Heterogeneity of sensitization profiles and clinical phenotypes among patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis in Southern European countries-The @IT.2020 multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Pollen allergy poses a significant health and economic burden in Europe. Disease patterns are relatively homogeneous within Central and Northern European countries. However, no study broadly assessed the features of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) across different Southern European countries with a standardized approach. OBJECTIVE: To describe sensitization profiles and clinical phenotypes of pollen allergic patients in nine Southern European cities with a uniform methodological approach. METHODS: Within the @IT.2020 multicenter observational study, pediatric and adult patients suffering from SAR were recruited in nine urban study centers located in seven countries. Clinical questionnaires, skin prick tests (SPT) and specific IgE (sIgE) tests with a customized multiplex assay (Euroimmun Labordiagnostika, Lübeck, Germany) were performed. RESULTS: Three hundred forty-eight children (mean age 13.1 years, SD: 2.4 years) and 467 adults (mean age 35.7 years SD: 10.0 years) with a predominantly moderate to severe, persistent phenotype of SAR were recruited. Grass pollen major allergenic molecules (Phl p 1 and/or Phl p 5) ranged among the top three sensitizers in all study centers. Sensitization profiles were very heterogeneous, considering that patients in Rome were highly poly-sensitized (sIgE to 3.8 major allergenic molecules per patient), while mono-sensitization was prominent and heterogeneous in other cities, such as Marseille (sIgE to Cup a 1: n = 55/80, 68.8%) and Messina (sIgE to Par j 2: n = 47/82, 57.3%). Co-sensitization to perennial allergens, as well as allergic comorbidities also broadly varied between study centers. CONCLUSIONS: In Southern European countries, pollen allergy is heterogeneous in terms of sensitization profiles and clinical manifestations. Despite the complexity, a unique molecular, multiplex, and customized in-vitro IgE test detected relevant sensitization in all study centers. Nevertheless, this geographical diversity in pollen allergic patients imposes localized clinical guidelines and study protocols for clinical trials of SAR in this climatically complex region.

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.

Treatment of bleeding episodes in haemophilia A complicated by a factor VIII inhibitor in patients receiving Emicizumab. Interim guidance from UKHCDO Inhibitor Working Party and Executive Committee.

Emicizumab is a bispecific antibody that activates FX to FXa in the absence of FVIII. It has been shown to reduce bleeding episodes in people with haemophilia A complicated by a FVIII inhibitor. Despite the protection against bleeds, some breakthrough bleeds are inevitable and these may require additional haemostatic treatment. Emicizumab has been associated with severe adverse events when co-administered with activated prothrombin complex concentrate. To minimize the risk of adverse events, the UK Haemophilia Centre Doctors' Organisation issues the following updated interim guidance to its Inhibitor Guidelines for managing patients receiving Emicizumab based on the limit published information available in February 2018.

Pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of a recombinant factor IX product, trenonacog alfa in previously treated haemophilia B patients.

INTRODUCTION: Trenonacog alfa (IB1001) is a recombinant factor IX (rFIX) manufactured in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. IB1001 was evaluated in a multicentre clinical trial with haemophilia B patients. AIM: The aim was to establish IB1001 pharmacokinetic non-inferiority to comparator rFIX, safety and efficacy in previously treated patients (PTPs) with haemophilia B. METHODS: Subjects were severe or moderately severe haemophilia B adult and adolescent PTPs with no history of FIX inhibitors. RESULTS: IB1001 PK non-inferiority to comparator rFIX was demonstrated through ratio of AUC0-∞ in 32 subjects. IB1001 was well tolerated in all 76 treated subjects; the most common adverse drug reaction was headache (2.6% of subjects) and there were no reports of FIX inhibitors. Transient non-inhibitory binding FIX antibodies and anti-CHO cell protein antibodies developed in 21% and 29% of subjects respectively; no safety concerns were associated with development of these antibodies. Prophylaxis (mean duration ± SD: 17.9 ± 9.6 months, mean dose: 55.5 ± 12.9 IU/kg, median 1.0 infusion per week) was effective in preventing bleeds (median annual bleed rate: 1.52, interquartile range: 0.0-3.46). One or two IB1001 infusions resolved 84% of the bleeds, while for 84% of treatments haemostatic efficacy of IB1001 was rated excellent or good. IB1001 haemostatic efficacy for all 19 major surgeries was rated adequate or better than adequate. CONCLUSIONS: IB1001 is safe and efficacious for treatment of bleeds, routine prophylaxis and perioperative management in haemophilia B patients.

New findings on inhibitor development: from registries to clinical studies.

The high incidence of inhibitors against factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates in patients with haemophilia A has encouraged debate as to whether product-type plays a role. There is debate in the literature as to whether rFVIII concentrates are associated with a higher incidence of inhibitors compared to pdFVIII products. The management of haemophilia in patients with inhibitors includes on-demand/prophylaxis treatment with bypassing agents, and/or immune tolerance induction (ITI). However, these options create an economic and emotional burden on patients, their families and healthcare practitioners. Although ITI eliminates inhibitors successfully in 60-80% of cases, it is costly. Despite high costs, preliminary data from a decision analytical model have indicated that ITI is economically advantageous compared with on-demand/prophylactic treatment with bypassing agents. In patients with persistent inhibitors and those who are not candidates for ITI or have failed ITI, bleeding-related mortality and morbidity increase and quality of life decreases, compared with non-inhibitor patients. This article provides an update on the risk of inhibitor development and discusses best management approaches for patients with high-risk factors for inhibitor development.

Natural history and clinical characteristics of inhibitors in previously treated haemophilia A patients: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Development of inhibitors is the most serious complication in haemophilia A treatment. The assessment of risk for inhibitor formation in new or modified factor concentrates is traditionally performed in previously treated patients (PTPs). However, evidence on risk factors for and natural history of inhibitors has been generated mostly in previously untreated patients (PUPs). The purpose of this study was to examine cases of de novo inhibitors in PTPs reported in the scientific literature and to the EUropean HAemophilia Safety Surveillance (EUHASS) programme, and explore determinants and course of inhibitor development. METHODS: We used a case series study design and developed a case report form to collect patient level data; including detection, inhibitor course, treatment, factor VIII products used and events that may trigger inhibitor development (surgery, vaccination, immune disorders, malignancy, product switch). RESULTS: We identified 19 publications that reported 38 inhibitor cases and 45 cases from 31 EUHASS centres. Individual patient data were collected for 55/83 (66%) inhibitor cases out of 12 330 patients. The median (range) peak inhibitor titre was 4.4 (0.5-135.0), the proportion of transient inhibitors was 33% and only two cases of 12 undergoing immune tolerance induction failed this treatment. In the two months before inhibitor development, surgery was reported in nine (22%) cases, and high intensity treatment periods reported in seven (17%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: By studying the largest cohort of inhibitor development in PTPs assembled to date, we showed that inhibitor development in PTPs, is on average, a milder event than in PUPs.

Safety surveillance in haemophilia and allied disorders.

The introduction of clotting factor concentrates has transformed the lives of persons with inherited bleeding disorders. With the use of prophylactic treatment, it is now possible to prevent bleeding in these individuals. The early concentrates were contaminated with the HIV and hepatitis C viruses (HCV) and resulted in major morbidity and mortality in the recipients. Current products are much safer, especially in terms of infectious agents, but other adverse events such as alloantibodies (inhibitors), allergic reactions and thrombotic risks remain of concern. Approximately 30% of previously untreated patients with severe haemophilia A develop inhibitors, making this the most important issue in haemophilia care today. Recently, it was suggested that one of the most commonly used concentrates was associated with a higher inhibitor risk, but this was not supported by the evidence from all studies. Good safety surveillance systems are essential for all diseases and products but are particularly so in the group of individuals with inherited bleeding disorders treated with clotting factor concentrates who have suffered disproportionately from the adverse effects of their treatment. National and multinational systems are now in place to allow reporting of adverse events in patients with inherited bleeding disorders. All clinicians treating individuals with inherited bleeding disorders should prospectively report adverse events to treatment even if they are believed to be common and well recognized.

Definition, aims, and implementation of GA(2) LEN Urticaria Centers of Reference and Excellence.

BACKGROUND: GA²LEN, the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network, has recently launched a program for the development, interaction, and accreditation of centers of reference and excellence in special areas of allergy embedded in its overall quality management of allergy centers of excellence. The first area chosen is urticaria. Urticaria is a common and debilitating condition and can be a challenge for both patients and treating physicians, especially when chronic. Centers of reference and excellence in urticaria (UCAREs) can help to improve the management of hard-to-treat conditions such as urticaria. AIMS: Here, we describe the aims, the requirements and deliverables, the application process, and the audit and accreditation protocol for GA²LEN UCAREs. RESULTS: The main aims of GA²LEN UCAREs are to provide excellence in urticaria management, to increase the knowledge of urticaria by research and education, and to promote the awareness of urticaria by advocacy activities. To become a certified GA²LEN UCARE, urticaria centers have to apply and fulfill 32 requirements, defined by specific deliverables that are assessed during an audit visit. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The GA²LEN UCARE program will result in a strong network of urticaria specialists, promote urticaria research, and harmonize and improve urticaria management globally.

Choosing and using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in haemophilia.

The management of pain and inflammation in haemophilic arthropathy is challenging due to the lack of anti-inflammatory analgesic agents perfectly suitable for this population. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used in the management of arthritis due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Their use in persons with haemophilia (PWH), however, is limited due to increased risk of bleeding mainly from the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective NSAIDs which have comparable analgesic effect to traditional NSAIDs (tNSAIDs) but with less UGI bleeding have been considered to be a suitable option for treatment of haemophilic arthropathy. COX-2 inhibitors, however, have an increased in the risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Although the atherosclerotic burden in PWH is similar to that in the general population, the risk of CV-related deaths is lower. PWH have a higher risk of GI bleeding and lower risk of thrombotic disease compared to general population. Therefore, when PWH require anti-inflammatory/analgesic agents, it seems reasonable to use lowest dose of COX-2 inhibitors for the shortest period together with a proton pump inhibitor. Helicobacter pylori infection should be tested for and eradicated prior to starting NSAID treatment in PWH. Furthermore, regular blood pressure and renal function test monitoring is required during COX-2 inhibitor treatment.

Factor VIII assay variability in postinfusion samples containing full length and B-domain deleted FVIII.

INTRODUCTION: Although the variability in factor VIII (FVIII):C measurement is well recognized, this has not been widely reported for post-FVIII infusion samples. AIM/METHODS: Three samples from haemophilia A patients were distributed in a UK National External Quality Assessment Scheme survey, each after treatment with either ReFacto AF, Kogenate FS or Advate. Fifty-two UK haemophilia centres performed FVIII assays using one-stage (n = 46) and chromogenic (n = 10) assays. Centres calibrated assays with the local plasma standard and with ReFacto AF laboratory standard for the ReFacto AF sample. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Chromogenic assays gave significantly higher results than one-stage assays (P < 0.0001, 32% difference) in the post-Kogenate sample but not in the post-ReFacto AF (11% higher by chromogenic assay, ns) or post-Advate samples (3% lower by chromogenic, ns) when assays were calibrated with plasma standards. Twenty centres used all Instrumentation Laboratory (IL)-activated partial thromboplastin time reagents (Synthasil)/IL deficient plasma/reference plasma) in the one-stage assay and 15 used all Siemens reagents (Actin FS/Siemens deficient plasma/reference plasma); this made a significant difference to results post-ReFacto AF (41% higher by IL reagents, P < 0.0001) and Advate (39% higher by IL reagents, P < 0.0001), but not Kogenate (7% higher by IL, ns) when calibrated with plasma standards. Differences between results obtained with different one-stage assay reagents for monitoring Advate have implications for dosing patients. Furthermore, there was considerable inter-laboratory variation as indicated by CVs in the range 15-26% for chromogenic assay and 12-19% for one-stage assay results. This study suggests that external quality assessment schemes should offer participation in post-FVIII infusion schemes where haemophilic patients are monitored.

Care models in the management of haemophilia: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Haemophilia care is commonly provided via multidisciplinary specialized management. To date, there has been no systematic assessment of the impact of haemophilia care delivery models on patient-important outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of published studies assessing the effects of the integrated care model for persons with haemophilia (PWH). SEARCH METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL up to April 22, 2015, contacted experts in the field, and reviewed reference lists. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized and non-randomized studies of PWH or carriers, focusing mainly on the assessment of care models on delivery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two investigators independently screened title, abstract, and full text of retrieved articles for inclusion. Risk of bias and overall quality of evidence was assessed using Cochrane's ACROBAT-NRSI tool and GRADE respectively. Relative risks, mean differences, proportions, and means and their variability were calculated as appropriate. RESULTS: 27 non-randomized studies were included: eight comparative and 19 non-comparative studies. We found low- to very low-quality evidence that in comparison to other models of care, integrated care may reduce mortality, hospitalizations and emergency room visits, may lead to fewer missed days of school and work, and may increase knowledge seeking. CONCLUSION: Our comprehensive review found low- to very low-quality evidence from a limited number of non-randomized studies assessing the impact of haemophilia care models on some patient-important outcomes. While the available evidence suggests that adoption of the integrated care model may provide benefit to PWH, further high-quality research in the field is needed.

Congenital macrothrombocytopenia is a heterogeneous disorder in India.

INTRODUCTION: Inherited macrothrombocytopenia represents a heterogeneous group of disorders which are characterized by the presence of a reduced number of abnormally large platelets in the circulation, which may or may not be associated with a bleeding tendency. In spite of several causative genes having been identified, the underlying genetic defects remain to be identified in approximately half of the cases. AIMS: To understand the molecular pathology of isolated giant platelet disorder from India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 112 cases that were referred for investigation of macrothrombocytopenia. Agonist induced platelet aggregation and platelet GP1b/IX/V receptor expression were investigated to assess GP1b/IX/V receptor expression and the GP1BA, GP1BB, GP9, ABCG5, ABCG8, TUBB1 and MYH9 genes were analysed to identify candidate gene defects. RESULTS: Twenty-three candidate gene defects were identified in 48 of 112 cases, 20 of which were novel. Of the candidate defects identified, 91% were missense and 9% were nonsense variations. The missense variations were in GP9 (9), ABCG5 (4), GP1BB (3), GP1BA (3) and MYH9 (2), while the nonsense defects occurred in MYH9 (1) and GP1BA (1). CONCLUSIONS: This study increases the understanding of the molecular basis of an isolated giant platelet disorder, a common heterogeneous condition prevalent in north and eastern India.

NHF-McMaster Guideline on Care Models for Haemophilia Management.

This guideline was developed to identify evidence-based best practices in haemophilia care delivery, and discuss the range of care providers and services that are most important to optimize outcomes for persons with haemophilia (PWH) across the United States. The guideline was developed following specific methods described in detail in this supplement and based on the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach). Direct evidence from published literature and the haemophilia community, as well as indirect evidence from other chronic diseases, were reviewed, synthesized and applied to create evidence-based recommendations. The Guideline panel suggests that the integrated care model be used over non-integrated care models for PWH (conditional recommendation, moderate certainty in the evidence). For PWH with inhibitors and those at high risk for inhibitor development, the same recommendation was graded as strong, with moderate certainty in the evidence. The panel suggests that a haematologist, a specialized haemophilia nurse, a physical therapist, a social worker and round-the-clock access to a specialized coagulation laboratory be part of the integrated care team, over an integrated care team that does not include all of these components (conditional recommendation, very low certainty in the evidence). Based on available evidence, the integrated model of care in its current structure, is suggested for optimal care of PWH. There is a need for further appropriately designed studies that address unanswered questions about specific outcomes and the optimal structure of the integrated care delivery model in haemophilia.

Comparable profiles of serum histamine and IgG4 levels in allergic beekeepers.

Growing evidence identifies histamine as a key player in allergic responses, but the reports relating serum histamine to tolerance are scarce and inconclusive. This study investigated the relationship of circulating histamine to the tolerant phenotype in allergic beekeepers. The results showed a positive correlation between the serum levels of histamine and specific immunoglobulin G4 (sIgG4) to honeybee venom, but not with total IgE or sIgE. Interestingly, both sIgG4 and histamine levels were negatively correlated with the time since the last bee sting. In contrast to total IgE and sIgE, serum sIgG4 and histamine levels followed comparable patterns, being higher in tolerant/recently stung individuals and lower in the least frequently stung subgroup. The data obtained in this pilot study associated, for the first time, serum histamine levels with allergen tolerance in allergic individuals and provided the lead for further considering the putative immunomodulatory properties of histamine in allergic responses.

The natural history of occult or angiodysplastic gastrointestinal bleeding in von Willebrand disease.

Recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the most challenging complications encountered in the management of patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD). The commonest cause is angiodysplasia, but often no cause is identified due to the difficulty in making the diagnosis. The optimal treatment to prevent recurrences remains unknown. We performed a retrospective study of VWD patients with occult or angiodysplastic bleeding within the setting of the von Willebrand Disease Prophylaxis Network (VWD PN) to describe diagnostic and treatment strategies. Centres participating in the VWD PN recruited subjects under their care with a history of congenital VWD and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding due to angiodysplasia, or cases in which the cause was not identified despite investigation. Patients with acquired von Willebrand syndrome or those for whom the GI bleeding was due to another cause were excluded. Forty-eight patients from 18 centres in 10 countries were recruited. Seven individuals had a family history of GI bleeding and all VWD types except 2N were represented. Angiodysplasia was confirmed in 38%, with video capsule endoscopy and GI tract endoscopies being the most common methods of making the diagnosis. Recurrent GI bleeding in VWD is associated with significant morbidity and required hospital admission on up to 30 occasions. Patients were treated with multiple pharmacological agents with prophylactic von Willebrand factor concentrate being the most efficient in preventing recurrence of the GI bleeding. The diagnosis and treatment of recurrent GI bleeding in congenital VWD remains challenging and is associated with significant morbidity. Prophylactic treatment with von Willebrand factor concentrate was the most effective method of preventing recurrent bleeding but its efficacy remains to be confirmed in a prospective study.

Management of peri-operative anti-thrombotic therapy.

The management of antithrombotic therapy in the peri-operative setting is a common problem, balancing haemorrhagic risk with continued treatment and thrombotic risk when discontinued. High-quality evidence is lacking regarding the optimal approach for patients on oral anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents. This review discusses the available evidence for the management of patients on warfarin, non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant drugs, and antiplatelet therapy in the peri-operative setting. Bridging therapy for patients on warfarin should be considered for those at highest risk of thrombosis, whereas it may not be necessary for those on non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant drugs given the reduced time off anticoagulation and their more predictable pharmacokinetics. Aspirin can be continued for most procedures. Dual antiplatelet agents for patients with a recently inserted coronary artery stent should be continued if possible but decisions should be individualised and taken after multidisciplinary discussion.

Enhancing haemophilia care through registries.

Clinical registries or databases have an increasing role in the management of inherited bleeding disorders. Initially, research-based registries provided valuable data and now national databases are increasingly being developed with multiple stakeholders, including persons with haemophilia (PWH) and payers, to enable improvements and efficiencies in care. Registries are extending to international collaborations to collect adverse event data and comparisons of national approaches to the management of haemophilia to improve the availability of product to PWH.

Major surgery in severe haemophilia A with inhibitors using a recombinant factor VIIa and activated prothrombin complex concentrate hybrid regimen.

Major surgery in persons with haemophilia A and inhibitors is increasingly being performed. Both recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) and activated prothrombin complex concentrate (APCC) are used to cover surgery but it remains unclear what the optimal dosing schedules are. We describe the use of a hybrid regimen in four inhibitor patients undergoing eight major surgical procedures using rFVIIa in the initial 2-6 postoperative days followed by FEIBA for the remaining period. All patients were also treated with tranexamic acid while receiving rFVIIa. We performed six major orthopaedic procedures, one emergency orchidectomy and one open appendectomy. The dosing schedules were at the higher end of those described in the literature but within the recommendations of the summary of product characteristics. Despite this, we encountered non-surgical bleeding in four of eight episodes. Three of these occurred in one individual suggesting a patient factor. The overall outcome was good for all episodes. The hybrid regimen combines flexibility of dose and dosing frequency of rFVIIa in the immediate postoperative setting with the advantage of a reduced dosing frequency with FEIBA in the subsequent days. This study also emphasizes that surgical procedures in this patient group remain a challenge.

Switching clotting factor concentrates: considerations in estimating the risk of immunogenicity.

The development of neutralizing antibodies to factor VIII (FVIII) is the most serious complication of therapy for haemophilia A. There is now excellent documentation that a large number of both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the risk of FVIII inhibitor incidence. One of the environmental factors that has been proposed as an influence on this complication is the occurrence of FVIII product switching. There are only a small number of clinical studies that have addressed this question, and thus, the amount of objective information available to assess this association is limited. In this review, in addition to summarizing past evidence pertinent to this subject, we present the results of a complementary strategy, a Delphi analysis, to add to the considerations of product switching and FVIII immunogenicity. With the imminent arrival in the clinic of several new FVIII products, the haemophilia community must be prepared to collect prospectively controlled data to better address this important management issue.