Paternal adverse childhood experiences are associated with a low risk of atopy in the offspring.

AIM: Parental adverse childhood experiences (ACE) might affect the offspring health through intergenerational inheritance. The aim of this study was to investigate how paternal ACE associate with offspring sensitisation and allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS: The study included 590 Finnish father-child dyads from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study. Outcomes were offspring sensitisation against allergens and AR at age 5.5 years. Paternal ACE up to 18 years were assessed using the Trauma and Distress Scale (TADS) with the lowest quarter as the reference group. RESULTS: Of the children, 317 (54%) were males. Sensitisation occurred in 162/533 (30%) and AR in 122/590 (21%). Paternal TADS (median 17 points; interquartile range 11-27) was inversely associated with the risk of sensitisation. Children whose fathers scored the highest quarter had the lowest risk of sensitisation (adjusted odds ratio 0.42; 95% confidence interval 0.24-0.75), followed by those in the second highest quarter (0.58; 0.34-0.99). The association between the highest quarter and reduced risk of AR was similar. CONCLUSION: Paternal ACE were associated with a low risk of offspring sensitisation and AR, suggesting paternal childhood stress might influence immune responses in their offspring.

Dupilumab induces hair regrowth in pediatric alopecia areata: a real-world, single-center observational study.

Alopecia areata (AA) is nonscarring hair loss characterized by Th1 and concomitant Th2 skewing, particularly in atopic patients. Despite novel developments for adult AA, safe and effective treatments for pediatric patients remain limited. Dupilumab, with a well-studied safety profile, may have therapeutic potential for atopic pediatric AA. To evaluate the ability of dupilumab to regrow hair in pediatric AA patients. We conducted a single-center, retrospective, observational study to evaluate hair regrowth [using Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT)] with dupilumab in 20 children with both AD and AA (age range 5-16 years, mean 10.8 years; baseline SALT range 3-100, mean 54.4). Patient demographics, atopic history, IgE and SALT scores were collected at 12wk follow-up visits, up to > 72wks, to evaluate hair regrowth. Spearman correlations with clinical data were performed. Patients showed clinical improvement over the follow-up period (range 24 to > 72wks, mean 67.6wks) with significant mean(± SD) reduction in SALT at 48wks versus baseline [20.4(± 35.1) vs 54.4(± 37.6), respectively; p < 0.01] and continued improvement up to > 72wks [2.2(± 4.9), p < 0.01]. Baseline SALT positively correlated with disease duration (r = 0.54, p < 0.01), and negatively correlated with improvement in SALT at weeks 24, 36, and 48 (|r|≥ 0.65, p < 0.01 for all comparisons). Baseline IgE positively correlated with improvement in SALT at week 36 (r > 0.60, p < 0.05). Dupilumab was well-tolerated, with no new safety concerns. These real-world data support the utility of dupilumab to safely treat pediatric AA patients, corroborating the role of Th2 skewing in children with AA and associated atopy, warranting larger clinical trials.

Contribution of gestational weight gain to childhood asthma phenotypes: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The contribution of prenatal anthropometric measures to the development of specific childhood asthma phenotypes is not known. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate associations between prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) with allergic and non-allergic asthma phenotypes in childhood. METHODS: Our study population included term, healthy infants in the middle Tennessee region of the United States. Prepregnancy BMI and GWG were ascertained from questionnaires administered during early infancy and categorized based on World Health Organization (WHO) and Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations, respectively. Allergic asthma was defined as 5-year current asthma and a positive skin test or specific IgE to aeroallergen(s). We used multivariable logistic regression models for asthma and multinomial logistic regression models for non-asthma, allergic asthma, and non-allergic asthma. RESULTS: A total of 1,266 children were included. At the 5-year follow-up, 194 (15.3%) had asthma; among them, 102 (52.6%) had allergic asthma. Both inadequate and excessive GWG, compared to adequate GWG, were associated with increased odds of asthma (inadequate: aOR 1.76 [95% CI: 1.03-2.98]; excessive: aOR 1.70 [95% CI: 1.12-2.57]) and increased odds of allergic asthma compared to no asthma (inadequate: aOR 3.49 [95% CI: 1.66-7.32]; excessive: aOR 2.55 [95% CI: 1.34-4.85]). Prepregnancy BMI was not associated with asthma nor with asthma phenotypes. CONCLUSION: Both inadequate and excessive GWG were associated with allergic asthma risk. These results support the benefits of optimal GWG during pregnancy on child health outcomes.

Bilateral Multiple Herpetic Epithelial Keratitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Herpetic epithelial keratitis is a viral infection of the cornea caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It typically presents as a unilateral disease. Bilateral involvement is a rare manifestation of herpetic epithelial keratitis, accounting for only a small percentage of cases. By sharing this case, we aim to contribute to the understanding of bilateral herpetic epithelial keratitis and stimulate further research in this area to optimize patient care and outcomes A 13-year-old child, a known case of atopy, presented to the ophthalmology clinic with a complaint of pain, photophobia, and redness in the right eye (OD) for three days. The patient was diagnosed as a case of bilateral herpetic epithelial keratitis; he was started on moxifloxacin eye drops four times a day, Artelac (sodium hyaluronate) every two hours, carbomer HS, ganciclovir ointment five times per day. Bilateral herpetic epithelial keratitis is a rare manifestation of HSV infection, and its management poses unique challenges compared to unilateral disease. The diagnosis of bilateral herpetic epithelial keratitis is primarily based on clinical findings, including bilateral dendritic or geographic ulcers on the cornea. Fluorescein staining is a valuable tool for visualizing corneal ulcers. In our case, the presence of bilateral dendritic ulcers in the absence of significant anterior chamber inflammation supported the diagnosis of bilateral herpetic epithelial keratitis Despite the limited literature on bilateral herpetic epithelial keratitis, the principles of management remain consistent with those of unilateral disease. Early recognition, prompt initiation of antiviral therapy, and close follow-up are crucial for successful outcomes.

Ethnic and Racial Disparities in Clinical Manifestations of Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis is a heterogenous inflammatory skin illness that may last for long time and affect people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. The condition primarily appears in infants and young children. There are people living with atopic dermatitis in every country and every ethnic group, although the frequency of the disease varies greatly. Due to the varied clinical presentations that atopic dermatitis can have, it can be challenging to characterize and diagnose the disease, particularly in adults. Nevertheless, there exists a dearth of information pertaining to the various presentations of atopic dermatitis among individuals from diverse racial and cultural groups. This critical review article offers a succinct and comprehensive overview of the current findings on the epidemiology of atopic dermatitis with regards to ethnic and racial disparities. The findings hold potential significance in advancing the development of targeted treatments for personalized medicine approaches and enhancing the quality of life for patients with atopy.

Helicobacter pylori Infection Does Not Protect Against Allergic Diseases: Evidence From a Pediatric Cohort From Northern Sardinia, Italy.

BACKGROUND: The "hygiene hypothesis" states that reduced exposure to microbial antigens due to an excessively hygienic environment can increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases, including atopic disorders and asthma. In recent decades, there has been a progressive decline in the prevalence of numerous microorganisms following improved hygienic-sanitary conditions. More specifically, several studies reported an inverse association between the reduction in Helicobacter pylori infection and the rise of asthma and allergic disorders. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of atopic disorders in a pediatric population in relation to seropositivity against H. pylori. METHODS: Children from Northern Sardinia, Italy, referred to the local Children's Hospital for any reason, were investigated to identify risk factors, especially H. pylori infection, associated with atopic disorders. A validated questionnaire, including demographics, house size, history of breastfeeding, residence, school or daycare center attendance, exposure to animals, and a defined diagnosis of atopy-including asthma-was filled out by a trained pediatrician according to parents' answers and child records. A blood sample was collected from each participant and immunoglobulin G against H. pylori was assessed by a locally validated ELISA test. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of H. pylori infection was 11.7% among 492 children (240 females). Thirty-two children had a confirmed diagnosis of asthma and 12 of allergy. No one child showed both conditions. Statistically significant differences in H. pylori seropositivity were not detected between children with or without atopy (8.4% vs. 12.6; p = 0.233). Although atopic disorders were more frequent in children exposed to traditional atopic risk factors, none of them showed to be significant after adjusting for all covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Serologically assessed H. pylori infection was not significantly associated with a reduced risk of atopic diseases in children.

Urinary eosinophil-derived neurotoxin is associated with reduced lung function in pediatric asthma.

INTRODUCTION: Eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) is a biomarker for eosinophilic activation. Urinary (u) EDN may allow non-invasive monitoring of asthma, but clinical recommendations are lacking. We assessed the potential of uEDN as a marker of disease activity in pediatric asthma. METHODS: We assessed urine samples of 371 children from the German ALLIANCE study cohort, from which we had: 169 preschool wheezers (<6 years), 80 asthmatics (≥6 years), and 122 healthy controls using the ImmunoCAP™ EDN Assay. Creatinine (Cr)-adjusted uEDN values were analyzed using correlations, association tests, (non) parametric statistics, multiple linear, and multivariable regression. RESULTS: uEDN/uCr values were higher in atopic versus non-atopic preschool-aged subjects (p = .035) and associated with the sum of allergen-specific IgE in younger (r = 0.24, p = .003), and older subjects (r = 0.23, p = .043). uEDN/uCr was marginally a good determinant for atopy (p = .078, for subjects aged <6 years, and p = .058 for subjects ≥6 years). Children with the T2-high phenotype had higher uEDN/uCr (p < .001) versus T2-low-irrespective of using uEDN/uCr or blood eosinophils in combination to allergen sIgE for disease phenotyping. uEDN/uCr significantly correlated with reduced lung function among asthmatics (FEV1 z-scores: r = -0.30, p = .007, and FEV1/FVC z-scores: r = -0.24, p = .038). Using multivariable modeling, uEDN/uCr was an independent determinant of FEV1 (p = .038), and to a lesser extent, FEV1/FVC (p = .080). CONCLUSIONS: uEDN/uCr may serve as a non-invasive biomarker for clinical features such as lung function in pediatric asthma. We highlight the utility of uEDN/uCr as a biomarker that can be easily assessed using widely available robust diagnostic immunoassays.

The Role of the Microbiota in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis-A Literature Review.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with a high prevalence worldwide. AD pathogenesis is complex and consists of immune system dysregulation and impaired skin barrier, influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The purpose of the review is to show the complex interplay between atopic dermatitis and the microbiota. Human microbiota plays an important role in AD pathogenesis and the course of the disease. Dysbiosis is an important factor contributing to the development of atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis. The gut microbiota can influence the composition of the skin microbiota, strengthening the skin barrier and regulating the immune response via the involvement of bacterial metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids, in signaling pathways of the gut-skin axis. AD can be modulated by antibiotic intake, dietary adjustments, hygiene, and living conditions. One of the promising strategies for modulating the course of AD is probiotics. This review offers a summary of how the microbiota influences the development and treatment of AD, highlighting aspects that warrant additional investigation.

Effect of dupilumab on asthma and aeroallergen sensitization in pediatric atopic dermatitis patients: Results of the BioDay registry.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is frequently associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR). Dupilumab is an effective treatment for pediatric AD, although the effect on atopic comorbidities in pediatric AD patients is limited. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of asthma and AR in pediatric AD patients starting dupilumab treatment and to evaluate the effect of dupilumab on these comorbidities. METHODS: This study included pediatric AD patients (aged 3-17 years) treated with dupilumab between 2019 and 2023. Patients were screened at baseline by a pulmonologist for the presence of asthma and AR. Screening included evaluation of medical history and current symptoms, spirometry (including Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s (FEV1)), Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO), and measurement of aeroallergen-specific IgE levels. In patients diagnosed with comorbid asthma and/or AR, measurements were repeated at weeks 16 and 52. Spirometry measurements, FeNO, and aeroallergen-specific IgE levels during treatment were analyzed using a covariance pattern model. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients were included. Asthma was diagnosed in 50 patients (59.5%) and AR in 72 patients (85.7%). Baseline FeNO levels were elevated in both patients with (29.0 ppb (95% CI 22.0-54.0)) and without asthma (26.0 ppb (95% CI 22.0-30.0)). During treatment, FeNO levels decreased (p < .001) and FEV1 scores increased (p < .001) in patients with asthma. In patients with asthma and/or AR, all aeroallergen-specific IgE levels decreased between 61.3% and 89.1% at 52 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSION: One year of dupilumab treatment, primarily indicated for AD, resulted in a significant improvement in comorbid asthma and a profound decrease in aeroallergen-specific IgE levels in patients with asthma and/or AR.

Insights into Intrinsic Atopic Dermatitis: immunogenicity, Dysbiosis, and Imaging (Reflectance Confocal Microscopy, Optical Coherence Tomography).

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a frequent inflammatory condition that usually begins during early childhood, but it increasingly starts to debut, even in the elderly. Based on immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and clinical features, two subsets of this disease have been recognized: intrinsic and extrinsic. When speaking about AD, most specialists think about filaggrin (FLG) mutations resulting in epidermal barrier defects, which is the case in most atopic patients, but some have a normal barrier, as seen by imaging, and still have specific clinical lesions along with metal allergies. Specific molecules (IL-10, IFN-γ, and HBD-3) have been shown to greatly impact the interactions between internal and external factors in this peculiar form of AD. A less-known protein, suprabasin, has been highlighted as a promising explanation for nickel anomalies in intrinsic AD.

Dupilumab: a delayed response in asthmatic and atopic patients treated for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

PURPOSE: Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) is a common disease, which was previously approached with sinus surgery or systemic corticosteroids. The advent of biological therapies radically changed the approach to this disease. On the other hand, there is scarce scientific evidence of how specific subsets of patients respond to this treatment. METHODS: this is a monocentric, prospective study investigating the long-term efficacy on biweekly 300 mg dupilumab therapy in CRSwNP, prescribed to 61 patients. Patients were evaluated at baseline and every 2 months for the first 6 months, then at 9, 12, 16, 20 and 24 months. RESULTS: dupilumab proved to be an effective treatment, neatly improving both subjective and objective measurements in CRSwNP. The main finding of the study is the difference between specific subgroups of patients: while the overall response is similar, patients with Th2 comorbidities such as asthma and atopy tend to reach a stable response later, with the improvement ongoing even after 6 months of therapy, while non-asthmatic, non-atopic patients attain an earlier stability in response. CONCLUSIONS: dupilumab provides an excellent long-term control of CRSwNP, but the response in asthmatic and atopic patients appears to be different and delayed when compared to non asthmatic and non atopic ones.

TH2-driven manifestations of inborn errors of immunity.

Monogenic lesions in pathways critical for effector functions responsible for immune surveillance, protection against autoinflammation, and appropriate responses to allergens and microorganisms underlie the pathophysiology of inborn errors of immunity (IEI). Variants in cytokine production, cytokine signaling, epithelial barrier function, antigen presentation, receptor signaling, and cellular processes and metabolism can drive autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, and/or allergic inflammation. Identification of these variants has improved our understanding of the role that many of these proteins play in skewing toward TH2-related allergic inflammation. Early-onset or atypical atopic disease, often in conjunction with immunodeficiency and/or autoimmunity, should raise suspicion for an IEI. This becomes a diagnostic dilemma if the initial clinical presentation is solely allergic inflammation, especially when the prevalence of allergic diseases is becoming more common. Genetic sequencing is necessary for IEI diagnosis and is helpful for early recognition and implementation of targeted treatment, if available. Although genetic evaluation is not feasible for all patients with atopy, identifying atopic patients with molecular immune abnormalities may be helpful for diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic purposes. In this review, we focus on IEI associated with TH2-driven allergic manifestations and classify them on the basis of the affected molecular pathways and predominant clinical manifestations.

Evaluation of accompanying allergic disease in children with proven drug allergies.

Background/aim: Data on the prevalence of allergic diseases in children with proven drug allergies are limited. We aim to evaluate the frequency of allergic comorbidity in children with proven common drug allergies. Materials and methods: Children with drug hypersensitivity confirmed by diagnostic allergy tests at our center between January 2010 and December 2020 were screened retrospectively. Patients with the most common drug allergies (due to antibiotics, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], and antiepileptic drugs) were selected for analysis. Age, sex, the culprit drug, initial reaction characteristics, diagnostic test results, and the study physician who diagnosed concomitant allergic diseases were noted. Results: A total of 168 patients (boys, 51.2%) with a median age of 12 years (IQR = 8-16.3) were included in the study. The culprit drug was an antibiotic in 63% (n = 106), NSAID in 25% (n = 42) and anticonvulsant in 11.9 % (n = 20) of the patients. Drug hypersensitivity reactions were immediate in 74.4 % (n = 125) and delayed in 25.6 % (n = 43) of the patients. Seventy-five patients (44.6 %) had at least one allergic disease, most commonly rhinitis (27.3 %, n = 46) or asthma (25 %, n = 42). Fifty-five patients underwent skin prick tests with aeroallergens, producing a positive result in 60% (n = 31). The prevalence of allergic disease was not differing according to the culprit drug. The frequency of developing at least one concomitant allergic disease was 47.2% (n = 50/106) for antibiotic hypersensitivity, 52.4% (n = 22/42) for NSAID hypersensitivity, and 15% (n = 3/20) for anticonvulsant hypersensitivity (p < 0.00).Immediate drug hypersensitivity reactions were more frequent in children who had allergic diseases (80 % vs. 64.5 %; p = 0.027). Conclusion: Nearly half (44.6%) of the children with proven drug hypersensitivity had concomitant allergic diseases and immediate reactions were more common in this group. Children evaluated for drug hypersensitivity should be assessed for other allergic diseases.

The prevalence of hand dermatitis among intensive care unit nurses.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers are at high risk of developing occupational hand dermatitis (HD) due to their frequent exposure to wet-work and use of gloves. Complaints of HD may interfere with work and cause loss of work productivity, or sick leave, and may have impact on job pleasure and performing daily activities. The prevalence of HD among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the point prevalence and the 1-year prevalence of HD among ICU nurses, and to determine the impact of HD on work and daily activities. METHOD: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was performed among ICU nurses. Participants were recruited in the Amsterdam University Medical Centre. A symptom-based questionnaire was used to determine HD and atopic predisposition, and an additional questionnaire was used concerning the influence of HD. ICU nurses with an atopic predisposition or symptoms suiting HD were invited for the hand dermatitis consultation hour (HDCH). Data were analysed with logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 184 ICU nurses were included. The point prevalence of HD was 9.8% (95% CI: 5.9-15.0) and the 1-year prevalence was 26.6% (95% CI: 20.4-33.6). Sick leave was reported by 0.5%. HD seemed to have more impact on job pleasure than on work productivity. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence rate of HD resulting from our study highlights the need for the prevention of occupational HD among healthcare workers.

Lack of association of atopic dermatitis severity and morphology with asthma onset and control.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is one of the most well-recognized comorbidities of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the relationship of AD severity and morphology with asthma characteristics in adults is not well defined. OBJECTIVES: To understand associations of AD severity and morphology with comorbid asthma age-of-onset and control in adults with AD. METHODS: A cross-sectional, dermatology practice-based study was performed in adults (≥ 18 years) with AD and history of asthma (N = 252). Self-administered electronic questionnaires were completed by patients, including demographics, patient-reported outcomes measures of AD severity, history of asthma, age-of-onset, and Asthma Control Test (ACT). Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to examine relationships between AD severity and morphology with asthma age-of-onset and control. RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation ACT score was 21.7 ± 4.3 (range 5-25), with 55 (21.8%) having ACT scores ≤ 19 indicating poorly controlled asthma. AD severity and morphology were not associated with adult-onset asthma or poor asthma control. CONCLUSIONS: AD severity and morphology were not consistently associated with comorbid asthma age-of-onset or control in adults with AD.

Adult-onset asthma, allergy, and aspirin hypersensitivity associate with self-reported food avoidance.

Background: The adoption of avoidance diets by adult-onset asthmatics has not previously been studied. We hypothesized that avoidance diets would associate with adult-onset asthma, allergy, and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Methods: A total of 1247 subjects with adult-onset asthma (age range: 31-91) from the Finnish national registry, and age- and sex-matched controls (n = 1970) participated in a questionnaire study in 1997. We estimated the association between asthma/allergy/AERD and avoidance diets, adjusting for potential confounding factors and validated the results in two retrospective cohorts of 5080 rhinitis/rhinosinusitis patients and 167 AERD patients from 2019 to 2020. Results: The presence of asthma positively associated with adoption of any avoidance diet (adjusted OR [CI95%] 1.24 [1.02-1.51], p = 0.029) as did allergic disease and self-reported AERD within the asthmatic group (1.79 [1.29-2.48], p = 0.001 and 1.69 [1.15-2.49], p = 0.007, respectively). Asthmatics and allergic asthmatics were more likely to report avoidance of fish, fruits and vegetables, and spices (p ≤ 0.03) compared to controls and non-allergic asthmatics. The adjusted OR for multiple diets among AERD patients was 2.57 [1.34-4.95] p = 0.005. In the validation, 26.2% of the allergic asthmatics and 10.8% of AERD patients had documented avoidance diets. Conclusions: Our study shows a positive association between avoidance diets and adult-onset asthma, and with allergic disease or AERD within asthmatic patients. Although we lack information on the reason patients chose to observe a specific diet, our results reinforce the importance of asking patients about their diet and if needed, giving dietary advice for adult asthma patients to help them avoid the adoption of unnecessarily restrictive diets.

Clinical Presentation of Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis that can affect individuals from infancy to adulthood. Also referred to as "the itch that rashes," atopic dermatitis is classically associated with significant pruritus that is accompanied by characteristic cutaneous and other clinical findings. The diagnosis of atopic dermatitis can be challenging due to the wide range of clinical presentations based on patient factors such as age, skin type, ethnicity, and other comorbid conditions. This chapter reviews the classical findings as well as the less common manifestations of atopic dermatitis.

The Determinants of Eosinophilia in Patients With Severe Asthma.

Background: Asthma is defined by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) as a heterogeneous disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation. The pathogenesis of the disease is better understood with the comprehension of immunological pathways. These pathways differ by the type of recruited cells and released interleukin (IL). Thus, asthma can be classified into subtypes based on the underlying immune mechanism: eosinophilic asthma (EA) and non-eosinophilic asthma (NEA). Patients with EA tend to respond better to inhaled corticosteroid as compared to those with NEA. The distinction of EA is very important in the light of emergent type 2 inflammation targeted therapies. Methods: We performed a 1-year (2018) retrospective cohort analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Database (NIS). We included all adult patients presenting with severe asthma. Patients were stratified into two groups: eosinophilic severe asthma and non-eosinophilic severe asthma. The primary outcomes measures were the prevalence of chronic steroid use, status asthmaticus, family history of asthma, food, drug and environmental allergies, presence of nasal polyps, allergic rhinitis, allergic dermatitis, need for mechanical ventilation, need for oxygen supplementation, gastroesophageal reflux disease, in-hospital mortality, and length of stay. We performed descriptive statistics. Continuous parametric variables were reported using a mean and standard deviation. Continuous nonparametric variables were reported using a median and interquartile range. To compare the characteristics of the two groups, we used the independent t-test for continuous parametric variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous nonparametric variables. The Chi-square test was used to assess differences in categorical variables. Results: A total of 2,646 patients were included, out of which 882 belonged to the eosinophilic group and 1,764 were in the non-eosinophilic group. Comparing EA versus NEA, we have found that eosinophilic group was characterized by higher percentage of steroid use (18.3% vs. 9.5%, P < 0.001). This group also had higher rates of status asthmaticus and positive family history (P = 0.009 and 0.004, respectively). The presence of allergies, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, and allergic dermatitis was higher among patients with eosinophilia. The need for mechanical ventilation and supplemental oxygen was also higher among this group (P < 0.001 for both); however, there was no significant difference in mortality rate (P = 0.347) and the length of hospital stay was similar in both groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion: We showed herein that the eosinophilic subtype of asthma differs widely from the non-eosinophilic phenotype. Clinically, patients with eosinophilia might exhibit different symptomatology, more atopy, and concomitant comorbidities. However, this group might have better response to steroid therapy and might benefit from the new emergent T2 immune targeted therapy. The identification of EA is crucial for better disease control.

Gut Mycobiome in Atopic Dermatitis and in Overweight Young Children: A Prospective Cohort Study in Finland.

Gut bacterial alterations have been previously linked to several non-communicable diseases in adults, while the association of mycobiome is not well understood in these diseases, especially in infants and children. Few studies have been conducted on the association between gut mycobiome and non-communicable diseases in children. We investigated gut mycobiome composition using 194 faecal samples collected at birth, 6 months after birth, and 18 months after birth in relation to atopic dermatitis (AD) and overweight diagnoses at the age of 18 or 36 months. The mycobiome exhibited distinct patterns, with Truncatella prevalent in the meconium samples of both overweight and non-overweight groups. Saccharomyces took precedence in overweight cases at 6 and 18 months, while Malassezia dominated non-overweight samples at 6 months. Saccharomyces emerged as a consistent high-abundance taxon across groups that had dermatitis and were overweight. We found a weak association between gut mycobiome and AD at birth and overweight at 18 months when using machine learning (ML) analyses. In ML, unidentified fungi, Alternaria, Rhodotorula, and Saccharomyces, were important for classifying AD, while Saccharomyces, Thelebolus, and Dothideomycetes were important for classifying overweight. Gut mycobiome might be associated with the development of AD and overweight in children.