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Characteristics of Anaphylaxis in 907 Chinese Patients Referred to a Tertiary Allergy Center: A Retrospective Study of 1,952 Episodes.

Nannan JIANG ; Jia YIN ; Liping WEN ; Hong LI

Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research.2016;8(4):353-361. doi:10.4168/aair.2016.8.4.353

PURPOSE: Comprehensive evaluation of anaphylaxis in China is currently lacking. In this study, we characterized the clinical profiles, anaphylactic triggers, and emergency treatment in pediatric and adult patients. METHODS: Outpatients diagnosed with "anaphylaxis" or "severe allergic reactions" in the Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1, 2000 to June 30, 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 1,952 episodes of anaphylaxis in 907 patients were analyzed (78% were adults and 22% were children). Foods are the most common cause (77%), followed by idiopathic etiologies (15%), medications (7%) and insects (0.6%). In food-induced anaphylaxis, 62% (13/21) of anaphylaxis in infants and young children (0-3 years of age) were triggered by milk, 59% (36/61) of anaphylaxis in children (4-9 years of age) were triggered by fruits/vegetables, while wheat was the cause of anaphylaxis in 20% (56/282) of teenagers (10-17 years of age) and 42% (429/1,016) in adults (18-50 years of age). Mugwort pollen sensitization was common in patients with anaphylaxis induced by spices, fruits/vegetables, legume/peanuts, and tree nuts/seeds, with the prevalence rates of 75%, 67%, 61%, and 51%, respectively. Thirty-six percent of drug-induced anaphylaxis was attributed to traditional Chinese Medicine. For patients receiving emergency care, only 25% of patients received epinephrine. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that anaphylaxis appeared to occur more often in adults than in infants and children, which were in contrast to those found in other countries. In particular, wheat allergens played a prominent role in triggering food-induced anaphylaxis, followed by fruits/vegetables. Traditional Chinese medicine was a cause of drug-induced anaphylaxis. Furthermore, exercise was the most common factor aggravating anaphylaxis. Education regarding the more aggressive use of epinephrine in the emergency setting is clearly needed.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Allergens ; Anaphylaxis* ; Artemisia ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Child ; China ; Education ; Emergencies ; Emergency Medical Services ; Emergency Treatment ; Epinephrine ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity* ; Infant ; Insects ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Milk ; Outpatients ; Pollen ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies* ; Spices ; Trees ; Triticum ; Wheat Hypersensitivity

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Response to Nonallergenic Irritants in Children With Allergic and Nonallergic Rhinitis.

Ji Hyeon BAEK ; Eunhae CHO ; Mi Ae KIM ; Seung Won LEE ; Yu Sun KANG ; Youn Ho SHEEN ; Hye Mi JEE ; Young Ho JUNG ; Man Yong HAN

Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research.2016;8(4):346-352. doi:10.4168/aair.2016.8.4.346

PURPOSE: Nonallergenic irritants can aggravate the symptoms of rhinitis. We investigated the clinical responses of children with allergic rhinitis (AR) and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) to nonallergenic irritants, and identified factors associated with these responses. METHODS: Children with chronic rhinitis (n=208) were classified as having AR or NAR based on the presence of aeroallergen-specific IgE. Healthy controls (n=24) were recruited for comparison. The Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines were used to classify patients, and their irritant score (0-21 points) and current symptom score (5-35 points) were measured. Subjects with irritant scores ≥3 and <3 were classified as having irritant and nonirritant rhinitis, respectively. RESULTS: The mean age of enrolled subjects was 6.8 years (range: 1.8-16.0 years). The AR and NAR groups had similar irritant scores (P=0.394) and proportions of subjects with irritant scores ≥3 (P=0.105). Irritant score correlated positively with symptom score (P=0.005), and the proportion of subjects with irritant scores ≥3 was greater in children with moderate-severe rhinitis than in those with mild rhinitis (P=0.046). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the presence of atopic eczema increased the risk for sensitivity to a nonallergenic irritant (aOR=2.928, 95% CI 1.567-5.473, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Response to a nonallergenic irritant was useful for gauging the severity of rhinitis, but not for differentiating AR from NAR. AR and NAR patients with atopic eczema may increase nasal sensitivity to nonallergenic irritants.
Asthma ; Child* ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Irritants* ; Logistic Models ; Rhinitis*

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Woo Sung CHANG ; Eun Jin KIM ; Yeon Mi LIM ; Dankyu YOON ; Jo Young SON ; Jung Won PARK ; Soo Jong HONG ; Sang Heon CHO ; Joo Shil LEE

Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research.2016;8(4):338-345. doi:10.4168/aair.2016.8.4.338

PURPOSE: Allergic diseases are triggered by Th2-mediated immune reactions to allergens and orchestrated by various immunological factors, including immune cells and cytokines. Although many reports have suggested that childhood is the critical period in the onset of allergic diseases and aging leads to alter the susceptibility of an individual to allergic diseases, age-related changes in various immunological factors in healthy individuals as well as their difference between healthy and allergic children have not yet been established. METHODS: We investigated the ratio of Th1/Th2 cells and the levels of 22 allergy-related cytokines across all age groups in individuals who were classified as clinically non-atopic and healthy. We also examined their differences between healthy and allergic children to evaluate immunological changes induced by the development of allergic diseases during childhood. RESULTS: The Th1/Th2 ratio rose gradually during the growth period including childhood, reaching peak values in the twenties-thirties age group. Th1/Th2 ratios were significantly lower in allergic children than in healthy controls, whereas 14 of 22 cytokines were significantly higher in allergic children than in healthy controls. On the other hand, there were no differences in Th1/Th2 ratios and cytokines between healthy and allergic adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, age-related changes in Th1/Th2 ratios were found in normal controls across all age groups, and decreases in Th1/Th2 ratio were observed with increasing of 14 cytokines in allergic children. The results of this study may be helpful as reference values for both monitoring immunological changes according to aging in healthy individuals and distinguishing between normal and allergic subjects in terms of immune cells and soluble factors.
Adolescent ; Aging ; Allergens ; Child ; Critical Period (Psychology) ; Cytokines ; Hand ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Immunologic Factors* ; Reference Values

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Detection of Allergen Specific Antibodies From Nasal Secretion of Allergic Rhinitis Patients.

Ji Hye KIM ; Moon Gyeong YOON ; Dae Hong SEO ; Bong Sun KIM ; Ga Young BAN ; Young Min YE ; Yoo Seob SHIN ; Hae Sim PARK

Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research.2016;8(4):329-337. doi:10.4168/aair.2016.8.4.329

PURPOSE: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common and increasing disease in which Dermatophagoides (D.) farinae is one of the most common causative allergens. The aims of this study were to confirm the presence of locally produced antibodies to D. farinae in nasal secretions between nasal provocation test (NPT)-positive and -negative groups of AR patients, to evaluate their relationships with the levels of inflammatory mediators, and to determine adaptive and innate immune responses in nasal mucosa. METHODS: Sixty AR patients sensitive to house dust mites confirmed by skin prick test or serum specific IgE to D. farinae underwent NPT for D. farinae. Nasal packs were placed in both nasal cavities of the patients for 5 minutes to obtain nasal secretions after NPT. The levels of total IgE, specific IgE to D. farinae, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and tryptase in nasal secretions were detected by using ImmunoCAP. The levels of specific IgE, IgA, and secretory IgA antibodies to D. farinae in nasal secretions were measured by using ELISA. The levels of IL-8, VEGF, IL-25, and IL-33 were also measured by using ELISA. RESULTS: High levels of total IgE, specific IgE, specific IgA, and secretory IgA to D. farinae, as well as inflammatory mediators, such as ECP, IL-8, VEGF and tryptase, were detected in nasal secretions, although the differences were not statistically significant between the NPT-positive and NPT-negative groups. Levels of all immunoglobulins measured in this study significantly correlated with ECP, IL-8, and VEGF (P<0.05), but not with tryptase (P>0.05). IL-33 and IL-25 were also detected, and IL-25 level significantly correlated with IL-8 (r=0.625, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirmed the presence of locally produced specific antibodies, including D. farinae-specific IgE and IgA, in nasal secretions collected from D. farinae-sensitive AR patients in both the NPT-positive and NPT-negative groups, and close correlations were noted between antibodies and nasal inflammatory mediators, including such as ECP, IL-8 and VEGF, indicating that locally produced antibodies may be involved in the nasal inflammation of AR.
Allergens ; Antibodies* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Eosinophil Cationic Protein ; Humans ; Immunity, Innate ; Immunoglobulin A ; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulins ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-8 ; Nasal Cavity ; Nasal Mucosa ; Nasal Provocation Tests ; Pyroglyphidae ; Rhinitis* ; Skin ; Tryptases ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

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Omalizumab Improves Quality of Life and Asthma Control in Chinese Patients With Moderate to Severe Asthma: A Randomized Phase III Study.

Jing LI ; Jian KANG ; Changzheng WANG ; Jing YANG ; Linda WANG ; Ioannis KOTTAKIS ; Michael HUMPHRIES ; Nanshan ZHONG

Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research.2016;8(4):319-328. doi:10.4168/aair.2016.8.4.319

PURPOSE: Omalizumab is the preferred add-on therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe persistent allergic asthma and has demonstrated efficacy and safety in various ethnicities. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in Chinese patients with moderate-to-severe allergic asthma. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, phase III study assessed lung function, quality of life, asthma control, and safety of omalizumab after 24-week therapy in Chinese patients (18-75 years of age). RESULTS: A total of 616 patients were randomized (1:1) to omalizumab or placebo. The primary endpoint, least squares mean treatment difference (LSM-TD) in morning peak expiratory flow (PEF) (omalizumab vs placebo), at Weeks >20-24 was 8.85 L/min (Full analysis set; P=0.062). Per-protocol analysis set showed significant improvements with LSM-TD of 11.53 L/min in mean mPEF at Weeks >20-24 (P=0.022). The FEV1 % predicted was significantly improved with omalizumab vs placebo from 8 to 24 weeks (after 24-week treatment: LSM-TD=4.12%; P=0.001). At Week 24, a higher proportion of omalizumab-treated patients achieved clinically relevant improvements in standardized AQLQ (58.2% vs 39.3%; LSM=0.51 vs 0.10; P<0.001) and ACQ (49.5% vs 35.5%; LSM=-0.51 vs -0.34; P=0.002) scores vs placebo. Total and nighttime symptom scores reduced significantly with omalizumab vs placebo (LSM-TD=-0.21, P=0.048 and -0.12, P=0.011, respectively). Although the study was not powered to study differences in exacerbation rates (P=0.097), exacerbations in winter months were less frequent in the omalizumab vs placebo group (2 vs 21). Adverse event and severe adverse event rates were comparable between omalizumab and placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Omalizumab improves lung function, quality of life, and asthma control in Chinese patients with moderate-to-severe persistent allergic asthma and has a good safety profile.
Allergy and Immunology ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Asthma* ; China ; Humans ; Least-Squares Analysis ; Lung ; Quality of Life* ; Omalizumab

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No Concentration Decrease of House Dust Mite Allergens With Rising Altitude in Alpine Regions.

Carina GRAFETSTÄTTER ; Johanna PROSSEGGER ; Herbert BRAUNSCHMID ; Renata SANOVIC ; Penelope HAHNE ; Christina PICHLER ; Josef THALHAMER ; Arnulf HARTL

Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research.2016;8(4):312-318. doi:10.4168/aair.2016.8.4.312

PURPOSE: Several studies over the past 4 decades have indicated a significant reduction in house dust mite (HDM) and HDM allergen concentration in areas higher than 1,500 m above sea level. These have served as basis of allergen avoidance therapies for HDM allergy and asthma. However, modern construction techniques used in the insulation, heating, and glazing of buildings as well as global warming have changed the environmental parameters for HDM living conditions. The present study revisits the paradigm of decreasing HDM allergen concentrations with increasing altitude in the alpine region of Germany and Austria. METHODS: A total of 122 dust samples from different abodes (hotels, privates and mountain huts) at different altitudes (400-2,600 m) were taken, and concentrations of HDM allergens were analyzed. Humidity and temperature conditions, and numerous indoor environmental parameters such as fine dust, type of flooring, age of building, and frequency of cleaning were determined. RESULTS: HDM allergen concentrations did not significantly change with increasing altitude or relative humidity. At the level of indoor parameters, correlations could be found for different flooring types and the concentration of HDM allergens. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to the widespread view of the relationship between altitude and HDM allergen concentrations, clinically relevant concentrations of HDM allergens could be detected in high-lying alpine regions in Austria and Germany. These results indicate that improvement in conditions of asthmatic patients sensitized against HDMs during a stay at high altitude can no longer be ascribed to decreased levels of HDM allergens, instead, other mechanisms may trigger the beneficial effect.
Allergens ; Altitude* ; Asthma ; Austria ; Dust* ; Germany ; Global Warming ; Heating ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Humidity ; Hypersensitivity ; Pyroglyphidae* ; Social Conditions

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A Double-Blind, Randomized, Crossover Study to Compare the Effectiveness of Montelukast on Atopic Dermatitis in Korean Children.

You Hoon JEON ; Taek Ki MIN ; Hyeon Jong YANG ; Bok Yang PYUN

Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research.2016;8(4):305-311. doi:10.4168/aair.2016.8.4.305

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.
Biological Markers ; Child* ; Cross-Over Studies* ; Dermatitis, Atopic* ; Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin ; Humans ; Infection Control ; Leukotriene E4 ; Leukotrienes ; Receptors, Leukotriene ; Skin Care ; Treatment Outcome

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Update on the Management of Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease.

Kathleen M BUCHHEIT ; Tanya M LAIDLAW

Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research.2016;8(4):298-304. doi:10.4168/aair.2016.8.4.298

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is an adult-onset upper and lower airway disease consisting of eosinophilic nasal polyps, asthma, and respiratory reactions to cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) inhibitors. Management includes guideline-based treatment of asthma and sinus disease, avoidance of COX-1 inhibitors, and for some patients aspirin desensitization followed by high-dose aspirin therapy. Despite this, many patients have inadequately controlled symptoms and require multiple sinus surgeries. In this review, we discuss the current standard approaches to the management of AERD, and we introduce several therapeutics under development that may hold promise for the treatment of AERD.
Aspirin ; Asthma ; Cyclooxygenase 1 ; Eosinophils ; Humans ; Nasal Polyps

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Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis: A Perplexing Clinical Entity.

Ashok SHAH ; Chandramani PANJABI

Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research.2016;8(4):282-297. doi:10.4168/aair.2016.8.4.282

In susceptible individuals, inhalation of Aspergillus spores can affect the respiratory tract in many ways. These spores get trapped in the viscid sputum of asthmatic subjects which triggers a cascade of inflammatory reactions that can result in Aspergillus-induced asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), and allergic Aspergillus sinusitis (AAS). An immunologically mediated disease, ABPA, occurs predominantly in patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis (CF). A set of criteria, which is still evolving, is required for diagnosis. Imaging plays a compelling role in the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. Demonstration of central bronchiectasis with normal tapering bronchi is still considered pathognomonic in patients without CF. Elevated serum IgE levels and Aspergillus-specific IgE and/or IgG are also vital for the diagnosis. Mucoid impaction occurring in the paranasal sinuses results in AAS, which also requires a set of diagnostic criteria. Demonstration of fungal elements in sinus material is the hallmark of AAS. In spite of similar histopathologic features, co-existence of ABPA and AAS is still uncommon. Oral corticosteroids continue to be the mainstay of management of allergic aspergillosis. Antifungal agents play an adjunctive role in ABPA as they help reduce the fungal load. Saprophytic colonization in cavitary ABPA may lead to aspergilloma formation, which could increase the severity of the disease. The presence of ABPA, AAS, and aspergilloma in the same patient has also been documented. All patients with Aspergillus-sensitized asthma must be screened for ABPA, and AAS should always be looked for.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; Antifungal Agents ; Aspergillosis ; Aspergillosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary* ; Aspergillus ; Asthma ; Bronchi ; Bronchiectasis ; Colon ; Cystic Fibrosis ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulin G ; Inhalation ; Paranasal Sinuses ; Respiratory System ; Sinusitis ; Spores ; Sputum

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Is Montelukast Benefical in Children With Atopic Dermatitis?.

Ai Young LEE

Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research.2016;8(4):279-281. doi:10.4168/aair.2016.8.4.279

No abstract available.
Child* ; Dermatitis, Atopic* ; Humans

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