Clinical, genetic, and cognitive correlates of seizure occurrences in Phelan-McDermid syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by SHANK3 haploinsufficiency and is associated with an increased risk for seizures. Previous literature indicates that around one third of individuals with PMS also have epilepsy or seizures, with a wide range of types and ages of onset. Investigating the impact of seizures on intellectual and adaptive functioning for PMS is a primary concern for caregivers and is important to understanding the natural history of this syndrome. METHODS: We report on results from 98 individuals enrolled in a prospective, longitudinal study. We detailed seizure frequency, type, and age of onset, and we analyzed seizure occurrence with best estimate IQ, adaptive functioning, clinical features, and genotype. We conducted multiple linear regression analyses to assess the relationship between the presence of seizures and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, Second Edition (VABS-II) Adaptive Behavior Composite score and the best estimate full-scale IQ. We also performed Chi-square tests to explore associations between seizure prevalence and genetic groupings. Finally, we performed Chi-square tests and t-tests to explore the relationship between seizures and demographic features, features that manifest in infancy, and medical features. RESULTS: Seizures were present in 41% of the cohort, and age of onset was widely variable. The presence of seizures was associated with significantly lower adaptive and intellectual functioning. Genotype-phenotype analyses were discrepant, with no differences in seizure prevalence across genetic classes, but with more genes included in deletions of participants with 22q13 deletions and seizures compared to those with 22q13 deletions and no seizures. No clinical associations were found between the presence of seizures and sex, history of pre- or neonatal complications, early infancy, or medical features. In this cohort, generalized seizures were associated with developmental regression, which is a top concern for PMS caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: These results begin to eludicate correlates of seizures in individuals with PMS and highlight the importance of early seizure management. Importantly, presence of seizures was associated with adaptive and cognitive functioning. A larger cohort might be able to identify additional associations with medical features. Genetic findings suggest an increased capability to realize genotype-phenotype relationships when deletion size is taken into account.

Real-world outcomes in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria receiving omalizumab: insights from a clinical practice survey.

Objective: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a debilitating inflammatory skin condition, often impacting quality of life. International guidelines recommend omalizumab, an anti-immunoglobulin E antibody, for second-line treatment. Our objective was to understand patient characteristics associated with prescription of omalizumab, and assess real-world outcomes in patients with CSU treated with omalizumab.Methods: We analyzed data from the Adelphi Real World CSU Disease Specific Programme™, a cross-sectional survey with retrospective data collection (December 2020-October 2021) from physicians and patients with CSU in the United States.Results: Data from allergists (n = 45), dermatologists (n = 51), and primary care physicians (PCPs; n = 20) were included. At the time of data collection, one-third of patients were receiving omalizumab (n = 220) and 67% were eligible for but not receiving omalizumab (n = 455). Using logistic regression, the odds of receiving omalizumab were higher in patients whose entire bodies were affected by hives [OR = 2.551; 95% CI 1.502-4.333; p < 0.001] or with deteriorating/unstable prognoses at treatment initiation [OR = 2.219; 95% CI 1.031-4.777; p = 0.042], and lower in patients managed by PCPs [OR = 0.276; 95% CI 0.130-0.584; p < 0.001]. Estimates from an inverse probability weighted regression adjustment model indicated that patients receiving omalizumab had higher treatment satisfaction, improvements in itching, hives, angioedema, insomnia, and anxiety, and lower impact on work productivity, compared with patients not receiving omalizumab.Conclusion: Around two-thirds of patients with CSU considered eligible for omalizumab were not receiving the guideline-recommended therapy. Patients receiving omalizumab had better real-world outcomes compared with patients not receiving omalizumab. Ensuring patients receive the most appropriate treatment could benefit patients with CSU.

People with a skin rash known as chronic spontaneous urticaria (also called long-lasting hives) have itchy spots that last longer than 6 weeks. People with long-lasting hives may be treated with a medicine called omalizumab to help their itching. We asked doctors why they gave some people omalizumab. We found that only one out of every three people with long-lasting hives were given omalizumab. Doctors gave some people omalizumab because they had long-lasting hives on their whole body or their hives were getting worse. Other people received omalizumab because they were seeing a specialist doctor (allergist) instead of a primary care physician (also called a general practitioner). When compared with people who received other medicines, people being treated with omalizumab had reduced itching, less anxiety, and better well-being. These findings could help doctors in choosing the right medicine for people with long-lasting hives.

Integration of transcriptomics and long-read genomics prioritizes structural variants in rare disease.

Rare structural variants (SVs) - insertions, deletions, and complex rearrangements - can cause Mendelian disease, yet they remain difficult to accurately detect and interpret. We sequenced and analyzed Oxford Nanopore long-read genomes of 68 individuals from the Undiagnosed Disease Network (UDN) with no previously identified diagnostic mutations from short-read sequencing. Using our optimized SV detection pipelines and 571 control long-read genomes, we detected 716 long-read rare (MAF < 0.01) SV alleles per genome on average, achieving a 2.4x increase from short-reads. To characterize the functional effects of rare SVs, we assessed their relationship with gene expression from blood or fibroblasts from the same individuals, and found that rare SVs overlapping enhancers were enriched (LOR = 0.46) near expression outliers. We also evaluated tandem repeat expansions (TREs) and found 14 rare TREs per genome; notably these TREs were also enriched near overexpression outliers. To prioritize candidate functional SVs, we developed Watershed-SV, a probabilistic model that integrates expression data with SV-specific genomic annotations, which significantly outperforms baseline models that don't incorporate expression data. Watershed-SV identified a median of eight high-confidence functional SVs per UDN genome. Notably, this included compound heterozygous deletions in FAM177A1 shared by two siblings, which were likely causal for a rare neurodevelopmental disorder. Our observations demonstrate the promise of integrating long-read sequencing with gene expression towards improving the prioritization of functional SVs and TREs in rare disease patients.

De novo variants in the non-coding spliceosomal snRNA gene RNU4-2 are a frequent cause of syndromic neurodevelopmental disorders.

Around 60% of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) remain undiagnosed after comprehensive genetic testing, primarily of protein-coding genes1. Increasingly, large genome-sequenced cohorts are improving our ability to discover new diagnoses in the non-coding genome. Here, we identify the non-coding RNA RNU4-2 as a novel syndromic NDD gene. RNU4-2 encodes the U4 small nuclear RNA (snRNA), which is a critical component of the U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP complex of the major spliceosome2. We identify an 18 bp region of RNU4-2 mapping to two structural elements in the U4/U6 snRNA duplex (the T-loop and Stem III) that is severely depleted of variation in the general population, but in which we identify heterozygous variants in 119 individuals with NDD. The vast majority of individuals (77.3%) have the same highly recurrent single base-pair insertion (n.64_65insT). We estimate that variants in this region explain 0.41% of individuals with NDD. We demonstrate that RNU4-2 is highly expressed in the developing human brain, in contrast to its contiguous counterpart RNU4-1 and other U4 homologs, supporting RNU4-2's role as the primary U4 transcript in the brain. Overall, this work underscores the importance of non-coding genes in rare disorders. It will provide a diagnosis to thousands of individuals with NDD worldwide and pave the way for the development of effective treatments for these individuals.

The Definition, Acronyms, Nomenclature, and Classification of Angioedema: AAAAI, ACAAI, ACARE, and APAACI DANCE Consensus.

BACKGROUND: Angioedema (AE) manifests with intermittent, localized, self-limiting swelling of the subcutaneous and/or submucosal tissue. AE is heterogeneous, can be hereditary or acquired, occurs only once or be recurrent, with or without wheals, due to mast cell mediators, bradykinin or other mechanisms. Currently, different taxonomic systems are used, making it difficult to compare the results of studies, develop multicenter collaboration, and harmonize treatments of AE patients. OBJECTIVE: To develop a consensus on the definition, acronyms, nomenclature, and classification of angioedema (DANCE). METHODS: The initiative involved 91 experts from 35 countries and was endorsed by 53 scientific, medical societies, and patient organizations. A consensus was reached by online discussion and voting using the Delphi process over a period of 16 months (June 2021 to November 2022). RESULTS: The DANCE initiative resulted in an international consensus on the definition, classification and terminology of AE. The new consensus classification features five types and endotypes of AE and a harmonized vocabulary of abbreviations and acronyms. CONCLUSION: The DANCE classification complements current clinical guidelines and expert consensus recommendations on the diagnostic workup and treatment of AE. DANCE does not replace current clinical guidelines and expert consensus algorithms and should not be misconstrued in a way that affects reimbursement of medicines prescribed by a physician using sound clinical judgment. We anticipate that the new AE taxonomy and nomenclature will harmonize and facilitate AE research and clinical studies, thereby improving patient care.

Efficacy and Safety of Systemic Corticosteroids for Urticaria: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Short courses of adjunctive systemic corticosteroids are commonly used to treat acute urticaria and chronic urticaria flares (both with or without mast cell-mediated angioedema), but their benefits and harms are unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of treating acute urticaria or chronic urticaria flares with versus without systemic corticosteroids. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, and CBM databases from inception to July 8, 2023 for randomized controlled trials of treating urticaria with versus without systemic corticosteroids. Paired reviewers independently screened records, extracted data, and appraised risk of bias with the Cochrane 2.0 tool. We did random effects meta-analyses of urticaria activity, itch severity and adverse events. We assessed certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: We identified 12 randomized trials enrolling 944 patients. For patients with low or moderate probability (17.5% to 64%) to improve with antihistamines alone, add-on systemic corticosteroids likely improve urticaria activity by a 14% to 15% absolute difference (odds ratio [OR] 2.17, 95%CI 1.43-3.31; Number needed to treat [NNT] 7; Moderate certainty). Among patients with a high chance (95.8%) for urticaria to improve with antihistamines alone, add-on systemic corticosteroids likely improved urticaria activity by a 2.2% absolute difference (NNT, 45; Moderate certainty). Corticosteroids may improve itch severity (OR, 2.44; 95%CI 0.87-6.83; Risk difference, 9%; NNT, 11; Low certainty). Systemic corticosteroids also likely increase adverse events (OR, 2.76; 95%CI 1.00-7.62; Risk difference, 15%; number needed to harm [NNH], 9; Moderate certainty). CONCLUSION: Systemic corticosteroids for acute urticaria or chronic urticaria exacerbations likely improve urticaria, depending on antihistamine-responsiveness, but also likely increase adverse effects in approximately 15% more.

Immunological and hematological findings as major features in a patient with a new germline pathogenic CBL variant.

Casitas B-lineage lymphoma (CBL) encodes an adaptor protein with E3-ligase activity negatively controlling intracellular signaling downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases. Somatic CBL mutations play a driver role in a variety of cancers, particularly myeloid malignancies, whereas germline defects in the same gene underlie a RASopathy having clinical overlap with Noonan syndrome (NS) and predisposing to juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia and vasculitis. Other features of the disorder include cardiac defects, postnatal growth delay, cryptorchidism, facial dysmorphisms, and predisposition to develop autoimmune disorders. Here we report a novel CBL variant (c.1202G>T; p.Cys401Phe) occurring de novo in a subject with café-au-lait macules, feeding difficulties, mild dysmorphic features, psychomotor delay, autism spectrum disorder, thrombocytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, and recurrent hypertransaminasemia. The identified variant affects an evolutionarily conserved residue located in the RING finger domain, a known mutational hot spot of both germline and somatic mutations. Functional studies documented enhanced EGF-induced ERK phosphorylation in transiently transfected COS1 cells. The present findings further support the association of pathogenic CBL variants with immunological and hematological manifestations in the context of a presentation with only minor findings reminiscent of NS or a clinically related RASopathy.

The relationship between childhood atopic dermatitis and asthma in an under resourced community.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease caused by allergen exposures and estimated to affect ∼20% of children. Children in urban areas have a higher prevalence of AD compared with those living outside of urban areas. AD is believed to lead to asthma development as part of the "atopic march." Objective: Our objective was to determine the sequential and chronological relationships between AD and asthma for children in an under-resourced community. Methods: The progression from AD to asthma in the under-resourced, urban community of Sun Valley, Colorado, was examined by assessing Medicaid data for the years 2016 to 2019 for a diagnosis of AD or asthma in children 6 and 7 years old. Results: Pearson correlations between AD and asthma diagnoses were significant only with respect to AD at age 6 years compared with asthma 1 year later, at age 7 years. Conclusion: By studying a susceptible community with a consistent but mixed genetic background, we found sequential and chronological links between AD and asthma.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Multidimensional Scale-Uremic Pruritus in Dialysis Patients (UP-Dial): Comparison in Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients with Chronic Pruritus.

BACKGROUND: High-quality patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures for dialysis patients with chronic pruritus are urgently needed. However, no known, well-validated multidimensional tools have been investigated to measure pruritus symptoms in dialysis patients. OBJECTIVES: To examine the psychometric properties of a multidimensional tool of chronic pruritus, the Uremic Pruritus in Dialysis (UP-Dial) 14-item, by comparing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis modality. METHODS: This validation study used data from the Thai Renal Outcomes Research-Uremic Pruritus, a prospective, multicenter, longitudinal study. Data for this study were collected from February 1, 2019, to May 31, 2022. The adult sample of 226 hemodialysis and 327 peritoneal dialysis patients fulfilled the criteria of chronic pruritus based on the International Forum for the Study of Itch. Psychometric properties of the UP-Dial included validity and reliability, as measured across hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. Patients completed a set of anchor-based measurement tools, including global itching, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), EuroQoL-5 dimension-5 level (EQ-5D-5L), Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 (KDQOL-36), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), global fatigue, Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). RESULTS: From the patient's perspective, face validity was satisfactory for both dialysis samples. Psychometric analyses of the UP-Dial for each dialysis sample had good convergent validity. Spearman rho correlations indicate a positively strong correlation (0.73 to 0.74) with global itching, a positively moderate correlation (0.33 to 0.58) with DLQI, PSQI, global fatigue, SSS-8, and PHQ-9, and a negatively moderate correlation (-0.39 to -0.58) with EQ-5D-5L and KDQOL-36. The discriminant validity was satisfactory with a group of moderate and severe burden of pruritus for both dialysis samples. For scale reliability, the UP-Dial revealed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.89 and McDonald's ω = 0.90) and reproducibility (intraclass correlation: 0.84 to 0.85) for both dialysis samples. Regarding psychometric properties, no statistically significant differences between dialysis samples were observed (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings reaffirm good measurement properties of the UP-Dial 14-items in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients with chronic pruritus. These suggest a transferability of the UP-Dial as a PRO measure in clinical trial and practice settings.

UCOMB-real life data: treatment strategies for chronic urticaria patients with comorbidities.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of real-life safety data on treatment options for chronic urticaria in the presence of comedication and comorbidities. METHODS: We present a single-center UCARE pilot study of 212 outpatients with chronic urticaria. Patients were divided into three groups according to different CU therapies according to international guidelines. RESULTS: Of 212 patients, 108 (mean age 48.9 years, 71.3% female) had 59 comorbidities, including cardiovascular, autoimmune and malignant diseases. Patients were followed for a mean of 24.6 months (SD ± 21.3). Urticaria therapies were divided into three groups: A: 105 (97.2%) with omalizumab and 2nd generation antihistamines), B: 16 patients (14.8%): dual therapy with antihistamines and cyclosporine in 10 (9.3%), montelukast in five (4. 6%), dapsone in four (3.7%), hydroxychloroquine in one patient (0.9%), C: 12 (11.1%) patients received a third drug for 4.9 months (SD ± 3.2) and one quadruple therapy (2.1 months). 10 out of 12 (83.3%) patients received montelukast, two (16.7%) cyclosporine, two (16.7%) dapsone and one (8.3%) hydroxychloroquine as a third drug for chronic urticaria. CONCLUSIONS: Combining treatment modalities for chronic urticaria and comorbidities are available and feasible with a good safety profile.

Allergic Rhinitis: A Review.

Importance: Allergic rhinitis affects an estimated 15% of the US population (approximately 50 million individuals) and is associated with the presence of asthma, eczema, chronic or recurrent sinusitis, cough, and both tension and migraine headaches. Observations: Allergic rhinitis occurs when disruption of the epithelial barrier allows allergens to penetrate the mucosal epithelium of nasal passages, inducing a T-helper type 2 inflammatory response and production of allergen-specific IgE. Allergic rhinitis typically presents with symptoms of nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, postnasal drainage, sneezing, and itching of the eyes, nose, and throat. In an international study, the most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis were rhinorrhea (90.38%) and nasal congestion (94.23%). Patients with nonallergic rhinitis present primarily with nasal congestion and postnasal drainage frequently associated with sinus pressure, ear plugging, muffled sounds and pain, and eustachian tube dysfunction that is less responsive to nasal corticosteroids. Patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis typically have physical examination findings of edematous and pale turbinates. Patients with perennial allergic rhinitis typically have erythematous and inflamed turbinates with serous secretions that appear similar to other forms of chronic rhinitis at physical examination. Patients with nonallergic rhinitis have negative test results for specific IgE aeroallergens. Intermittent allergic rhinitis is defined as symptoms occurring less than 4 consecutive days/week or less than 4 consecutive weeks/year. Persistent allergic rhinitis is defined as symptoms occurring more often than 4 consecutive days/week and for more than 4 consecutive weeks/year. Patients with allergic rhinitis should avoid inciting allergens. In addition, first-line treatment for mild intermittent or mild persistent allergic rhinitis may include a second-generation H1 antihistamine (eg, cetirizine, fexofenadine, desloratadine, loratadine) or an intranasal antihistamine (eg, azelastine, olopatadine), whereas patients with persistent moderate to severe allergic rhinitis should be treated initially with an intranasal corticosteroid (eg, fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, mometasone) either alone or in combination with an intranasal antihistamine. In contrast, first-line therapy for patients with nonallergic rhinitis consists of an intranasal antihistamine as monotherapy or in combination with an intranasal corticosteroid. Conclusions and Relevance: Allergic rhinitis is associated with symptoms of nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching of the eyes, nose, and throat. Patients with allergic rhinitis should be instructed to avoid inciting allergens. Therapies include second-generation H1 antihistamines (eg, cetirizine, fexofenadine, desloratadine, loratadine), intranasal antihistamines (eg, azelastine, olopatadine), and intranasal corticosteroids (eg, fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, mometasone) and should be selected based on the severity and frequency of symptoms and patient preference.

Beyond Confirmed Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: Approaching Patients With Dysautonomia and Related Conditions.

Allergist-immunologists face significant challenges as experts in an ever-evolving field of neuroimmunology. Among these challenges is the increasingly frequent need to counsel patients with suspected mast cell activation disorders about perceived comorbidities, which may include hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, amplified pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, burning sensation syndromes, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Patients may experience comorbid anxiety, panic disorder, and depression associated with disturbed sleep, fatigue, and cognitive impairment that often worsen when their physical symptoms increase in severity. These conditions may mimic mast cell activation disorders and are emotionally taxing for patients and clinicians because they are often accompanied by vague diagnostic courses, perceived unmanageability, social stigma, and significant impairment in quality of life. Combined with relatively poorly researched therapies, it is no surprise that clinicians may feel overwhelmed or find it difficult to provide consistently compassionate care for this population. In this article, we review available therapies for these conditions, which run the gamut from physical therapy to antidepressants to multimodal pain control. We highlight the benefit of multidisciplinary care within the primary care home, which includes an important role by the allergist-immunologist. By outlining simple approaches to initial treatment, we hope to empower clinicians with the tools needed to curb emotional burnout and embrace this patient population with compassion.

Nonallergic Rhinopathy: A Comprehensive Review of Classification, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

Chronic nonallergic rhinitis syndromes encompass various conditions, of which vasomotor rhinitis is the most common form, representing approximately 80% of patients, also referred to as nonallergic rhinopathy (NAR), nasal hyperreactivity, neurogenic rhinitis, or idiopathic rhinitis. Expert panels have recommended replacing vasomotor rhinitis terminology because it is more descriptive of this condition that is characterized by symptoms triggered by chemical irritants and weather changes through chemosensors, mechanosensors, thermosensors, and/or osmosensors activated through different transient receptor potential calcium ion channels. Elucidating the specific role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1, triggered by capsaicin, has been an important advancement in better understanding the pathophysiology of NAR because it has now been shown that downregulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptors by several therapeutic compounds provides symptomatic relief for this condition. The classification of NAR is further complicated by its association with allergic rhinitis referred to as mixed rhinitis, which involves both immunoglobulin E-mediated and neurogenic mechanistic pathways. Comorbidities associated with NAR, including rhinosinusitis, headaches, asthma, chronic cough, and sleep disturbances, underscore the need for comprehensive management. Treatment options for NAR include environmental interventions, pharmacotherapy, and in refractory cases, surgical options, emphasizing the need for a tailored approach for each patient. Thus, it is extremely important to accurately diagnose NAR because inappropriate therapies lead to poor clinical outcomes and unnecessary health care and economic burdens for these patients. This review provides a comprehensive overview of NAR subtypes, focusing on classification, diagnosis, and treatment approaches for NAR.

Dupilumab in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (LIBERTY-CSU CUPID): Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trials.

BACKGROUND: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent pruritic wheals (hives) and/or angioedema. Patients with CSU could remain symptomatic despite standard-of-care H1 antihistamines (H1-AH) or anti-IgE (omalizumab) treatment. Dupilumab blocks IL-4/IL-13 signaling and is approved for multiple type 2/atopic indications. OBJECTIVE: We conducted two phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials comparing dupilumab with placebo in patients with symptomatic CSU despite H1-AH. METHODS: In LIBERTY-CSU CUPID Study A, patients were omalizumab-naive (n = 138, aged ≥6 years). In Study B, patients were omalizumab-intolerant/incomplete responders (n = 108, aged ≥12 years). The primary end point was either change from baseline over 7 days in the Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7) or Itch Severity Score (ISS7) at week 24, with the other as a key secondary end point, depending on regional regulatory requirements. Studies were pooled for safety assessment. RESULTS: In Study A, UAS7 and ISS7 improved with dupilumab versus placebo (difference -8.5 [95% CI, -13.2 to -3.9; P = .0003] and -4.2 [95% CI, -6.6 to -1.8; P = .0005]). In Study B, tested at α = 0.043 after interim analysis, UAS7 improved (difference -5.8 [95% CI, -11.4 to -0.3; P = .0390]), with a numerical trend in ISS7 (difference -2.9 [95% CI, -5.7 to -0.07; nominal P = .0449, not significant]). Pooled safety data were consistent between dupilumab and placebo and with the known dupilumab safety profile. CONCLUSIONS: Dupilumab reduced urticaria activity by reducing itch and hives severity in omalizumab-naive patients with CSU uncontrolled with H1-AH. Although the primary end point for Study B was not met, dupilumab effects were small in patients who were omalizumab-intolerant/incomplete responders.

Benralizumab does not elicit therapeutic effect in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria: results from the phase 2b multinational, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled ARROYO trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a relatively common skin disease associated with hives and angio-oedema. Eosinophils play a role in CSU pathogenesis. Benralizumab, an anti-interleukin-5 receptor alpha monoclonal antibody, has been shown to induce nearly complete depletion of eosinophils. OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical efficacy and safety of benralizumab in patients with CSU who were symptomatic despite H1 antihistamine treatment. METHODS: The 24-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b portion of the ARROYO trial enrolled adult patients with CSU who were currently on H1 antihistamine treatment. Patients were randomised to one of five treatment groups according to benralizumab dose and regimen for a 24-week treatment period. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in ISS7 at Week 12. The key secondary endpoint was change from baseline in UAS7 at Week 12. Additional secondary endpoints included other metrics to assess CSU at Week 24; blood eosinophil levels; and pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity assessments. Exploratory subgroup analyses were conducted to explore responses according to demographics, clinical features and biomarkers. Safety was assessed in all treatment groups. RESULTS: Of 155 patients, 59 were randomised to benralizumab 30 mg, 56 to benralizumab 60 mg and 40 to placebo. Baseline and disease characteristics were consistent with what was expected for patients with CSU. There were no significant differences in change from baseline in ISS7 score at Week 12 between benralizumab and placebo (benralizumab 30 mg vs. placebo, least-squares mean difference -1.01, 95% confidence interval -3.28 to 1.26; benralizumab 60 mg vs. placebo, least-squares mean difference -1.79, 95% confidence interval -4.09 to 0.50) nor in change from baseline in UAS7 score at Week 12 between benralizumab and placebo (benralizumab 30 mg vs. placebo, P = 0.4016; benralizumab 60 mg vs. placebo, P = 0.0819). Depletion of blood eosinophil levels was observed at Week 24 in patients treated with benralizumab. All other secondary endpoints and exploratory/subgroup analyses indicated no significant differences between benralizumab and placebo. Safety results were consistent with the known profile of benralizumab. CONCLUSIONS: Although benralizumab resulted in near-complete depletion of blood eosinophils, there was no clinical benefit over placebo.

Analysis of questionnaire survey to determine worldwide trends in prescriptions of biologics for the treatment of unresponsive chronic urticaria.

Background: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common condition treated by allergist/immunologists, but the only FDA-approved biologic medication, omalizumab, may be underutilized globally. Objective: This study was performed to determine the global prescription of omalizumab for treatment of CSU by allergists/immunologists. Methods: Anonymous questionnaire surveys were distributed online to World Allergy Organization (WAO) members worldwide. Categorical data were analyzed for descriptive analysis using one-way frequency tabulation in SAS 9.4. Results: There were 348 respondents (43 missing data); Average age 51 (range 28-90); M/F 48%/52%. 58% had > 15 years of clinical experience and 10% < 5; 42% worked in private clinics, 36% public hospitals, 24% academia, 18% private hospitals, and 4% in community practice. Eighty-two percent (82%) prescribed omalizumab for CSU patients and use of omalizumab was highest among young practitioners. The most significant barriers were cost (63%) and restricted formulary (24%). Drug safety (63%) and chances of adverse events (47%) were the most significant factors deciding treatment. Twenty-two percent (22%) reported 80-100% of CSU patients were complete responders to omalizumab; 34% preferred increasing frequency (q 2-weeks), and 18% preferred increasing dose (600 mg q 4-weeks) for partial or non-responders. UAS7, UCT, and CU-QoL were used to assess CSU by 55%, 29%, and 25% of respondents, respectively. Autoimmune thyroid disease (62%), thyroid abnormality (43%) and allergic rhinitis (35%) were the most frequent comorbidities reported. Conclusions: Most clinicians favored omalizumab over other potential treatments due to safety. Although younger clinicians were more likely to prescribe omalizumab, cost and formulary access were major barriers. Only 22% of respondents reported 80% or greater of their patients had complete response to omalizumab, indicating the need for novel CSU therapies.

Evaluation of Pharmacological Treatments for Acute Urticaria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness and safety of pharmacological treatments for acute urticaria remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and meta-analyze the efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatments for acute urticaria in emergency department (ED) and non-ED settings. METHODS: We searched electronic databases and gray literature up to July 8, 2023, without language restrictions. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) relating to pharmacological interventions in patients with acute urticaria, regardless of age, were eligible for inclusion. The relevant outcomes of interest were the treatment efficacy and safety profiles. The results are presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) or odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS: We identified 8 RCTs comprising 680 patients. Regarding the ED setting (2 trials, n = 118), intramuscular first-generation H1-antihistamine (fgAH) was more efficacious in decreasing pruritus symptoms (SMD, -0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.75 to -0.02) but had higher sedative effects than H2-blockers. With comparable pruritus symptom improvement (2 trials, n = 295), intravenous second-generation H1-antihistamine (sgAH) had favorable clinical outcomes compared with intravenous fgAH in the ED setting with a lower risk of return to any ED/clinic (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.12-0.83) and lower risk of any adverse event (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.09-0.63). The efficacy of adjunctive therapy with a short course of systemic glucocorticosteroids in ED and non-ED settings remains unclear. No serious concerns regarding the safety profiles were observed in any of the treatment comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: H1-antihistamine is a crucial and effective component of acute urticaria treatment, and intravenous sgAH is preferred as an initial treatment option.

Impact of genome build on RNA-seq interpretation and diagnostics.

Transcriptomics is a powerful tool for unraveling the molecular effects of genetic variants and disease diagnosis. Prior studies have demonstrated that choice of genome build impacts variant interpretation and diagnostic yield for genomic analyses. To identify the extent genome build also impacts transcriptomics analyses, we studied the effect of the hg19, hg38, and CHM13 genome builds on expression quantification and outlier detection in 386 rare disease and familial control samples from both the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) and Genomics Research to Elucidate the Genetics of Rare Disease (GREGoR) Consortium. We identified 2,800 genes with build-dependent quantification across six routinely-collected biospecimens, including 1,391 protein-coding genes and 341 known rare disease genes. We further observed multiple genes that only have detectable expression in a subset of genome builds. Finally, we characterized how genome build impacts the detection of outlier transcriptomic events. Combined, we provide a database of genes impacted by build choice, and recommend that transcriptomics-guided analyses and diagnoses are cross-referenced with these data for robustness.

CRUSE® -An innovative mobile application for patient monitoring and management in chronic spontaneous urticaria.

BACKGROUND: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is unpredictable and can severely impair patients' quality of life. Patients with CSU need a convenient, user-friendly platform to complete patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) on their mobile devices. CRUSE® , the Chronic Urticaria Self Evaluation app, aims to address this unmet need. METHODS: CRUSE® was developed by an international steering committee of urticaria specialists. Priorities for the app based on recent findings in CSU were defined to allow patients to track and record their symptoms and medication use over time and send photographs. The CRUSE® app collects patient data such as age, sex, disease onset, triggers, medication, and CSU characteristics that can be sent securely to physicians, providing real-time insights. Additionally, CRUSE® contains PROMs to assess disease activity and control, which are individualised to patient profiles and clinical manifestations. RESULTS: CRUSE® was launched in Germany in March 2022 and is now available for free in 17 countries. It is adapted to the local language and displays a country-specific list of available urticaria medications. English and Ukrainian versions are available worldwide. From July 2022 to June 2023, 25,710 observations were documented by 2540 users; 72.7% were females, with a mean age of 39.6 years. At baseline, 93.7% and 51.3% of users had wheals and angioedema, respectively. Second-generation antihistamines were used in 74.0% of days. CONCLUSIONS: The initial data from CRUSE® show the wide use and utility of effectively tracking patients' disease activity and control, paving the way for personalised CSU management.