Elevated baseline soluble FcεRI may be linked to early response to omalizumab treatment in chronic spontaneous urticaria.

BACKGROUND: Omalizumab, an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, is an effective treatment in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Predictors of fast and good response for omalizumab treatment have not yet been identified and characterized. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether soluble FcεRI (sFcεRI), a marker of IgE-mediated mast cell activation, predicts the time of response to omalizumab in CSU. METHODS: Sera of 67 CSU patients were obtained before omalizumab treatment and analysed for sFcεRI levels by ELISA (2 ng/mL was used as cut-off for elevated sFcɛRI). Treatment response during the first 4 weeks was assessed with the urticaria activity score (UAS7), urticaria control test (UCT) and the rolling UAS7 (rUAS7). RESULTS: Elevated pre-treatment sFcɛRI levels were detected in more than 70% of patients with completely controlled disease (UCT = 16) and well-controlled disease (UCT = 12-15) and were significantly associated with disease control (χ2 = 4.94, p < 0.05). More than half of the patients (14/25) with low levels had poor disease control (UCT < 12). Of the patients who achieved complete and marked UAS7 response, respectively, 75% and 63% had elevated baseline sFcɛRI levels. Post-treatment UAS7 scores were lower in patients with elevated sFcɛRI levels reaching statistical significance at Week 3 (p < 0.05). Patients with elevated baseline sFcɛRI levels achieved rUAS7 ≤ 6 and = 0 earlier than those with lower levels (Days 9 vs. 13 and Days 12 vs. 14, respectively). CONCLUSION: Elevated sFcεRI serum levels predict early and good response to treatment with omalizumab, which may help to better design treatment options for CSU patients.

Rhinitis associated with asthma is distinct from rhinitis alone: The ARIA-MeDALL hypothesis.

Asthma, rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis (AD) are interrelated clinical phenotypes that partly overlap in the human interactome. The concept of "one-airway-one-disease," coined over 20 years ago, is a simplistic approach of the links between upper- and lower-airway allergic diseases. With new data, it is time to reassess the concept. This article reviews (i) the clinical observations that led to Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA), (ii) new insights into polysensitization and multimorbidity, (iii) advances in mHealth for novel phenotype definitions, (iv) confirmation in canonical epidemiologic studies, (v) genomic findings, (vi) treatment approaches, and (vii) novel concepts on the onset of rhinitis and multimorbidity. One recent concept, bringing together upper- and lower-airway allergic diseases with skin, gut, and neuropsychiatric multimorbidities, is the "Epithelial Barrier Hypothesis." This review determined that the "one-airway-one-disease" concept does not always hold true and that several phenotypes of disease can be defined. These phenotypes include an extreme "allergic" (asthma) phenotype combining asthma, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis. Rhinitis alone and rhinitis and asthma multimorbidity represent two distinct diseases with the following differences: (i) genomic and transcriptomic background (Toll-Like Receptors and IL-17 for rhinitis alone as a local disease; IL-33 and IL-5 for allergic and non-allergic multimorbidity as a systemic disease), (ii) allergen sensitization patterns (mono- or pauci-sensitization versus polysensitization), (iii) severity of symptoms, and (iv) treatment response. In conclusion, rhinitis alone (local disease) and rhinitis with asthma multimorbidity (systemic disease) should be considered as two distinct diseases, possibly modulated by the microbiome, and may be a model for understanding the epidemics of chronic and autoimmune diseases.

Clinically uninvolved but not healthy-The skin of patients with atopic dermatitis is primed for itch and inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly prevalent inflammatory skin disorder characterized by episodic exacerbations and remissions. Why the clinically healthy skin of AD patients becomes rapidly inflamed and very pruritic is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To investigate cowhage- and histamine-induced itch and skin expression levels of their target receptors in lesional and non-lesional skin of AD, compared to the skin of patients with psoriasis, chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and healthy subjects. METHODS: Patients with AD, psoriasis and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) as well as healthy control subjects (HC) (n = 20 each) were assessed for differences in itch parameters, neurogenic flare reaction and local blood flow responses to skin provocations with cowhage and histamine. Skin biopsies from 10 AD, 10 psoriasis,11 CSU and 12 HC were obtained to assess expression of protease-activated receptors 2 and 4 (PAR-2, PAR-4), histamine H1 and H4 receptors (H1R, H4R), and mast cells. RESULTS: Provocation of non-lesional skin of AD patients with cowhage resulted in prolonged itch (p = 0.020), which was not observed in psoriasis and CSU. Significantly prolonged and more intense cowhage- and histamine-induced itch (for duration, peak and overall intensity) was also observed in lesional AD skin. Diminished neurogenic flare reaction and blood flow after histamine provocation were shown in AD and psoriasis patients. Non-lesional AD skin along with lesional AD and psoriasis skin showed an increased expression of PAR-2 and PAR-4, H1R and H4R. Mast cell number was higher in lesional AD and psoriasis skin (p = 0.006 and p = 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSION: The non-lesional skin of AD patients markedly differs from healthy skin in cowhage-induced itch responses and the expression of receptors for proteases and histamine. Proactive therapeutic interventions that downregulate these receptors may prevent episodic exacerbation in AD.

Prevalence and factors associated with sleep disturbance in adult patients with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Sleep, which is crucial for restoring of physiological functions and health, is reportedly impaired in psoriasis. The role of different potential sleep confounding factors, including detailed pruritus characteristics, and the complex interplay between psychological variables (anxiety and depression), pruritus and sleep disturbance in psoriasis remain insufficiently investigated. OBJECTIVES: To investigate sleep characteristics and to identify clinical, demographic and psychological factors associated with sleep disturbance in psoriasis. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 334 psoriasis patients (response rate 86%) and 126 control subjects (response rate 82%). Measures included sleep quality [Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)], psoriasis severity, pruritus characteristics, including average pruritus intensity [visual analogue scale (VAS)], severity of comorbidities, anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - HADS) and quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index - DLQI, and Short Form 12 - SF12). RESULTS: Fifty-nine per cent of patients and 34% of control subjects (P < 0.001) suffered from sleep disturbance (PSQI > 5). Patients slept 1 h less than control subjects (median 6 vs. 7 h, P < 0.001). Patients without pruritus had less impaired sleep (global PSQI) than patients with strong (P < 0.001) and very strong pruritus (P < 0.001). Anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D) levels were the strongest predictors of sleep impairment, followed by pruritus exacerbation at night, age, female sex, pruritus exacerbation in the morning, average pruritus intensity (VAS), diagnosed depression and gastroesophageal reflux disease, altogether explaining 32%-37% of the variance in global sleep quality. Both anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D) were significant mediators explaining the association between pruritus intensity (VAS) and sleep impairment in 42% and 37% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disturbance in patients with psoriasis is highly prevalent. Patients with psoriasis should be assessed for sleep impairment, pruritus, anxiety and depression. Reduction in pruritus should be considered as an important therapeutic goal, along with therapies aimed at reducing anxiety and depression.

Epidemiology, comorbidities, and healthcare utilization of patients with chronic urticaria in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive data on the epidemiology and comorbidities of chronic urticaria (CU) in Germany are either limited, or not contemporary. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the epidemiology of CU, overall comorbidities and healthcare resource utilized by patients with CU in Germany, using an anonymized statutory health insurance (SHI) database. METHODS: Anonymized SHI claims research database of the Institute for Applied Health Research, Berlin [InGef] (01 January 2015-30 September 2018) was used to analyse insured individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of CU (ICD-10-GM codes). Twelve-month diagnosed prevalence and incidence, comorbidities (vs. atopic dermatitis and psoriasis), and healthcare utilization by patients with CU were investigated. RESULTS: Of 4 693 772 individuals of all ages listed in the database, 3 538 540 were observable during 2017. Overall, 17 524 patients (˜0.5%) were diagnosed with CU; chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU: 71.2%), chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU: 19.7%), CSU+CIndU (9.1%). Females, vs. males, had higher diagnosed prevalence (0.62% vs. 0.37%) and diagnosed incidence (0.18% vs. 0.11%) of CU among all patients. Patients most frequently visited general practitioners (41.3% of total visits). Hypertensive diseases (43.5%), lipoprotein metabolism disorders (32.1%) and affective disorders (26.0%) were the most frequently reported comorbidities of special interest. Rates of most comorbidities of special interests were similar to atopic dermatitis and psoriasis patients, and all higher vs. overall population. More than half (54.1%) of all CU patients were not prescribed any treatment. Second-generation H1 -antihistamines were the most commonly prescribed medication for adult (17.9%) and paediatric (27.9%) patients. Patients with CIndU (paediatric, 15.5%; adult, 7.8%) were more often hospitalized versus patients with CSU (paediatric, 9.9%; adult, 4.6%). CONCLUSIONS: In Germany, prevalence of CU along with multiple comorbidities may pose increased burden on the healthcare system. Awareness of adhering to treatment guidelines, and aiming for complete control of urticaria, needs to be driven and may improve outcomes.

A comprehensive, tri-national, cross-sectional analysis of characteristics and impact of pruritus in psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Pruritus is prevalent in psoriasis but still many features of pruritus, its response to therapy and its burden in psoriasis remain to be better characterized. OBJECTIVE: To investigate characteristics and burden of pruritus in an international cohort of patients with psoriasis. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included a total of 634 patients and 246 controls from Germany, Poland and Russia. Physicians examined and interviewed participants, recording clinical characteristics, such as severity, therapy and localization of psoriatic lesions. Participants filled out self-reported questionnaires including questions on pruritus severity and impact, characteristics, and response to therapy, and quality of life (QoL). Localization patterns of pruritus and skin lesions were visualized using body heat maps. RESULTS: Most patients (82%) experienced pruritus throughout their disease, and 75% had current pruritus. The majority of patients (64%) perceived pure pruritus, and those who reported additional painful and/or burning sensations (36%) reported overall stronger pruritus. The scalp was the most frequently reported localization of pruritus, even in the absence of skin lesions. Body surface area (BSA) of pruritus was not linked to pruritus intensity, but to BSA of psoriatic lesions (rho = 0.278; P < 0.001). One third of patients (31%) reported impaired sex-life, and 4% had suicidal ideations due to pruritus. In up to one third of patients, psoriasis therapies had little or no effect on pruritus. The only therapeutic option offered to some of these patients were antihistamines, which appeared to be effective in most cases. CONCLUSION: Pruritus is highly prevalent in psoriasis and is linked to a significant burden. Current psoriasis therapies are frequently insufficient to control pruritus. Managing psoriasis should include the assessment and control of itch. Efficient antipruritic therapies should be developed and be made available for patients with psoriasis.

Mast cells are critical for controlling the bacterial burden and the healing of infected wounds.

Skin wound infections are a significant health problem, and antibiotic resistance is on the rise. Mast cells (MCs) have been shown to contribute to host-defense responses in certain bacterial infections, but their role in skin wound superinfection is unknown. We subjected 2 MC-deficient mouse strains to Pseudomonas aeruginosa skin wound infection and found significantly delayed wound closure in infected skin wounds. This delay was associated with impaired bacterial clearance in the absence of MCs. Engraftment of MCs restored both bacterial clearance and wound closure. Bacterial killing was dependent on IL-6 released from MCs, and engraftment with IL-6-deficient MCs failed to control wound infection. Treatment with recombinant IL-6 enhanced bacterial killing and resulted in the control of wound infection and normal wound healing in vivo. Taken together, our results demonstrate a defense mechanism for boosting host innate immune responses, namely effects of MC-derived IL-6 on antimicrobial functions of keratinocytes.

Prognostic impact of gross tumor volume during radical radiochemotherapy of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer-results from the NCT03055715 multicenter cohort study of the Young DEGRO Trial Group.

BACKGROUND: In radical radiochemotherapy (RCT) of inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) typical prognostic factors include T- and N-stage, while there are still conflicting data on the prognostic relevance of gross tumor volume (GTV) and particularly its changes during RCT. The NCT03055715 study of the Young DEGRO working group of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) evaluated the prognostic impact of GTV and its changes during RCT. METHODS: A total of 21 university centers for radiation oncology from five different European countries (Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, and Austria) participated in the study which evaluated n = 347 patients with confirmed (biopsy) inoperable NSCLC in UICC stage III A/B who received radical curative-intent RCT between 2010 and 2013. Patient and disease data were collected anonymously via electronic case report forms and entered into the multi-institutional RadPlanBio platform for central data analysis. GTV before RCT (initial planning CT, GTV1) and at 40-50 Gy (re-planning CT for radiation boost, GTV2) was delineated. Absolute GTV before/during RCT and relative GTV changes were correlated with overall survival as the primary endpoint. Hazard ratios (HR) of survival analysis were estimated by means of adjusted Cox regression models. RESULTS: GTV1 was found to have a mean of 154.4 ml (95%CI: 1.5-877) and GTV2 of 106.2 ml (95% CI: 0.5-589.5), resulting in an estimated reduction of 48.2 ml (p < 0.001). Median overall survival (OS) was 18.8 months with a median of 22.1, 20.9, and 12.6 months for patients with high, intermediate, and low GTV before RT. Considering all patients, in one survival model of overall mortality, GTV2 (2.75 (1.12-6.75, p = 0.03) was found to be a stronger survival predictor than GTV1 (1.34 (0.9-2, p > 0.05). In patients with available data on both GTV1 and GTV2, absolute GTV1 before RT was not significantly associated with survival (HR 0-69, 0.32-1.49, p > 0.05) but GTV2 significantly predicted OS in a model adjusted for age, T stage, and chemotherapy, with an HR of 3.7 (1.01-13.53, p = 0.04) per 300 ml. The absolute decrease from GTV1 to GTV2 was correlated to survival, where every decrease by 50 ml reduced the HR by 0.8 (CI 0.64-0.99, p = 0.04). There was no evidence for a survival effect of the relative change between GTV1 and GTV2. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that independently of T stage, the re-planning GTV during RCT is a significant and superior survival predictor compared to baseline GTV before RT. Patients with a high absolute (rather than relative) change in GTV during RT show a superior survival outcome after RCT.

The global burden of chronic urticaria for the patient and society.

Chronic urticaria (CU) affects about 1% of the world population of all ages, mostly young and middle-aged women. It usually lasts for several years (> 1 year in 25-75% of patients) and often takes > 1 year before effective management is implemented. It presents as chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) or both in the same person. More than 25% of cases are resistant to H1 -antihistamines, even at higher doses, and third- and fourth-line therapies (omalizumab and ciclosporin) control the disease only in two-thirds of H1 -antihistamine-resistant patients. Here we review the impact of CU on different aspects of patients' quality of life and the burden of this chronic disease for the patient and society. CU may have a strong impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), particularly when CSU is associated with angio-oedema and/or CIndU (Dermatology Life Quality Index > 10 in 30% of patients). Comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which are present in more than 30% of patients with CSU, compound HRQoL impairment. Severe pruritus and the unpredictable occurrence of weals and angio-oedema are responsible for sleep disorders; sexual dysfunction; limitations on daily life, work and sports activities; interfering with life within the family and in society; and patients' performance at school and work (6% absenteeism and 25% presenteeism). Apart from treatment costs, with annual values between 900 and 2400 purchasing power parity dollars (PPP$) in Europe and the USA, CU is associated with a high consumption of medical resources and other indirect costs, which may reach a total annual cost of PPP$ 15 550.

MRGPRX2 and Immediate Drug Hypersensitivity: Insights From Cultured Human Mast Cells.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mast cell (MC) degranulation via activation of the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2) plays a key role in immediate drug hypersensitivity (IDH). However, data in humans are limited to observations in specific cell lines. Objective: To study the usefulness of silencing MRGPRX2 in human MCs with the aim of further unveiling the MRGPRX2 pathway in IDH. METHODS: MCs were cultured from CD34+ progenitor cells obtained from peripheral blood (PBCMCs) and incubated with substance P (as a positive control), rocuronium, moxifloxacin, morphine, or amoxicillin. Immunophenotyping of the cells included flow cytometry and microscopy analyses of the expression of CD117, CD203c, and MRGPRX2. Intracellular calcium was measured using Fluo-4. Degranulation was analyzed by quantifying CD63 expression. For MRGPRX2 silencing, MCs were electroporated with Dicer small interference RNAs. RESULTS: Incubation of MCs with substance P, morphine, and moxifloxacin increased intracellular calcium levels and triggered MC degranulation, which, for the drugs, is almost completely abolished by selective MRGPRX2 silencing. Despite an increase in intracellular calcium in MRGPRX2+ cells, incubation with nontoxic concentrations of rocuronium does not result in degranulation of PBCMCs. Amoxicillin has no effect on PBCMCs. CONCLUSION: The use of MRGPRX2 silencing in human MCs can provide important insights into the role of MRGPRX2 in the pathogenesis of IDH. As induction of calcium signals does not necessarily translate into a secretory response, measurement of the degranulation reaction seems more meaningful in the context of drug testing.

The Chronic Urticaria Registry: rationale, methods and initial implementation.

BACKGROUND: Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common disease, characterized by the recurrent appearance of wheals, angioedema or both for more than 6 weeks. Its underlying biology is not well understood, and many patients do not obtain sufficient relief from recommended treatments. Patient registries are rapidly growing as a form of research, because they can provide powerful, data-driven insights about the epidemiology of diseases, real-world effectiveness of treatments, rare patient types, safety monitoring, healthcare costs and opportunities for quality improvement of healthcare delivery. OBJECTIVES: The Chronic Urticaria Registry (CURE) has been designed to improve the scientific understanding, clinical treatment and healthcare planning of CU patients. This report describes the rationale, methods and initial implementation of this registry. METHODS: Chronic Urticaria Registry is an ongoing, prospective, international, multicentre, observational, voluntary registry of patients with CU. Participation in CURE is open to any physician treating CU patients, regardless of location, medical specialty or type of practice setting. CURE aims to collect data on all CU patients, with no intentional selection or exclusion criteria. It collects baseline and follow-up data on the patient's demographics, history, symptoms, trigger and risk factors, therapies and healthcare utilization. RESULTS: Chronic Urticaria Registry is a landmark achievement of the global urticaria medical community. As of 26 February 2020, 39 centres around the world have joined the registry and 35 have entered baseline data on a total of 2946 patients. Publications of this data will be forthcoming soon. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic Urticaria Registry is eagerly seeking the participation of more physicians and the support of more governmental, charitable and commercial sponsors from around the world. Here, in this paper, we invite other physicians to join this unique project to improve the lives of patients with CU.

Variability of disease activity in patients with hereditary angioedema type 1/2: longitudinal data from the Icatibant Outcome Survey.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary angioedema due to C1 inhibitor deficiency (HAE-1/2) is a chronic and debilitating disease. The unpredictable clinical course represents a significant patient burden. OBJECTIVE: To analyse longitudinal registry data from the Icatibant Outcome Survey (IOS) in order to characterize temporal changes in disease activity in patients with HAE-1/2. METHODS: Icatibant Outcome Survey (NCT01034969) is an international observational registry monitoring the clinical outcomes of patients eligible for icatibant treatment. The current analyses are based on data collected between July 2009 and July 2019. Retrospective data for attacks recorded in the 12 months prior to IOS enrolment and for each 12-month period up to 7 years were analysed. RESULTS: Included patients reported angioedema attacks without long-term prophylaxis (LTP; n = 315) and with LTP (n = 292) use at the time of attack onset. Androgens were the most frequently used LTP option (80.8%). At the population level, regardless of LTP use, most patients (52-80%) reporting <5 attacks in Year 1 continued experiencing this rate; similarly, many patients (25-76%) who reported high attack frequency continued reporting ≥10 attacks/year. However, year on year, 31-51% of patients experienced notable changes (increase/decrease of ≥5 attacks) in annual attack frequency. Of patients who reported an absolute change of ≥10 attacks from Year 1 to 2, 17-50% continued to experience a change of this magnitude in subsequent years. CONCLUSION: At the population level, attack frequency was generally consistent over 7 years. At the small group level, 28.8-34.5% of patients reported a change in attack frequency of ≥5 attacks from Year 1 to Year 2; up to half of these patients continued to experience this magnitude of variation in disease activity in later years, reflecting high intra-patient variability.

Autologous serum skin test reactions in chronic spontaneous urticaria differ from heterologous cell reactions.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is due to mast cell (MC)-activating autoantibodies, which are screened for by the autologous serum skin test (ASST) and basophil tests (BTs). Many CSU patients are positive in only one of these tests. How often this occurs and why is currently unknown. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the prevalence of mismatched ASST and BTs in CSU patients, and to investigate possible reasons for these mismatches. METHODS: We determined the rates of ASST+/BT- and ASST-/BT+ mismatches in published CSU studies. We assessed sera from 48 CSU patients by ASST, two BTs (basophil histamine release assay, BHRA; basophil activation test, BAT), a MC histamine release assay (MCHRA) and by ex vivo skin microdialysis (SMD). RESULTS: The ASST/BT mismatch rate in published CSU studies was 31% (ASST+/BT-: 22%, ASST-/BT+: 9%). In our patients, the ASST/BHRA and ASST/BAT mismatch rate was 35.4% (ASST+/BHRA-: 18.8% and ASST-/BHRA+: 16.7%) and 31.3% (ASST+/BAT-: 6.3% and ASST-/BAT+: 25.0%), respectively, and the two BTs were significantly correlated (P = 0.0002). The use of heterologous MCs, in vitro and in situ, instead of basophils produced similar results (MCHRA mismatch: 47.9%, ASST+/MCHRA-: 18.8%, ASST-/MCHRA+: 29.2%; SMD mismatch: 40.0%, ASST+/SMD-: 10.0% and ASST-/SMD+: 30.0%), and the MCHRA was highly correlated with SMD results (P = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: The ASST and BTs show divergent results in a third of CSU patients. Mismatches cannot be explained by the choice of basophil assay, the type of heterologous cells exposed to CSU serum in vitro (basophils vs. mast cells), nor the experimental setting of heterologous skin mast cells (in vitro vs. in situ). Thus, serum-induced whealing, in CSU patients, seems to involve autologous skin signals modulating MC degranulation.

Interleukin-17 is a potential player and treatment target in severe chronic spontaneous urticaria.

BACKGROUND: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is considered an autoimmune disorder in 50% of cases at least, in which T- and mast cell mediators are considered to be the primary cause of symptoms. However, H1 -antihistamines, cyclosporine A, and omalizumab fail to achieve complete symptom amelioration in up to 70% of patients. This suggests that other inflammatory pathways are involved and that additional and more effective treatments need to be developed. OBJECTIVE: This preliminary report examines the possibility that interleukin-17 (IL-17), a cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases, may contribute to CSU and its inhibition may offer a relevant therapeutic target. METHODS: The expression of IL-17A in skin biopsies of 20 CSU patients and 10 healthy controls was determined by quantitative histomorphometry. We also assessed the response to secukinumab (anti-IL-17A) treatment patients of eight severe CSU (7-day urticaria activity score UAS7 32-40) who were H1 -antihistamine and omalizumab-resistant. RESULTS: Increased numbers of CD4+ T cells and mast cells were present in both lesional and non-lesional skin of CSU patients compared with healthy controls. Both types of cells were strongly positive for IL-17A and found to be in close proximity to each other. All eight patients treated with the anti-IL-17A antibody, secukinumab, showed significant improvement in CSU disease activity. The action of secukinumab was shown to be relatively slow in onset. The significant reduction in disease activity from baseline UAS7 was demonstrated to be 55% and 82% at 30 and 90 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that IL-17 is involved in the pathogenesis of CSU and that IL-17 should be investigated as a therapeutic target in future studies with larger numbers of patients.

Quality of teaching radiation oncology in Germany-where do we stand? : Results from a 2019 survey performed by the working group "young DEGRO" of the German Society of Radiation Oncology.

PURPOSE: Medical students' knowledge of radiation oncology (RO) is of increasing importance with a rising prevalence of malignancies. However, RO teaching in medical schools is heterogeneous and has not been analyzed at a federal level yet. Therefore, the following survey aims to provide a national overview of RO teaching in Germany. METHODS: A questionnaire containing multiple-choice and free-text questions covering the extent and topics of RO teaching was sent to RO departments of all university hospitals in Germany and was answered by the heads of department/main lecturers. RESULTS: 24/35 (68.6%) RO departments returned completed forms. Most faculties employ lectures (91.7%), seminars (87.5%), and practical/bedside training (75.0%), whereas training in radiation biology and medical physics are rare (25% and 33.3%, respectively). Main topics covered are general RO (100%), radiation biology (91.7%), and side effects (87.5%). Regarding RO techniques and concepts, image-guided and intensity-modulated radiotherapy are taught at all faculties, followed by palliative and stereotactic techniques (87.5% each). Notably, all departments offered at least a partial rotation in RO in conjunction with radiology and/or nuclear medicine departments in the last year of medical school, while only 70.8% provided a complete rotation in RO. In addition, 57.1% of the departments have taken measures concerning the upcoming National Competence-Based Learning Objectives Catalogue (NKLM) for medical education. CONCLUSION: RO plays an integral but underrepresented role in clinical medical education in Germany, but faces new challenges in the development of practical and competence-based education, which will require further innovative and interdisciplinary concepts.

T helper 22 cells from Han Chinese patients with atopic dermatitis exhibit high expression of inducible T-cell costimulator.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a heterogeneous disease, characterized by excess T helper (Th) 22 activation in Asian AD. Inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS) is crucial for T-cell activation and differentiation. However, the role of ICOS in AD and its effect on Th22 cells remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: To gain a better understanding of the role of ICOS and ICOS ligand (ICOSL) in the pathogenesis of Asian AD and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: We quantified ICOS and ICOSL expression in Han Chinese patients with AD and healthy controls (HC). Then, we assessed the proliferation and the production of the Th22 chemokines CCR4 and CCR10 by ICOSL-stimulated AD peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as well as their effects on keratinocyte filaggrin production. Finally, we explored the link between ICOS-expressing Th22 cells and disease activity and IgE levels in our patients with AD. RESULTS: Our patients with AD showed higher levels of ICOS-expressing Th22 cells as well as ICOSL-expressing CD19+ B cells and CD14+ monocytes compared with HC. ICOSL increased the proliferation and expression of CCR4 and CCR10, and of interleukin (IL)-22 in AD PBMCs. ICOSL treatment also significantly increased the downregulation of filaggrin expression by keratinocytes cocultured with PBMCs from patients with AD. Finally, blood levels of ICOS+ Th22 cells and ICOSL+ B cells in this AD cohort were correlated with disease activity as assessed by the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis index and with total IgE levels. In Han Chinese patients with AD, circulating Th22 cells, serum levels of IL-22 and IL-22+ cells in lesional skin were all markedly increased. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that ICOS/ICOSL expression and effects are linked to Th22 skewing and the pathogenesis of Han Chinese AD, which suggests ICOSL and ICOS as well as Th22 cells and IL-22 as new and promising therapeutic targets. What's already known about this topic? In Asian patients, atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by excess T helper (Th) 22 activation. Inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS) is crucial for T-cell activation and differentiation. What does this study add? This study demonstrates that circulating Th22 cells, serum levels of interleukin (IL)-22 and IL-22+ cells are all markedly increased in lesional skin in Han Chinese patients with AD. In Han Chinese patients with AD, ICOS and ICOS ligand (ICOSL) drive Th22 skewing and increase filaggrin downregulation, and ICOS+ Th22 cells and ICOSL+ B cells are linked to disease activity. What is the translational message? ICOS+ Th22 cells and ICOSL+ B cells are potential clinical biomarkers of disease activity in Han Chinese patients with AD. ICOS- and ICOSL-targeted treatment approaches may benefit Han Chinese patients with AD.

Characterization of cowhage-induced pruritus in inflamed and non-inflamed skin.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pruritus is a major symptom of many inflammatory diseases and impacts greatly the quality of life in patients. We aimed to specify the characteristics of experimentally induced pruritus in normal skin and in experimentally induced inflammatory dermatitis in healthy volunteers. METHODS: Skin inflammation was induced by the repeated application of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS 2%) on the volar forearms of 30 healthy volunteers. Inflammatory dermatitis intensity was assessed using the eczema score adapted from Frosch and Kligman. Non-histaminergic pruritus was induced by cowhage spicules rubbed on the volar forearms and recorded for 30 min on a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS) in both non-inflamed and inflamed skin. RESULTS: Induction of inflammatory dermatitis by SLS resulted in a mild inflammatory dermatitis with an inflammation score of 2.3 ± 0.1 within 7 days of treatment. Cowhage-induced pruritus was of markedly higher intensity (P < 0.001), and all but two individuals had higher maximum pruritus intensity in inflamed skin as compared to non-inflamed skin, whereas the kinetics of the pruritus response were similar. The quality of cowhage-induced pruritus was significantly different with more 'burning' and 'painful sensations' in inflamed skin (P < 0.01). Maximum pruritus intensity in inflamed skin strongly correlated with maximum pruritus intensity in non-inflamed skin (r = 0.51, P = 0.004). Skin hydration, skin barrier integrity and dermatitis severity did not correlate with pruritus intensity. CONCLUSION: Taken together, pruritus in inflamed skin is perceived as more intense, painful and burning. This may explain, in part, why pruritus is a major driver of quality-of-life impairment in patients with chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis.

Association of CCL2 with systemic inflammation in Schnitzler syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Schnitzler syndrome (SchS) is a rare autoinflammatory disease characterized by urticarial exanthema, bone and joint alterations, fever and monoclonal gammopathy, which manifest mostly in the second half of life. It involves overactivation of the interleukin (IL)-1 system, but the exact pathophysiological pathways remain largely unknown. OBJECTIVES: To identify and characterize the pathogenetic players in SchS. METHODS: Blood parameters were quantified in patients with SchS compared with healthy controls and patients with psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CCL2 expression in cultured primary cells was analysed by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and ELISA. RESULTS: CCL2, a chemoattractant for monocytic and further mononuclear immune cells, was found to be significantly elevated in patients with SchS. CCL2 levels showed a positive association with global disease activity, especially with bone pain, but not disease duration, gammopathy, neutrophilia or skin disease. In vitro stimulation assays demonstrated a strong CCL2 production capacity of mononuclear immune cells and fibroblasts, but not epithelial or endothelial cells. Among a range of inflammatory mediators, only IL-1ß (immune cells, fibroblasts) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α (fibroblasts) were important CCL2 inducers. TNF-α, but not IL-17, strengthened the CCL2-inducing effect of IL-1ß in fibroblasts. Accordingly, CCL2 levels positively correlated with both TNF-α and IL-1ß serum levels in patients with SchS. Therapeutic IL-1ß blockade decreased CCL2 blood levels in these patients as early as 1 week after the initiation of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: CCL2 may be an important component of the pathogenetic cascade leading to bone alterations, and a suitable marker of disease activity in patients with SchS.

Spectral CT and its specific values in the staging of patients with non-small cell lung cancer: technical possibilities and clinical impact.

AIM: To investigate how spectral computed tomography (SCT) values impact the staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirteen patients with confirmed NSCLC were included in a prospective cohort study. All patients underwent single-phase contrast-enhanced SCT (using the fast tube voltage switching technique, 80-140 kV). SCT values (iodine content [IC], spectral slope pitch, and radiodensity increase) of malignant tissue (primary and metastases) and lymph nodes (LNs) were measured. Adrenal masses were evaluated in a virtual non-contrast series (VNS). If pulmonary embolism was present, pulmonary perfusion was analysed as an additional finding. RESULTS: Fifty-two untreated primary NSCLC lesions were evaluable. Lung adenocarcinoma had significantly higher normalised IC (NIC: 19.37) than squamous cell carcinoma (NIC: 12.03; p=0.035). Pulmonary metastases were not significantly different from benign lung nodules. A total of 126 LNs were analysed and histologically proven metastatic LNs (2.08 mg/ml) had significantly lower IC than benign LNs (2.58 mg/ml; p=0.023). Among 34 adrenal masses, VNS identified adenomas with high sensitivity (91%) and specificity (100%). In two patients, a perfusion defect due to pulmonary embolism was detected in the iodine images. CONCLUSION: SCT may contribute to the differentiation of histological NSCLC subtypes and improve the identification of LN metastases. VNS differentiates adrenal adenoma from metastasis. In case of pulmonary embolism, iodine imaging can visualise associated pulmonary perfusion defects.