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical usefulness of sIgE antibodies to egg white and its components in the diagnosis of egg allergies. Methods Forty-one patients younger than 2 years of age with no experience of egg intake due to concerns regarding allergies or a non-specific clinical response to eggs were enrolled. Total IgE levels and the levels of IgE antibodies specific for egg white and its components (ovomucoid, ovalbumin, and conalbumin) were measured by ImmunoCAP testing. The clinical response of the subjects was confirmed by an open oral food challenge (OFC). Results Fifteen (71.4%) out of 21 patients in the egg white-sIgE ≥2 kU/L group showed a positive response, while 10 (50.0%) out of 20 patients in the egg white-sIgE

Purpose: Gastro-esophageal reflux (GER), particularly non-acid reflux, is common in infants and is a known cause of chronic respiratory symptoms in infancy. Recent guidelines recommended empirical acid suppression therapy and the head-up position in patients with suspected GER. However, the efficacy of the upright position in relieving GER and reflux-related respiratory symptoms in infants is unclear. We conducted this study to investigate the efficacy of the upright position on GER and reflux-related respiratory symptoms in infants with chronic respiratory symptoms. Methods: Thirty-two infants (21 male; median age, 5 months; range, 0 to 19 months) with unexplained chronic respiratory symptoms underwent multichannel intraluminal esophageal impedance and pH monitoring. We retrospectively compared the frequencies of GER and reflux-related symptoms according to body position. Results: A mean of 3.30 episodes of reflux per hour was detected. Overall, refluxes were more frequent during the postprandial period than the emptying period (3.77 vs. 2.79 episodes/hour, respectively; P=0.01). Although there was no significant difference in the total refluxes per hour between the upright and recumbent positions (6.12 vs. 3.77 episodes, P=0.10), reflux-related respiratory symptoms per reflux were significantly fewer in infants kept in an upright position than in a recumbent position during the postprandial period (3.07% vs. 14.75%, P=0.016). Non-acid reflux was the predominant type of reflux in infants, regardless of body position or meal time. Conclusions: The upright position may reduce reflux-related respiratory symptoms, rather than reflux frequency. Thus, it may be a useful non-pharmacological treatment for infantile GER disease resistant to acid suppressants.

1 Department of Pediatrics, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Choenan, 2 Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 3 Department of Pediatrics, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, 4 Department of Pediatrics, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, 5 Medical Informatics & Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, 6 Atopy Clinic, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, 7 Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, 8 Department of Health Policy and Management, Seoul National University School of Public Health, Seoul, Korea.

The impact of climate change on aeroalleregen and pediatric allergic diseases Hyeon Jong Yang, MD· You Hoon Jeon, MD· Taek Ki Min, MD·Bu Soon Son, PhD·Kwan Jun Park·Jong Youn Moon MD· Bok Yang Pyun, MD Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Center, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea, Department of Environmental Health Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Research Institute for Healthy Cities and Health Impact Assessment, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, Korea

Gender differences in asthma have been observed with a preponderance of boys affected before puberty and girls during and after puberty. The known influences of the menstrual cycle on asthma support a role for female sex hormones on the changing expression of asthma during adolescence. The purpose of this study was to investigate obesity, the menstrual cycle and lung function in adolescent girls. One hundred and three female high school girls (mean age: 15.9+/-0.8 yr) were enrolled. The investigation was performed using a questionnaire that included history of asthma, the menstrual cycle, other combined allergic disease and obesity. The skin prick and pulmonary function test during menstruation period and non-menstruation period. Analyses of these factors were compared. The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1))/forced vital capacity (FVC) was significantly lower in the obese group compared to the non-obese group (99.8+/-13.8 vs. 107.1+/-10.2, p=0.03). The FEV(1) was significantly lower in the girls during menstruation period than in the girls who were not on menstruation (77.5+/-10.2 vs. 80.4+/-8.6, p=0.03). Our results showed that changes of pulmonary function were related to menstrual cycle and obesity in Korean adolescent girls.

Purpose : We aimed to evaluate the frequency and characteristics of minor clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis (AD) in Korean children to aid the diagnosis and treatment of AD. Methods : From April 2007 to December 2007, we enrolled 106 children (aged 1 month [infants] to 15 years) diagnosed with AD at the Pediatric Allergy Respiratory Center in Soonchunhyang University Hospital. Clinical manifestations were examined and laboratory findings (total and specific immunoglobulin E [IgE] levels and peripheral blood eosinophil count) were analyzed and compared. Results : Minor symptoms, in order of frequency, included xerosis (78.3%), aggravation due to environmental or emotional stress (43.4%), lichenification (35.8%), orbital darkening (34.0%), periauricular eczema (33.0%), and cutaneous infection (31.1%). Older children (2 years) showed more orbital darkening (P=0.01), horizontal crease (P=0.01), and lichenification (P=0.001) than infants. Patients with severe AD (scoring atopic dermatitis [SCORAD] score, 40) showed higher frequencies of xerosis (P= 0.04), cutaneous infection (P=0.03), ichthyosis (P=0.18), keratosis pilaris (P=0.02), pityriasis alba (P=0.07), recurrent conjunctivitis (P=0.02), orbital darkening (P=0.001), aggravation due to environmental or emotional stress (P=0.05), facial eczema (P=0.001), lichenification (P=0.001), and hand/foot eczema (P=0.04) than those with mild-to-moderate AD. Children with atopic eczema showed more facial eczema (P=0.01) and lichenification (P=0.04) than those with non-atopic eczema. Conclusion : The clinical manifestations of AD were similar to those established by Hanifin and Rajka. However, we need to develop our own diagnostic criteria for AD, because the frequencies shown by our subjects differed from those observed in other countries.

Purpose : The results of pulmonary function test (PFT) in children are variable according to the patient's cooperation and comprehensiveness. This study has intended to figure out the effectiveness of pre-education and training with balloons on PFT in children. Methods : One hundred six children mean aged 9.35±2.92 years were tested. All participants performed PFT twice in 30 minutes intervals. First PFT were performed after usual instruction and second PFT were performed according to randomly classified grouping; Group 1 : repeat PFT after training with balloons, Group 2 : repeat PFT after training and education, both, Group 3 : repeat PFT after education about objects and necessities of pulmonary function test, Group 4 : repeat PFT without any education and training. Results : There were no difference statistically on the results of percent of predicted FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75% and PEFR in Group 1, 2 and 4 patients. In some cases, the average is decreased with repeated PFT. At the case of repeated PFT after education, the average of percent of predicted FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75% and PEFR is increased. There was statistically significant difference on the value of FEV1, FEF25-75% and PEFR between first and second PFT in Group 3. Conclusion : Training with balloons before PFT causes fatigueness and lowers concentration. Understanding of PFT makes results better than training. Therefore, enough explanation and education about PFT before examination is most effective for appropriate PFT in children.

Pompe disease is a genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of acid α-glucosidase (GAA). Infantile onset Pompe disease is uniformly lethal. Affected infants generally present in the first few months of life with hypotonia, generalized muscle weakness, and a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is rapidly followed by death, usually by the age of one. The late-onset form is characterized less severe symptoms and prognosis. Therapy for Pompe disease is intended to directly address the underlying metabolic defect via intravenous infusions of recombinant human GAA to replace the missing enzyme. We report a case of atypical infantile-onset Pompe disease that presented symptoms in infancy but had less severe clinical manifestations and improved after GAA enzyme replacement (Myozyme®, Genzyme Co., MA, USA) therapy. It is very important that pediatricians become aware of signs and symptoms of Pompe disease, such as a nasal voice or a waddling gait at an early stage so that these patients can benefit from appropriate GAA replacement therapy as soon as possible.