Investigating Novel Food Sensitization: A Real-Life Prevalence Study of Cricket, Locust, and Mealworm IgE-Reactivity in Naïve allergic Individuals.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: With the global population on the rise, edible insects are considered a potential solution to food security, although concerns about risks such as anaphylaxis exist. METHODS: 2,014 participants underwent testing with the Allergy Explorer-ALEX-2 including extracts of three novel foods: Acheta Domesticus (Ad), Locusta migratoria (Lm), and Tenebrio molitor (Tm). The IgE-mediated sensitization status was investigated in participants who had never knowingly consumed these insects. Data was recorded using an electronic database. RESULTS: 195 individuals (9.7% of all participants) were sensitized to insects. Tropomyosin was co-recognized by 34%, and 18.5% were positive for arginine kinases. Reactivity to Sarcoplasmic-CB, Troponin-C, Paramyosin, or Myosin-light-chain was found in less than 5% of the population, whereas 108 individuals (55.4%) did not show any reactivity to invertebrate panallergens. Additionally, 33 individuals (16.9%) exhibited monosensitization exclusively to insects. Multivariate analysis revealed an inverse association between arachnid reactivity and sensitization to insect allergens, while Mollusca, Blattoidea, and tropomyosin reactivity displayed a direct relationship. Furthermore, Myosin-light-chain reactivity correlated with Ad and Lm, and Troponin-C with Ad and Tm sensitization. CONCLUSION: Edible insect extract IgE sensitization was observed in individuals without prior exposure to such foods. Mites showed a low likelihood of being primary sensitizers due to their inverse association with insect reactivity. Conversely, the direct association of insect sensitization with mollusk and cockroach extract reactivity suggests their potential as primary sensitizers in these participants. Tropomyosin consistently exhibited a positive association with reactivity to all studied insects, supporting its role as a primary sensitizer.

Quality of life measurement in teledermatology. Position statement of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Forces on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes and Teledermatology.

Many events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have accelerated the implementation of teledermatology pathways within dermatology departments and across healthcare organizations. Quality of Life (QoL) assessment in dermatology is also a rapidly developing field with a gradual shift from theory to practice. The purpose of this paper organized jointly by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Force (TF) on QoL and patient-oriented outcomes and the EADV TF on teledermatology is to present current knowledge about QoL assessment during the use of teledermatology approaches, including data on health-related (HR) QoL instruments used in teledermatology, comparison of influence of different treatment methods on HRQoL after face-to-face and teledermatology consultations and to make practical recommendations concerning the assessment of QoL in teledermatology. The EADV TFs made the following position statements: HRQoL assessment may be an important part in most of teledermatology activities; HRQoL assessment may be easily and effectively performed during teledermatology consultations. It is especially important to monitor HRQoL of patients with chronic skin diseases during lockdowns or in areas where it is difficult to reach a hospital for face-to-face consultation; regular assessment of HRQoL of patients with skin diseases during teledermatology consultations may help to monitor therapy efficacy and visualize individual patient's needs; we recommend the use of the DLQI in teledermatology, including the use of the DLQI app which is available in seven languages; it is important to develop apps for dermatology-specific HRQoL instruments for use in children (for example the CDLQI and InToDermQoL) and for disease-specific instruments.

Quality of life measurement in urticaria: Position statement of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Forces on Quality of Life and Patient-Oriented Outcomes and Urticaria and Angioedema.

The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Forces on quality of life (QoL) and patient-oriented outcomes and on urticaria and angioedema recommendations for the assessment of Health-related (HR) QoL in all patients with urticaria in research and practice are as follows: to use the DLQI for adults and the CDLQI for children as dermatology-specific and the CU-Q2oL as a disease-specific HRQoL instruments in urticaria; to use generic instruments to provide comparison of data on urticaria with non-dermatologic diseases, or to compare with healthy volunteers or the general population; to select validated HRQoL instruments with appropriate age limits; to present exact numeric data for HRQoL results; correct title of any HRQoL instrument should be used, along with its correct abbreviation and the reference to its original publication, where possible. The EADV TFs discourage the use of non-validated HRQoL instruments and modified HRQoL instruments that have not undergone standard validation.

A cross-sectional study on gender differences in body dysmorphic concerns in patients with skin conditions in relation to sociodemographic, clinical and psychological variables.

BACKGROUND: Dysmorphic concern is an overconcern with an imagined or slight defect in physical appearance that can be a symptom of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Appearance-related concerns are frequently reported by people with dermatological conditions. However, relatively little remains known about the relationship between dysmorphic concern and other variables within persons with different skin conditions. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this multicentre, cross-sectional study was to investigate gender differences regarding dysmorphic concern and the prevalence of BDD in a large sample of patients with skin conditions, in relation to sociodemographic, clinical and psychological variables. METHODS: Participants aged ≥18 years with skin conditions were consecutively enrolled in dermatological clinics of 22 European centres. Dysmorphic concern and the possible presence of BDD were measured using the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ) and compared between men and women in relation to sociodemographic, clinical and psychological variables, and separately for each skin condition. RESULTS: The DCQ questionnaire was completed by 5290 dermatological patients. In all categories, mean scores were significantly higher in women than in men. Mean DCQ scores were also higher in women for most skin conditions, with the highest effect size in vitiligo. The percentage of patients who screened positive for BDD on the DCQ was 10.5%, 7.7% of men and 12.7% of women. The prevalence of BDD positive was 6.9% in patients with mild clinical severity, 11.1% for moderate and 19.1% for severe condition. In the multivariate model in patients with mild skin condition, the presence of BDD was positively associated with stress and stigma both in men and in women. CONCLUSIONS: Dysmorphic concern and BDD were more frequent in women than in men with skin conditions. Both received and actual stigmatization might have an impact on body-related concerns, in particular in women, who may be more at risk for sociocultural reasons.

Quality of life measurement in rosacea. Position statement of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Forces on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes and Acne, Rosacea and Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Forces (TFs) on Quality of Life (QoL) and Patient-Oriented Outcomes and Acne, Rosacea and Hidradenitis Suppurativa (ARHS) do not recommend the use of any generic instrument as a single method of Health Related (HR) QoL assessment in rosacea, except when comparing quimp (quality of life impairment) in rosacea patients with that in other non-dermatologic skin diseases and/or healthy controls. The EADV TFs on QoL and Patient-Oriented Outcomes and ARHS recommend the use of the dermatology-specific HRQoL instrument the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the rosacea-specific HRQoL instrument RosaQoL in rosacea patients. The DLQI minimal clinically important difference may be used as a marker of clinical efficacy of the treatment and DLQI score banding of 0 or 1 corresponding to no effect on patients' HRQoL could be an important treatment goal. This information may be added to consensuses and guidelines for rosacea.

Clinical severity of LTP syndrome is associated with an expanded IgE repertoire, FDEIA, FDHIH, and LTP mono reactivity.

Summary: Background. LTP allergy is often a challenge for clinicians. We evaluated a multiplex diagnostic approach with diverse cofactors to stratify LTP syndrome risk. Methods. Of the 1,831 participants screened with 'Allergy Explorer-ALEX-2', 426 had reactions to at least one LTP. Data was gathered and recorded via an electronic database. Results. Reactivity to peach Pru p 3 was found in 77% of individuals with LTP allergy. Higher levels of specific IgE and concurrent sensitization to more than 5 molecules (50% of all LTP-sensitised participants, 62% of symptomatic cases) were significantly associated with an increased risk of severe reactions (p = 0.001). Several cofactors, either alone or in combination, also influenced patients' clinical outcomes. Some cofactors increased the risk of severe reactions, such as mono reactivity to LTP in 44.6% of cases (p = 0.001), FDEIA in 10.8% of patients (p = 0.001), and FDNIH in 11.5% (p = 0.005). On the other hand, reactivity to PR10 (24.2%; p = 0.001), profilin hypersensitivity (10.3%; p = 0.001), and/or atopic dermatitis (16.7%; p = 0.001) had a mitigating effect on symptom severity. Conclusions. Clinical severity of LTP syndrome is associated with an expanded IgE repertoire in terms of the number of LTP components recognized and increased IgE levels in individual molecules. Ara h 9, Cor a 8, and Mal d 3 showed the strongest association with clinical severity. In addition, several cofactors may either exacerbate (FDEIA, FDHIH, and LTP monoreactivity) or ameliorate (atopic dermatitis and co-sensitization to profilin and/or PR10) individual patient outcomes. These factors may be utilized for the daily clinical management of LTP syndrome.

Quality of life assessment in core outcome sets: A position statement of the EADV Task Force on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes.

Core outcome sets (COSs) are an agreed standardized collection of outcomes that should be measured and reported in all clinical trials for a specific clinical condition. Tsekhe aim of our position paper by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Force on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes was to identify the challenges and Patient Oriented Outcomes advantages in the development of COSs within dermatological QoL research. Twelve EADV Task Force multidisciplinary team members presented a total of 101 items (51 advantages and 50 disadvantages). All participants considered that COS are beneficial for comparison between different studies, treatments, dermatological diseases, geographical location and ethnicities. In conclusion, the EADV Task Force on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes has recognized the primacy of advantages of COS and deliberated that the disadvantages in COS are related to development process and use of COS.

Immunofluorescence mapping, electron microscopy and genetics in the diagnosis and sub-classification of inherited epidermolysis bullosa: a single-centre retrospective comparative study of 87 cases with long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) comprises a heterogeneous group of skin fragility disorders, classified in four major types based on skin cleavage level, i.e. EB simplex (EBS), junctional EB (JEB), dystrophic EB (DEB), Kindler EB, and in more than 30 subtypes defined by the combination of laboratory and clinical data, including disease course. OBJECTIVES: Our aims were to address whether, in the age of genomics, electron microscopy (TEM) has still a role in diagnosing EB, and whether the genotype per se may be sufficient to sub-classify EB. METHODS: A thoroughly characterized single-centre EB case series was retrospectively evaluated to compare the power of TEM with immunofluorescence mapping (IFM) in establishing the EB type, and the ability of TEM, IFM and genetics to predict selected EB subtypes, i.e. severe dominant EBS (DEBS), severe JEB, severe recessive DEB (RDEB) and DEB self-improving, using genetic and final diagnosis, respectively, as gold standard. RESULTS: The series consisted of 87 patients, including 44 newborns, with a median follow-up of 54 months. Ninety-five mutations were identified in EB-associated genes, including 25 novel variants. Both IFM and TEM were diagnostic in about all cases of JEB (21/21 for both) and DEB (43/44 for IFM, 44/44 for TEM). TEM sensitivity was superior to IFM for EBS (19/20 vs. 16/19). As to EB subtyping, IFM performed better than genetics in identifying severe JEB cases due to laminin-332 defect (14/14 vs. 10/14) and severe RDEB (eight/nine vs. seven/nine). Genetics had no role in self-improving DEB diagnosis; it almost equalled TEM in predicting severe DEBS (eight/nine vs. nine/nine) and enabled to discriminate dominant from recessive non-severe DEB phenotypes and to identify special subtypes, e.g. DEBS with KLHL24 mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Transmission electron microscopy remains relevant to the diagnosis of EBS. IFM and genetics are essential and complementary tools in the vast majority of EB cases.

Quality of life measurement in alopecia areata. Position statement of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Force on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes.

New treatment options may lead to an increased interest in using reliable and sensitive instruments to assess health-related quality of life in people with alopecia areata (AA). The purpose of this paper is to present current knowledge about quality of life assessment in AA. The dermatology-specific Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was the most widely reported health-related quality of life instrument used in AA. Three AA-specific (Alopecia Areata Symptom Impact Scale, Alopecia Areata Quality of Life Index and Alopecia Areata Patients' Quality of Life) and three hair disease-specific instruments (Hairdex, Scalpdex and 'hair-specific Skindex-29') were identified with a range of content and validation characteristics: there is little evidence yet of the actual use of these measures in AA. Scalpdex is the best-validated hair disease-specific instrument. Further extensive validation is needed for all of the AA-specific instruments. The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Force on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes recommends the use of the dermatology-specific DLQI questionnaire, hair disease-specific Scalpdex and the alopecia areata-specific instruments the Alopecia Areata Symptom Impact Scale or Alopecia Areata Quality of Life Index, despite the limited experience of their use. We hope that new treatment methods will be able to improve both clinical signs and health-related quality of life in patients with AA. In order to assess the outcomes of trials on these new treatment methods, it would be helpful when further development and validation of AA-specific instruments is being encouraged and also conducted.

Sex- and gender-associated clinical and psychosocial characteristics of patients with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Sex and gender may affect disease prevalence, adverse effects and response to therapy. AIM: To analyse sex and gender differences in outpatients with psoriasis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at IDI-IRCCS, Rome, over a 3-year period. In total, 3023 patients with psoriasis were enrolled. Anthropometric and demographic characteristics were recorded, and a dermatologist evaluated the clinical severity of disease. Quality of life (QoL) questionnaires were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine factors associated with sex. RESULTS: We found sex- and gender-associated differences in clinical characteristics, disease severity, psychological distress and quality of life. Male sex was associated with body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, Psoriasis Area Severity Index ≥ 10 and age at onset ≥ 20 years. Female sex was associated with family history of diabetes, joint involvement, clinical type other than diffuse plaque psoriasis, higher psychological distress and a greater effect on QoL. CONCLUSION: Our study identified sex and gender differences of potential clinical relevance in psoriasis.

Position statement of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Force on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes on quality of life issues in dermatologic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic of COVID-19 is a global challenge for health care, and dermatologists are not standing apart from trying to meet this challenge. The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) has collected recommendations from its Task Forces (TFs) related to COVID-19. The Journal of the EADV has established a COVID-19 Special Forum giving free access to related articles. The psychosocial effects of the pandemic, an increase in contact dermatitis and several other skin diseases because of stress, disinfectants and protective equipment use, especially in healthcare workers, the temporary limited access to dermatologic care, the dilemma whether or not to pause immunosuppressive therapy, and, finally, the occurrence of skin lesions in patients infected by COVID-19 all contribute to significant quality of life (QoL) impairment. Here, we present detailed recommendations of the EADV TF on QoL and patient-oriented outcomes on how to improve QoL in dermatologic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic for several different groups of patients and for the general population.

Quality of life measurement in hidradenitis suppurativa: position statement of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology task forces on Quality of Life and Patient-Oriented Outcomes and Acne, Rosacea and Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

This paper is organized jointly by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Force (TF) on Quality of Life (QoL) and Patient-Oriented Outcomes and the EADV TF on acne, rosacea and hidradenitis suppurativa (ARHS). The purpose of this paper was to present current knowledge about QoL assessment in HS, including data on HS-specific health-related (HR) QoL instruments and HRQoL changes in clinical trials, and to make practical recommendations concerning the assessment of QoL in people with HS. HS results in significant quimp that is higher than in most other chronic skin diseases. HS impact in published studies was assessed predominantly (84% of studies) by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). There is a lack of high-quality clinical trials in HS patients where HRQoL instruments have been used as outcome measures. One double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial on infliximab with low number of participants reported significantly better HRQoL improvement in the treatment group than in the placebo group. Well-designed clinical studies in HS patients to compare different treatment methods, including surgical methods and assessing long-term effects, are needed. Because of lack of sufficient validation, the Task Forces are not at present able to recommend existing HS-specific HRQoL instruments for use in clinical studies. The EADV TFs recommend the dermatology-specific DLQI questionnaire for use in HS patients. The EADV TFs encourage the further development, validation and use of other HS-specific, dermatology-specific and generic instruments but such use should be based on the principles presented in the previous publications of the EADV TF on QoL and Patient-Oriented Outcomes.

An atlas of IgE sensitization patterns in different Italian areas. A multicenter, cross-sectional study.

Summary: Background. The development of recombinant technology supported the allergy diagnostic work-up in the daily clinical practice, representing a useful tool for epidemiological studies. Methods. An atlas of the IgE sensitization profiles found throughout Italy was prepared from a nationwide, multicenter, cross-sectional study. Results. 6052 unselected consecutive individuals, belonging to North-West [NW], North-East [NE], Centre [C], South [S], and Islands subset [Is] were evaluated by means of the ImmunoCAP ISAC test. The top-ranked sensitizations found were Cup a 1 in [C] (58.1%) and [S] (53.6%), Phl p 1 in the North (from 46.1% to 49%), and Cyn d 1 in [Is] (44.2%). High frequency of house dust mite group 2 molecules sensitization was found in [C] (36.9%) and [S] Italy (40.8%), whilst low level of reactivity was recorded in [NW] (20%). Pellitory hypersensitivity was mainly found in [C], [S], and [Is], whilst ragweed Amb a 1 sensitivity was particularly found in [NW] Italy. IgE recognition of PR-10, Profilin, and nsLTP was mutually exclusive in 69.1% of cases, PR-10 reactivity mostly occurring in [NE], Profilin in [NW], and nsLTP molecules recognition mainly recorded in [C] and [S]. Conclusions. Divergent IgE sensitization patterns were found along Italy, possibly linked to the distinct geographical locations, indicating multiplex system IgE analysis as a reliable approach for epidemiological evaluation even in small geographical areas.

Pla a 2 and Pla a 3 reactivities identify plane tree-allergic patients with respiratory symptoms or food allergy.

Nine hundred and thirty-nine rPla a 1, nPla a 2, and rPla a 3 ImmunoCAP ISAC reactors were studied. nPla a 2pos MUXF3pos but Pla a 1/2neg subjects were excluded from the study because they were cross-reactive carbohydrate determinant reactors. Among the 764 remaining participants, 71.9% were Pla a 3pos , 54.1% Pla a 2pos , and 10.9% Pla a 1pos . Among Pla a 3 reactors, 89.6% were Pru p 3pos and 86.8% Jug 3pos , but the strongest IgE recognition relationship was observed between Pla a 3 and Jug r 3. Distinctive clinical subsets could be documented among plane tree-allergic patients. Pla a 3 reactors had both local and systemic food-induced reactions, but lower past respiratory symptoms occurrence. Pla a 2 reactivity was associated with respiratory symptoms but inversely related to systemic reactions to food. Cosensitization to Pla a 2 and Pla a 3 was associated with a lower past incidence of severe food-induced reactions.

Why quality of life measurement is important in dermatology clinical practice: An expert-based opinion statement by the EADV Task Force on Quality of Life.

The aim of this study was to describe the many ways in which quality of life (QoL) measurement may potentially be advantageous in routine clinical dermatology practice. Thirteen members of the EADV Task Force on Quality of Life, eight dermatologists, three health psychologists, one epidemiologist and one pharmacoepidemiologist, independently listed all of the ways they thought this may be advantageous. A total of 108 different ways of using QoL information in clinical practice were suggested (median per participant = 8, range = 4-15), and were classified into 20 descriptive groups. These were sorted into the following five categories: inform clinical decisions, clinician-patient communication, awareness of skin disease burden, informing the consultation and clinical service administration. The wide range of potential benefits identified may not only encourage clinicians to use these measures but also highlights many areas requiring evidence to establish the true value of routine use of QoL measures.

Measuring the impact of dermatological conditions on family and caregivers: a review of dermatology-specific instruments.

The patient is the centre of a web of relationships, and the impact of his/her disease on family members and caregivers must be taken into account. The aim of this study was to identify the specific instruments that measure the impact of a dermatological disease on the quality of life (QoL) of family members, by performing a systematic search of the literature. Fifteen papers were identified, describing the creation and validation of nine instruments. Four of them concerned atopic dermatitis (Dermatitis Family Index, DFI; Parents' Index QoL Atopic Dermatitis, PiQoL-AD; QoL in primary caregivers of children with atopic dermatitis, QPCAD; Childhood Atopic Dermatitis Impact Scale, CADIS), two measured the impact of psoriasis in family members (Psoriasis Family Index, PFI; FamilyPso), one the impact of epidermolysis bullosa (Epidermolysis Bullosa Burden of Disease, EB-BoD), one of ichthyosis (Family Burden Ichthyosis, FBI), and one was generic for dermatological conditions (Family Dermatology Life Quality Index, FDLQI). The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology quality of life taskforce recommends that the impact of a skin disease on family and caregivers should be measured as part of any thorough evaluation of the burden of a disease. Guidelines are given to choose the most appropriate instruments.