Analysis of Results of Specific IgE in 100 Atopic Dermatitis Patients with the Use of Multiplex Examination ALEX2-Allergy Explorer.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Progress in laboratory diagnostics of IgE-mediated allergy is the use of component-resolved diagnosis. Our study analyses the results of specific IgE to 295 allergen reagents (117 allergenic extracts and 178 molecular components) in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis (AD) with the use of ALEX2 Allergy Explorer. METHOD: The complete dermatological and allergological examination, including the examination of the sensitization to molecular components with ALEX2 Allergy Explorer testing, was performed. The statistical analysis of results was performed with these methods: TURF (total unduplicated reach and frequency), best reach and frequency by group size, two-sided tests, Fisher's exact test, and chi-square test (at an expected minimum frequency of at least 5). RESULTS: Altogether, 100 atopic dermatitis patients were examined: 48 men, 52 women, the average age 40.9 years, min. age 14 years, max. age 67 years. The high and very high level of specific IgE was reached in 75.0% of patients to 18 molecular components: from PR-10 proteins (Aln g 1, Bet v 1, Cor a1.0103, Cor a1.0401, Fag s 1), lipocalin (Can f 1), NPC2 family (Der f 2, Der p 2), uteroglobin (Fel d 1), from Alternaria alternata (Alt a 1), Beta expansin (Lol p 1, Phl p 1), molecular components from Timothy, cultivated rye (Secc pollen) and peritrophin-like protein domain Der p 23. The high and very high level of specific IgE to other lipocalins (Fel d 7, Can f 4), to arginine kinase (Bla g 9, German cockroach), and to allergen extracts Art v (mugwort), and Cyn d (Bermuda grass) reached 52.0% of patients. The severity of AD is in significant relation to the sensitization to molecular components of storage mites (Gly d 2, Lep d 2-NPC2 family), lipocalins (Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 4, and Can f 6), arginine kinase (Asp f 6, Bla g 9, Der p 20, Pen m 2), uteroglobin (Fel d 1, Ory c 3), Mn superoxide dismutase (Mala s 11), PR-10 proteins (Fag s 1, Mal d 1, Cor a 1.0401, Cor a 1.0103), molecular components of the peritrophin-like domain (Der p 21, Der p 23), and to Secc pollen. In the subgroup of patients suffering from bronchial asthma, the significant role play molecular components from house dust mites and storage mites (Lep d 2, Der p 2, Der f 2-NPC2 family), cysteine protease (Der p 1), peritrophin-like protein domain (Der p 21, Der p 23), enolase from Alternaria alternata (Alt a 6), and Beta expansin Phl p 1. CONCLUSION: The results of our study demonstrate the detailed profile of sensitization to allergens reagents (allergen extract and molecular components) in patients with atopic dermatitis. We show the significance of disturbed epidermal barrier, resulting in increased penetration of allergens. We confirmed the significant relationship between the severity of AD, the occurrence of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis, and high levels of specific IgE to allergen reagents. Our results may be important for regime measures and immunotherapy; Der p 23 shall be considered as an essential component for the diagnosis and specific immunotherapy of house dust mite allergy.

Atopic Dermatitis and Sensitisation to Molecular Components of Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Malassezia-Results of Allergy Explorer ALEX 2.

Progress in laboratory diagnostics of IgE-mediated allergies is being made through the use of component-resolved diagnosis. The aim of our study is to analyze the sensitization profile to allergen reagents in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis with the use of the ALEX 2-Allergy Explorer and especially to show the sensitization to molecular components of molds and yeast. The complete dermatological and allergological examination including the examination of the sensitization to allergen reagents with Allergy Explorer ALEX 2 testing was performed. The relation between the sensitization to molecular components of molds and yeast and the severity of atopic dermatitis, and the occurrence of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis was evaluated. Altogether, 100 atopic dermatitis patients were examined-48 men and 52 women, with an average age of 40.9 years. The sensitization to Mala s 6, Mala s 11, Sac c, Asp f 6, Cla h and Cla h 8 correlates to the severity of atopic dermatitis. The sensitization to Sac c, Alt a 6, Cla h, Cla h 8 was observed significantly more frequently in patients suffering from bronchial asthma to Mala s 6 in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis. In patients with severe form of atopic dermatitis (AD), a very high level of specific IgE was recorded to Mala s 11 (in 36%) and to Asp f 6 (in 12%).

Sensitization to Molecular Components in 104 Atopic Dermatitis Patients in Relation to Subgroups of Patients Suffering from Bronchial Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The progression from AD to bronchial asthma (AB) and allergic rhinitis (AR) is called atopic march. The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in the sensitization to molecular components in patients suffering from AD in relation to subgroups of patients with AR and AB. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The complete dermatological and allergological examinations were performed. Specific IgE antibodies against 112 molecular components were measured with the multiplex ImmnoCAP ISAC test. RESULTS: Altogether 104 atopic dermatitis patients (50 men, 54 women) at the average age 40.1 years were examined. The sensitization to molecular components was confirmed in 93.3% of patients. The sensitization to components of mites, grasses, trees, animals, moulds, and shrimps was significantly more frequent in patients with severe form of AD and the sensitization to components of grasses, trees, and moulds was significantly higher in subgroup of patients with AB. In subgroup of patients suffering from AR the higher occurrence of pollen-derived and pollen-food derived PR-10 proteins, grasses, mites, and animals was observed also. CONCLUSIONS: We have confirmed the significant differences in the sensitization to molecular components in patients suffering from severe form of AD, and in subgroups of patients suffering from AB and AR. These molecular components may play the important role in the consecutive development of different allergy pathologies called atopic march.

Melanoma Incidence in Czech Republic, the Relation between Histology, Body Site of Melanoma, and Duration of Lesions.

AIM: To evaluate the occurrence of melanoma in the period 1996-2017 in East Bohemia region in the Czech Republic. METHOD: We studied the incidence of melanoma and the age of diagnosis (adjusted calculation) and the parameters such as histology, body site of lesions, the length of the duration of lesions in 2810 patients. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: No change in the occurrence of melanoma and in age of melanoma during this period was found. The difference between men and women was not confirmed in histology, but the difference between men and women was confirmed in the body site of lesion and in the length of duration of lesion. No relation between the length of duration of lesions from which melanoma had originated and its histology was confirmed. The relation was confirmed between histology and body site of melanoma. The relation between the body site and the length of duration of previous lesions was confirmed also. The increasing occurrence of melanoma on the trunk according to the duration of the previous lesions was confirmed.

Epidemiology of Melanoma in the Czech Republic in East Bohemia in the Period 2002-2017 and the Effect of the Annual Sunshine Exposure.

AIM: The evaluation of the trend in the occurrence of melanoma nodulare, melanoma superficiale, lentigo maligna and melanoma in situ in the period of 2002-2017 in East Bohemia region in the Czech Republic. We examine if the annual numbers of hours of sunshine could affect the number of patients with melanoma. METHOD: In the peridod of 2002-2017, altogether 2230 patients with new diagnosis of melanoma were examined. We studied 1) If there is some trend in the occurrence of lentigo maligna and melanoma in situ, melanoma superficiale, and melanoma nodulare and if there is a difference in the age of patients with this diagnosis (adjusted calculation of specific kind of melanomas and adjusted calculation of age). 2) If the annual numbers of hours of sunshine affect the trend in the occurrence of melanoma and if the annual numbers of hours of sunshine affect the body site of melanoma. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed that the number of patients with lentigo maligna and melanoma in situ had increased in East Bohemia region in the period of 2002-2017. The number of melanomas of nodular and superficial type does not increase. The total number of melanomas in this period does not increase either. No difference of the age of patients with melanoma nodulare, superficiale, lentigo maligna and melanoma in situ was confirmed. We confirmed no relation of the annual numbers of hours of sunshine to the number of melanoma and to the body site of melanoma.

The Occurrence of Food Hypersensitivity Reactions and the Relation to the Sensitization to Grass and Trees in Atopic Dermatitis Patients 14 Years of Age and Older.

BACKGROUND: Although epidemiologic data are scarce, there is no doubt that the increase in pollen allergies is going to be followed by an increase in the so-called pollen-related food allergies. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the food hypersensitivity reactions in atopic dermatitis patients and the relation to the sensitization to grass and trees. METHODS: The complete dermatological and allergological examinations were performed in all included patients; the occurrence of food hypersensitivity reactions was recorded and the sensitization to inhalant allergens (grass and trees) was examined (skin prick test, and specific IgE). The statistical evaluation of the relation between the sensitization to these inhalant allergens and the occurrence of food hypersensitivity reactions was performed. RESULTS: A total of 321 patients were included, with an average age of 26.7 years (±9.2 years) and with an average SCORAD of 33.2 (±13.3) points. The significant relation was recorded between the patients suffering from sensitization to grass and the reactions to peanuts, celery and walnuts; another significant relation was demonstrated between the patients suffering from sensitization to trees and reactions to apple, peanuts, and walnuts. In patients suffering from sensitization to grass and trees, the occurrence of food hypersensitivity reactions to tomatoes, kiwi, spices, oranges, capsicum, tangerines, and carrot was higher also, but the relation was not significant. CONCLUSION: The significant relation was found between the reactions to peanuts and walnuts and sensitization to grass and trees, another significant relation was found between the sensitization to grass and celery and between the sensitization to trees and apple.

Evaluation of Peripheral Blood Eosinophilia in Adolescent and Adult Patients Suffering from Atopic Dermatitis and the Relation to the Occurrence of Allergy to Aeroallergens.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophils play an important pathogenic role in atopic dermatitis (AD), but its exact function remains to be determined. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to correlate the eosinophil count with the manifestations such as asthma bronchiale, rhinitis, level of total IgE, sensitization to mites, animal dander, bird feather, dust, mixture of grass, mixture of trees, mixture of fungi, duration of lesions (persistent or occasional during last year), family history about atopy, and onset of AD (under or above 5 year of age). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-two patients suffering from AD at the age of 14 year or older were examined - 100 men and 172 women with the average age of 26.7±9.5 years and with the average SCORAD index of 32.9±14.1. Complete dermatological and allergological examinations were performed in all patients with the evaluation of monitored manifestations. Mann-Whitney test for difference in medians was used for statistical evaluation. RESULTS: The count of eosinophils in peripheral blood was significantly higher in patients with total IgE ≥200 IU/ml, with sensitization to dust, with persistent eczematous lesions and in patients with the onset of AD under 5 year of age. The count of eosinophils above 5% was recorded as well in patients suffering from asthma bronchiale, rhinitis, sensitization to mites, and in patients with positive family history about atopy, but the difference was not significant. On the other hand, the count of eosinophils was under 5% in patients with sensitization to animal dander, bird feather, mixture of grass and trees. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated the difference in the count of eosinophils in peripheral blood according to different manifestations in patients suffering from AD.

Allergy to Peanuts in Atopic Dermatitis Patients 14 Year or Older and the Association with Food Hypersensitivity, Inhalant Allergens, Asthma Bronchiale and Rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: In adult patients suffering from atopic dermatitis (AD), studies investigating the co-prevalence of AD and food allergy are still scarce, and exact data are not available. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the occurrence of food allergy to peanuts in significant relation to food hypersensitivity, inhalant allergy and to asthma bronchial and rhinitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Altogether 332 patients of AD 14 year or older were included in the study. The complete dermatological and allergological examinations were performed in all included patients (including examination of specific immunoglobulin E, skin prick test to different food and inhalant allergens, anamnestic data about food reactions, evaluation of allergic rhinitis, and allergic asthma bronchiale). We evaluated whether there was some relation between the food allergy to peanuts and followed parameters. Pairs of these categories were entered in the contingency tables, and the Chi-square test for the relationship of these variables was performed with the level of significance set to 5%. RESULTS: Altogether 332 persons suffering from AD were included in the study of which 120 were male and 212 were female; the average age was 27.2 year. The significant relation between the allergy to peanuts and the occurrence of food hypersensitivity (FH) reactions to tomatoes, kiwi, apples, oranges, carrot and to the sensitization to grass, trees, mites, and the occurrence of rhinitis was found. CONCLUSION: The significant relation between the allergy to peanuts and the occurrence of FH reactions and the sensitization to inhalant allergens and rhinitis was found. The future studies may show if the decrease in food allergy to peanuts can lead to the decrease of the occurrence of other FH reactions and sensitization to inhalant allergens and rhinitis in AD patients.

Sensitisation to outdoor and indoor fungi in atopic dermatitis patients and the relation to the occurrence of food allergy to peanuts and walnuts.

The aim of this study is the evaluation of the relation between the sensitisation to outdoor and indoor fungi and allergy to peanuts and walnuts in atopic dermatitis patients aged 14 years and older. The complete dermatological and allergological examinations were performed in all included patients; the occurrence of food allergy to peanuts and walnuts was recorded (specific IgE, skin prick test, history of allergic reaction) and the sensitisation to mixture of outdoor fungi and indoor fungi was also examined (skin prick test, specific IgE). The statistical evaluation of the relation between the sensitisation to outdoor and indoor fungi and the occurrence of food allergy to peanuts and walnuts was performed; 329 patients were included in the study, 110 men and 219 women, the average age 26.8 years. The sensitisation to outdoor fungi was recorded in 91 patients (28%), the sensitisation to indoor fungi was recorded in 61 patients (18.5%), the occurrence of food allergy to peanuts was confirmed in 90 (27%) patients and to walnuts in 121 (36.7%) patients. We confirmed, that patients suffering from sensitisation to outdoor fungi suffer significantly more from food allergy to peanuts and walnuts. The significant relation between the sensitisation to indoor fungi and food allergy to peanuts and walnuts was not confirmed.

The severity of atopic dermatitis evaluated with the SCORAD index and the occurrence of bronchial asthma and rhinitis, and the duration of atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was an evaluation of the dependence between the severity of atopic dermatitis evaluated with the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index and the occurrence of other atopic diseases and parameters. METHODS: The complete dermatological and allergological examinations were performed. The statistical evaluation of the dependence between the occurrence of bronchial asthma, rhinitis and duration of the skin lesions, and the severity of atopic dermatitis was performed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Two hundred and eighty-three patients were examined: 89 men and 194 women (average [standard deviation] age, 26.2 ± 9.5 years). The significant relationship was recorded between the severity of atopic dermatitis and bronchial asthma, the occurrence of rhinitis, and the duration of the skin lesions.

Egg Allergy in Adolescent and Adult Patient Suffering from Atopic Dermatitis--Association with Concomitant Allergic Diseases.

BACKGROUND: A few reports demonstrate the occurrence of egg allergy in adolescent and adult patients suffering from atopic dermatitis and the association of this allergy to other food and aeroallergens. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the occurrence of egg allergy in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis at the age 14 years and older and to evaluate the relationship between egg allergy or egg sensitisation and the sensitisation to dust, mites, feather, and animal dander. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Complete dermatological and allergological examination was performed. These parameters were examined: food allergy and food sensitisation to egg white and yolk, to mites, animal dander (mixture), feather and dust. The statistical evaluation of the relations among egg allergy, egg sensitisation and sensitisation to mites, animal dander (mixture), feather and dust was performed. Two hundred and eighty eight patients were included in the study (90 men, 198 women, with the average age 25.2). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Egg allergy was recorded in 5% and egg sensitisation in 20% of patients; sensitisation to dust is recorded more often in patients with positive results in sIgE for egg white and/or yolk.

Analysis of food allergy in atopic dermatitis patients - association with concomitant allergic diseases.

BACKGROUND: A few reports demonstrate the comorbidity of food allergy and allergic march in adult patients. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, if there is some relation in atopic dermatitis patients at the age 14 years and older who suffer from food allergy to common food allergens to other allergic diseases and parameters as bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, duration of atopic dermatitis, family history and onset of atopic dermatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Complete dermatological and allergological examination was performed; these parameters were examined: food allergy (to wheat flour, cow milk, egg, peanuts and soy), the occurrence of bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, duration of atopic dermatitis, family history and onset of atopic dermatitis. The statistical evaluation of the relations among individual parameters monitored was performed. RESULTS: Food allergy was altogether confirmed in 65 patients (29%) and these patients suffer significantly more often from bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis. Persistent atopic dermatitis lesions and positive data in family history about atopy are recorded significantly more often in patients with confirmed food allergy to examined foods as well. On the other hand, the onset of atopic dermatitis under 5 year of age is not recorded significantly more often in patients suffering from allergy to examined foods. CONCLUSION: Atopic dermatitis patients suffering from food allergy suffer significantly more often from allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, persistent eczematous lesions and have positive data about atopy in their family history.

Hypoallergenic diet can influence the severity of atopic dermatitis.

AIM: To evaluate with SCORAD system the contribution of the diagnostic hypoallergenic diet on the severity of atopic dermatitis and especially on the the intensity criteria and subjective parametersin patients over 14 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The diagnostichypoallergenic diet was recommended for the period of 3 weeks. Severity of eczema was scored in agreement with SCORAD score, and especially the intensity criteria (erythema, edema, crusting, excoriations, lichenifications, dryness) and subjective parameters (pruritus, sleeplessness) were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of this diet. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-eight patients suffering from atopic dermatitis were included in the study: 107 women and 41 men with the average age of 26.03 (s.d. 9.6 years), min. 14 max. 63 years. In the end of 3 weeks diagnostic hypoallergenic diet there was a statistically significant reduction in severity of sleepless and pruritus and in all of the intensity criteria except of lichenification. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic hypoallergenic diet can improve the intensity criteria and subjective parameters of atopic dermatitis evaluated in SCORAD, but not the lichenification. We recommend to introduce this diet before a challenge tests and as a temporary medical arrangement in patients suffering from moderate or severe form of atopic dermatitis.

Evaluation of cow's milk allergy in a large group of adolescent and adult patients with atopic dermatitis.

UNLABELLED: Few studies concerning the occurrence of cow's milk allergy with the use of double-blind, placebo controlled food challenge test in adolescents and adult patients suffering from atopic dermatitis exist. AIM: To evaluate the occurrence of cow's milk allergy in adolescents and adults suffering from atopic dermatitis. METHOD: Altogether 179 persons suffering from atopic dermatitis were included in the study: 51 men and 128 women entered the study with the average age of 26.2 (s.d. 9.5 years). Complete dermatological and allergological examinations were performed. RESULTS: The positive results in specific IgE and in skin prick tests were recorded in 12% of patients. According to the open exposure tests and double-blind, placebo controlled food challenge tests these patients are only sensitized to cow's milk without clinical symptoms of allergy. Double-blind, placebo controlled food challenge test confirmed food allergy to cow milk only in one patient (worsening of atopic dermatitis), the oral allergy syndrome was observed in another one patient, occurrence of this allergy was altogether 1.1%. CONCLUSION: Cow's milk allergy rarely plays a role in the worsening of atopic dermatitis in adolescent and adult patients.

Surgical treatment of periodontal intrabony defects with calcium sulphate in combination with beta-tricalcium phosphate: clinical observations two years post-surgery.

The study was designed to evaluate the clinical outcome of a composite material, beta-tricalcium phosphate in combination with calcium sulphate, in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects. The combination of these materials is believed to aid in guided tissue regeneration owing to their properties. A total of 47 teeth with intrabony defects in 26 periodontitis patients were treated with Fortoss Vital (Biocomposites, Staffordshire, U.K.). Clinical parameters were evaluated which included changes in probing depth, clinical attachment level/loss and gingival recession at the baseline and 2 years postoperatively. The mean differences in measurements between the baseline and 2 years postoperatively were a reduction of 2.07 +/- 1.14 mm (p = 0.000) in case of probing depth and a gain of 1.93 +/- 1.36 mm (p = 0.000) in clinical attachment level; but an increase of 0.14 +/- 0.73 mm (p = 0.571) in gingival recession. The study results show that the treatment with a combination of beta tricalcium phosphate and calcium sulphate led to a significantly favorable clinical improvement in periodontal intrabony defects 2 years after the surgery.

Role of ischemia-modified albumin in estimating the extent and scope of cardiac ischemia in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is a laboratory biomarker of cardiac ischemia. Our study aims to determine whether IMA can estimate or represent to any degree the extent of myocardial ischemia. We expect that the higher the marker of cardiac necrosis (maximum value after serial measurements) the greater the preceding cardiac ischemia, indicated by IMA in patients diagnosed with STEMI prior to direct percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We studied 216 patients indicated for direct PCI with a diagnosis of ST elevation myocardial infarction. Biochemical analysis of IMA was carried out using the albumin cobalt binding (ACB®) test. We also obtained relevant values for markers of myocardial necrosis (CK, CK-MB, cTnT). In all patients, there was an increased level of IMA prior to the procedure (116 ± 16.9 kU/l); also raised were levels of CK (17.32 µkat/l), CK-MB (4.85 µkat/l) and cTnT (2.97 µg/l) taken as the maximum values obtained after serial measurements at 12, 18, and 24 h after the procedure. We observed that there was no significant association between increase in IMA and cTnT (R2 = 0.0068, p = 0.483). This was also the case for CK-MB (R2 = 0.0011, p = 0.637). IMA does not estimate the extent of ischemia in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction. However, its absence can be used qualitatively to rule out cardiac ischemia.

The effect of wheat allergy on the course of atopic eczema in patients over 14 years of age.

UNLABELLED: Few studies concerning the importance of wheat allergy affecting the course ofatopic eczema in adolescents and adult patients exist. AIM: The evaluation if wheat allergy can deteriorate the course of atopic eczema. Follow-up of patients with confirmed food allergy to wheat. METHOD: Altogether 179 persons suffering from atopic eczema were included in the study: 51 men and 128 women entered the study with an average age of 26.2 (s.d. 9.5 years) Dermatological and allergological examinations were performed, including skin prick tests, atopy patch tests, and specific serum IgE for wheat, open exposure test and double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge test with wheat flour. RESULTS: Wheat allergy affecting the coures of atopic eczema was confirmed in eight patients (4.5%) out of 179 patients enrolled in this study by double-blind, placebo controlled food challenge test. The course of atopic eczema showed a positive trend in patients with confirmed food allergy at 3, 6, 9, 12 month follow-up (statistical evaluation with paired t-test) after the elimination of wheat flour. CONCLUSION: Wheat allergy may play an important role in the worsening of atopic eczema (acting as a triggering exacerbating factor) only in a minority of adolescents and adult patients (4.5% in our study). The diagnostic methods (skin prick test, specific IgE, atopy patch test, history) cannot be used as separated tests for the determination of food allergy to wheat in patients with atopic eczema.Open exposure tests and double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge should be used for the confirmation of wheat allergy affecting the course of atopic eczema.

The role of atopy patch test in diagnosis of food allergy in atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrom in patients over 14 years of age.

UNLABELLED: Few studies concerning the importance of food allergy in adolescents and adult patients with atopic eczema exist. The atopy patch tests with food have mostly been studied in infants and children since food allergy plays a role especially in this age group. AIM: The evaluation of the contribution of atopy patch tests in the diagnostic work-up of food allergy (to wheat, cow milk, peanuts, soya and eggs) in the patients with atopic eczema older than 14 years of age. METHOD: 120 patients were examined in the study in the diagnostic work-up of food allergy--86 women and 34 men, the mean age 26.5 (s.d. 9.8) and the median SCORAD at the beginning of the study 32.9 (s.d. 14.0). Complete dermatological and allergological examinations in the diagnostic work-up of food allergy were performed (assessment of personal history, assessment of serum specific IgE, skin prick tests, atopy patch tests, diagnostic hypoallergenic diet, food challenge tests with egg, soy, wheat, cow milk and double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge test with cow milk and wheat. The results of atopy patch tests were compared with the results of other diagnostic methods in the diagnosis of food allergy. RESULTS: The food allergy to cow milk and wheat was confirmed in double-blind, placebo controlled food challenge test in few patients in our study (4%). The suspicion of food allergy to egg is in 8 %, to peanuts in 13 % and to soya in 4 % of patients in our study. The assessment of atopy patch tests response seems to be of great importance. The reaction in atopy patch tests with more papules has the greatest diagnostic accuracy for predicting the result of challenge tests. At the beginning and at the end of diagnostic hypoallergenic diet the severity of atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome was recorded in all patients enrolled in the study by evaluating SCORAD. The decrease of SCORAD was statistically important. CONCLUSION: Atopy patch tests alone cannot be used as a single test for the determination of food allergy in patients with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome but such a test, together with other diagnostic methods, can help to trace the food allergy.

Surgical treatment of periodontal intrabony defects with calcium sulphate in combination with beta tricalcium phosphate--a 12-month retrospective clinical evaluation.

Alloplastic bone graft materials are widely been used in combination with barrier membranes to achieve guided tissue regeneration in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical outcome of a composite material, beta tricalcium phosphate in combination with calcium sulphate in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects. The combination of these materials is believed to aid in guided tissue regeneration owing to their properties. Thirty nine intrabony defects in 21 patients were treated with Fortoss Vital (Biocomposites, Staffordshire, UK). Clinical parameters were evaluated including changes in probing depth, clinical attachment level/loss and gingival recession at baseline and one year postoperatively. The mean differences in measurements between the baseline and one year postoperatively are a reduction of 1.98 +/- 1.16 mm (p = 0.000) in case of probing depth and a gain of 1.68 +/- 1.12 mm (p = 0.000) in clinical attachment level and an increase of 0.31 +/- 0.67 mm (p = 0.009) in gingival recession measurements. The study results show that the treatment with a combination of beta tricalcium phosphate and calcium sulphate led to a significantly favorable clinical improvement in periodontal intrabony defects one year postoperatively.