Epidemiological characterization and risk factors of rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis among preschool children in Shanghai, China.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported an increasing prevalence of childhood allergic rhinitis in developing countries. There is still a lack of the recent epidemiology of allergic rhinitis among Chinese preschool children. Therefore, this study explored the prevalence of rhinitis symptoms and identified their associations with potential risk factors among children at the age of 3-6 in Shanghai, China. METHODS: Validated International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire was adopted to collect information about rhinitis symptoms and potential risk factors. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between risk factors and allergic rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis. RESULTS: A total of 6183 questionnaires were included in our study. The prevalence of rhinitis ever, current rhinitis, and physician-diagnosed rhinitis were 32.6%, 29.2%, and 14.3%, respectively, while the prevalence of current rhinoconjunctivitis was 11.3%. The higher prevalence was observed in boys than in girls in terms of rhinitis ever, current rhinitis, current rhinoconjunctivitis and doctor-diagnosed rhinitis. Autumn had the highest prevalence among four seasons. In our multivariate logistic regression analyses, history of allergic diseases and paracetamol use in the last year showed positive associations with the increased risk of both current rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis, and antibiotic use was an independent significant risk factor only for current rhinitis. Genetic factors, including maternal and paternal rhinitis, asthma, and eczema, were significantly associated with the prevalence of current rhinitis. Similar associations were seen between these factors and current rhinoconjunctivitis, except for paternal eczema. Among environmental factors, smoking exposure at home, heavy truck traffic in home's street, floor heating system were independent risk factors for both current rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis in the adjusted model, while cleaning the house less than once a week was only associated with current rhinitis. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of current rhinitis was 29.2% among children aged 3-6 in Shanghai, China. Sex differences and seasonal variations were observed in the prevalence of rhinitis symptoms. The identified risk factors would provide a basis for policy makers and medical experts to take intervention measures to prevent allergic rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis.

Allergic Diseases and Chronic Adenotonsillar Diseases: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

OBJECTIVE: The existing epidemiological evidence regarding the intricate relationship between allergic diseases and chronic adenotonsillar diseases (CATD) remains inconclusive. Herein, the objective of our study is to explore the causal association using Mendelian randomization (MR). METHODS: Employing data from large genome-wide association studies, a comprehensive two-sample bidirectional MR study was conducted. The studied traits encompassed allergic rhinitis (cases n = 9707, controls n = 331173), allergic asthma (cases n = 8525, controls n = 193857), allergic conjunctivitis (cases n = 18321, controls n = 324178), atopic dermatitis (cases n = 11964, controls n = 306909), and CATD (cases n = 38983, controls n = 258553). All the patients were of European descent and participants in cohort studies. The primary analysis was executed using inverse-variance-weighted MR. Furthermore, six additional MR methods (MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, weighted mode, MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier, MR robust adjusted profile score) were employed to ensure the reliability and detect potential horizontal pleiotropy within the results. The estimates obtained from the MR analysis were factored into the overall effect calculation. RESULTS: Genetically anticipated outcomes demonstrated a significant association between CATD risk and allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.141, p = 6.30E-06), allergic asthma (OR = 1.115, p = 8.31E-05), allergic conjunctivitis (OR = 1.197, p = 8.69E-07), and a suggestive association with atopic dermatitis (OR = 1.053, p = 0.040). However, no substantial correlation was observed in the reverse direction. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of our study provide evidence supporting a causal role of allergic diseases in the development of CATD, whereas the converse relationship does not appear to hold true. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:2653-2658, 2024.

Association between keratoconus and allergic conjunctivitis in children attending a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria.

Objective: To ascertain an association between keratoconus and allergic conjunctivitis and to know if it is necessary to investigate all patients with allergic conjunctivitis for keratoconus. Methods: A hospital-based prospective study in which the eyes of children presenting with ocular allergic diseases were examined. Social demographics and clinical data were captured in a questionnaire. All the patients underwent keratometry using the autorefractor-keratometer and the pachymeter was used to measure the central corneal thickness. Data analysis was done with IBM SPSS version 28 for Windows. Frequency and chi-square were used as descriptive statistics to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. Inferential statistics using one-way ANOVA and t-test. P - Value at <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 121 children with allergic conjunctivitis were reviewed. Males were 72 and females 49. The visual acuity was 6/ 6-6/ 18 in 116, and mild visual impairment - 6/ 18-6/ 60 in 5. The most common complaint was frequent itching in 109 (90.1%). Keratometry was normal in 120 (99.5%), while probable keratoconus was found by keratometry in only one patient (0.5%). Central corneal thickness was within the normal range in 33 (27.3%) children, 43 (35.5%) had thin corneas, while 45 (37.2%) had cornea thickness of more than 560 microns. Discussion: Pediatric keratoconus tends to be more aggressive than adult keratoconus with an increased risk of corneal opacities and subsequent keratoplasty. As a result of these negative impacts, early detection and prompt treatment are mandatory. Conclusion: The prevalence of keratoconus was not found to be high in this study population, but with facts emerging between the association of allergic conjunctivitis, and increased prevalence of keratoconus, it is pertinent to integrate keratoconus screening as part of the management of allergic conjunctivitis using an appropriate tool such as video keratography and slit lamp biomicroscope. Abbreviations: KC = Keratoconus, CLEK = Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus, SAC = Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis, PAC = Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis, VKC = Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis, IOP = Intraocular Pressure, CCT = Central Corneal Thickness, TNF-α = Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha, IL = Interleukin.

Analysis of Multimorbidity of Moderate to Severe Allergic Rhinitis in Children: A Real-World Study.

INTRODUCTION: Allergic rhinitis (AR) in children is associated with various comorbidities, posing challenges for treatment and management. There have been few investigations of these multimorbidities in Chinese children with AR. Here, we investigated the prevalence of multimorbidities in children with moderate to severe AR and analyzed the influencing factors using real-world data. METHODS: In total, 600 children who visited the outpatient clinic of our hospital and were diagnosed with moderate-severe AR were prospectively enrolled. All children underwent allergen detection and electronic nasopharyngoscopy. Parents or guardians completed a questionnaire that included age, sex, mode of delivery, feeding pattern, and familial history of allergy. The multimorbidities investigated included atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, allergic conjunctivitis (AC), chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), adenoid hypertrophy (AH), tonsil hypertrophy (TH), recurrent epistaxis, and recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs). RESULTS: The AR multimorbidities reported in children were as follows: recurrent epistaxis (46.5%), AC (46.3%), AD (40.7%), asthma (22.5%), RRIs (21.3%), CRS (20.5%), AH (19.7%), and TH (12.5%). In univariate logistic regression analysis, age (<6 years), birth mode, familial history of allergy, and single dust mite allergy were associated with AR multimorbidity (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that a familial history of allergy was an independent risk factor for AC (odds ratio [OR] = 1.539, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.104-2.145) and AH (OR = 1.506, 95% CI: 1.000-2.267) (p < 0.05). Age (<6 years) was independently associated with the risk of AD (OR = 1.405, 95% CI: 1.003-1.969) and RRTIs (OR = 1.869, 95% CI: 1.250-2.793) (p < 0.05), cesarean section with AR and CRS risk (OR = 1.678, 95% CI: 1.100-2.561), and single dust mite allergy with asthma (OR = 1.590, 95% CI: 1.040-2.432) and CRS (OR = 1.600, 95% CI: 1.018-2.515) risk (p < 0.05). Further, non-dust mite allergy was independently associated with AR and CRS (OR = 2.056, 95% CI: 1.084-3.899). CONCLUSION: AR was found to be accompanied by different comorbidities, including both allergic and non-allergic comorbidities, complicating disease treatment. These findings demonstrated that age (<6 years), familial history of allergy, types of allergens, and cesarean section were risk factors for different multimorbidities associated with AR.

Allergic conjunctivitis increases the likelihood of undergoing eyelid incision surgery in pediatric and adolescent patients.

The global prevalence of allergic diseases has increased dramatically in recent decades. From a global health perspective, they have been considered as a major chronic disease, and the related social burden has also been increasing worldwide. In line with this trend, we investigated the likelihood of undergoing incision surgery for eyelid inflammatory masses in pediatric and adolescent patients with allergic conjunctivitis (AC). The prevalence of AC and incision surgery showed a similar pattern of bimodal peaks during the spring and autumn of South Korea, reflecting the peak allergic seasons. The likelihood of undergoing incision surgery in patients with AC was 4.27 times higher than that of patients without AC and the likelihood of undergoing incision surgery was higher in every age group in the AC cohort than in the non-AC cohort. There was no significant difference between age groups and sexes. In the AC cohort for sub-analysis, the likelihood of undergoing incision surgery was 2.34 times higher in patients who used steroids than those who did not. These findings can suggest that proper management and education can be required for the likelihood of undergoing incision surgery due to eyelid inflammation mass in pediatric and adolescent patients with AC. Furthermore, greater attention should be paid to patients using steroids due to severe AC as they are more likely to undergo incision surgery.

Diretriz Latino-americana sobre o Diagnóstico e Tratamento da Alergia Ocular ­ Em nome da Sociedade Latinoamericana de Alergia, Asma e Imunologia (SLAAI) / Latin American Guideline on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Ocular Allergy ­ On behalf of the Latin American Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (SLAAI)

A alergia ocular, também conhecida como conjuntivite alérgica (CA), é uma reação de hipersensibilidade mediada por imunoglobulina E (IgE) do olho desencadeada por aeroalérgenos, principalmente ácaros da poeira doméstica e pólen de gramíneas. Os sintomas geralmente consistem em prurido ocular ou periocular, lacrimejamento e olhos vermelhos que podem estar presentes durante todo o ano ou sazonalmente. A alergia ocular tem frequência elevada, é subdiagnosticada e pode ser debilitante para o paciente. É potencialmente danosa para a visão, nos casos em que ocasiona cicatrização corneana grave, e na maioria dos pacientes associa-se a outros quadros alérgicos, principalmente rinite, asma e dermatite atópica. É classificada em conjuntivite alérgica perene, conjuntivite alérgica sazonal, ceratoconjuntivite atópica e ceratoconjuntivite vernal. O diagnóstico procura evidenciar o agente etiológico e a confirmação se dá pela realização do teste de provocação conjuntival. O tratamento baseia-se em evitar o contato com os desencadeantes, lubrificação, anti-histamínicos tópicos, estabilizadores de mastócitos, imunossupressores e imunoterapia específica com o objetivo de obter o controle e prevenir as complicações da doença.

Ocular allergy, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, is an immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity reaction of the eye triggered by airborne allergens, primarily house dust mites and grass pollen. Symptoms usually consist of ocular or periocular itching, watery eyes, and red eyes that may be present year-round or seasonally. Ocular allergy has a high frequency, is underdiagnosed, and can be debilitating for the patient. It is potentially harmful to vision in cases of severe corneal scarring, and in most patients, it is associated with other allergic conditions, especially rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. It is classified as perennial allergic conjunctivitis, seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, and vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Diagnosis seeks to identify the etiologic agent, and confirmation is given by conjunctival provocation testing. Treatment is based on avoiding contact with triggers, lubrication, topical antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, immunosuppressants, and specific immunotherapy with the aim of achieving control and preventing disease complications.

Occurrence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

PURPOSE: To study the occurrence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) as an ocular manifestation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in pediatric patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was done on the observations of cases of HIV-positive children. All seropositive patients from the Anti-Retroviral Therapy clinic were referred to the department of ophthalmology for evaluation. Retrospective correlation of CD4 count with active cases of VKC was done. All patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation including visual acuity, slit lamp and dilated fundus examination. RESULTS: A total of 72 children were included, 70 males and 2 females. Of these, 63 (87.5%) had VKC, three (4.2%) had cataract, two (2.8%) had cytomegalovirus retinitis retinitis, and four (5.5%) had no ophthalmic findings. CONCLUSION: There is a an evident association of HIV, VKC cases, and reduced CD4 count. More research is required on this topic.

Four subtypes of childhood allergic rhinitis identified by latent class analysis.

BACKGROUND: Childhood allergic rhinitis (AR) is clinically heterogenous. We aimed to identify distinct phenotypes among children with AR using data-driven techniques and to ascertain their association with patterns of symptoms, allergic sensitization, and comorbidities. METHODS: We recruited 510 children with physician-diagnosed AR, of whom 205 (40%) had asthma. Latent class analysis (LCA) was performed to identify latent structure within the data set using 17 variables (allergic conjunctivitis, eczema, asthma, family history of asthma, family history of allergic rhinitis, skin sensitization to 8 common allergens, tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy). RESULTS: A four-class solution was selected as the optimal model based on statistical fit. We labeled latent classes as: (1) AR with grass mono-sensitization and conjunctivitis (n = 361, 70.8%); (2) AR with house dust mite sensitization and asthma (n = 75, 14.7%); (3) AR with pet and grass polysensitization and conjunctivitis (n = 35, 6.9%); and (4) AR among children with tonsils and adenoids removed (n = 39, 7.6%). Perennial AR was significantly more common among children in Class 2 (OR 5.83, 95% CI 3.42-9.94, p < .001) and Class 3 (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.36-6.13, p = .006). Mild and intermittent AR symptoms were significantly more common in children in Class 2 compared to those in Class 1. AR was more severe in Class 1 compared to other 3 classes, indicating that upper respiratory symptoms are more severe among children with isolated seasonal rhinitis, than in those with rhinitis and coexisting asthma. CONCLUSION: We have identified 4 phenotypes in school-age children with AR, which were associated with different patterns of clinical symptoms and comorbidities.

Non-response did not affect prevalence estimates of asthma and respiratory symptoms - results from a postal questionnaire survey of the general population.

BACKGROUND: A high participation rate is warranted in order to ensure validity in surveys of the general population. However, participation rates in such studies have declined during the last decades. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reasons for and potential effects of non-response in a large population-based survey about asthma and respiratory symptoms in Northern Sweden. METHODS: Within the Obstructive Lung Disease In Norrbotten (OLIN) studies, a random sample of 12,000 adults aged 20-79 was invited to a postal questionnaire survey about asthma, allergic rhino-conjunctivitis and respiratory symptoms in 2016. Three reminders were sent. A random sample of 500 non-responders was invited to a telephone interview. RESULTS: The participation rate in the initial mailing was 41.4%, and 9.2%, 5.0%, and 2.6% in the subsequent three reminders and totally 58.3% (n = 6854) responded. Of 500 non-responders selected for telephone interviews, 320 were possible to reach and 272 participated. Male sex, younger age, and current smoking were associated with both late and non-response. The prevalence of asthma and most respiratory symptoms did not differ significantly between responders and non-responders while allergic rhino-conjunctivitis and smoking was more common among non-responders. Reminders increased the participation rate but did not alter risk ratios for smoking and occupational exposures. Reasons for non-response were mainly lack of time and having forgotten to answer. CONCLUSIONS: With a response rate of 58.3%, neither the prevalence estimates of asthma, respiratory symptoms nor the associations to risk factors were affected by non-response, while allergic rhino-conjunctivitis and smoking was underestimated in this Swedish population.

The role of human immunodeficiency virus in the pathogenesis of vernal keratoconjunctivitis-like disease in adults: A demographic and epidemiological study.

Purpose: The purpose was to identify and describe patients with new-onset vernal keratoconjunctivitis-like (VKC-like) disease after puberty. Methods: The study consisted of two parts: a prospective observational descriptive study of patients with new-onset VKC-like disease, and a case-control study to determine the relationship of a CD4 count with VKC-like disease in adults, in the setting of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Patients were recruited between January 2016 and November 2017 from a Provincial Eye hospital, one of two large referral hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Patients presenting to the eye clinic were screened and diagnosed at the Primary Eye Care Unit. Inclusion criteria: age 15 years and older with signs and symptoms of new-onset VKC-like disease. Exclusion criteria: a history of childhood atopic diseases, atopic keratoconjunctivitis and patients who declined HIV testing. Data collected included HIV status, CD4 count, antinuclear antibodies and total serum immunoglobulin E. Results: Thirty-three patients were included; females n = 16 and males n = 17. The mean age at presentation was 32.45 ± 9.93 years, 95% CI = 28.94-35.97. Twenty-six patients (78.8%) were HIV positive, 95% CI (62-89). The proportion of HIV positive patients was statistically different from the HIV negative group, Chi-squared = 21.866, P value <0.0001. In the group of HIV positive patients, 72% were classified as immunodeficient according to their CD4 counts. An association was proven between severely immunodeficient patients and the risk of VKC-like disease (Chi-squared = 4.992, P value = 0.0255). Conclusion: In this cohort, a statistically significant association was found between VKC-like disease in adults and an HIV positive status. This association calls for more research on the subject.

Comparison of Outcomes of Vision and Eye Screening of Children of Four Orphanages and School Children of Riyadh.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to compare vision and ocular disease among orphans to age-matched school children and determine the barriers they faced for ophthalmic care in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Children of four orphanages of Riyadh (Gr1) were screened for vision refractive error (RE) and eye ailment on "World Sight Day-2019." They were compared to age-matched school children (comparison group; Gr2). The rates of RE, strabismus, amblyopia, and allergic conjunctivitis were estimated in two groups. The coverage of existing eye services for orphan children was reviewed. RESULTS: We screened 53 children of Gr1 and 106 school children of Gr2. The risk of RE was statistically significantly higher in school children compared to orphan children (odds ratio [OR] = 2.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2; 4.8] P = 0.01). The coverage of refractive services for Gr1 was significantly lower than for Gr2 (OR = 0.09 [95% CI 0.02; 0.4] P = 0.001). In Gr1, blurry vision (12 children), red eye (2), and itchy eyes (1) were the main symptoms. In Gr2, no child had eye complaints. In Gr1, amblyopia (1), strabismus (1), history of ocular trauma and surgery (1), eye medications needed (2), and systemic health problems were noted in 9 children. In Gr2, amblyopia (4), strabismus (4), and history of ocular surgery were noted in 2 children. CONCLUSION: Orphan children had less rate of myopia compared to school children. However, unattended ocular pathologies were detected during the screening campaign. The coverage of refractive services was low in these underprivileged children compared to school children.

[Epidemiological analysis of allergic diseases in primary and middle school students of Foshan].

Objective:To investigate the prevalence and state of allergic rhinitis, asthma, eczema, allergic conjunctivitis, and food allergy of students in primary and middle schools of Foshan, and to analyze the characteristics of each disease and correlation of the five diseases, in order to provide epidemiology evidence for management of allergic diseases. Method:Ten primary schools and 10 junior middle schools were sampled from 5 districts of Foshan, then students in grade one and grade seven from sampled schools were investigated by electronic questionnaire method formulated by the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood and the Europrevall Project Commission. Students and their parents answered and uploaded electronic questionnaires with the consent of parents, and then team members collected and analyzed uploaded data. Result:Four thousand one hundred and sixty-six effective questionnaires were collected, and the response rate was 95.77％. During the five districts, 13.97%, 2.01%, 29.29%, 5.19%, and 7.28% of the respondents in grade one had previously diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, asthma, eczema, allergic conjunctivitis, and food allergy respectively, and the correspondent rates in grade seven were 15.99%, 2.89%, 16.73%, 2.46%, and 6.97%. The prevalence rates of the five diseases in boys were higher than that in girls in both two grades. 67.27% students with asthma kept coughing and wheezing in the last 12 months, and 24.85% non-asthma students had the same respiratory symptoms. The most common allergenic food were shrimp and crabs, followed by milk and milk products, eggs, and shellfish. Cutaneous symptoms and oral allergy symptoms were predominant clinical manifestations in all students with food allergy. The prevalence of the above allergic diseases of children with atopic family history was higher than that of children without family history, and the prevalence of the 5 diseases of children living in city was higher than that of children living in rural areas. The prevalence rate of asthma of children with allergic rhinitis in both grades was higher than that of children without allergic rhinitis, and the same happened to children with eczema, allergic conjunctivitis, and food allergy. Conclusion:Prevalence rates of allergic rhinitis and asthma in primary and middle school students of Foshan increased as children grew, while the prevalence rates of eczema, allergic conjunctivitis and food allergy decreased with age. The most common allergenic food were shrimp and crabs, milk and milk products, and eggs. 67.27% students with asthma had poor respiratory control in the last 12 months. The prevalence of allergic diseases of children living in city and with atopic family history was higher than that of children living in rural areas and without family history. Students with allergic conjunctivitis, food allergy, allergic rhinitis and eczema had high risk of asthma.

Principales aeroalérgenos en rinoconjuntivitis alérgica en la ciudad de Temuco, Chile / Aeroallergens causing rhinoconjunctivitis

Background: Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) has a prevalence of 30% in industrialized countries. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment, it is crucial to identify the causative aeroallergen. Aim: To evaluate aeroallergen sensitization in adults with ARC in the city of Temuco, Chile. Patients and Methods: A skin test against the main aeroallergens present in Temuco was carried out in patients aged 15 to 64 years with ARC diagnosed by medical examination and the Score For Allergic Rhinitis. Results: At least one aeroallergen sensitization was present in 234 (62.4%) out of 375 patients. Pollen-sensitized patients were positive mainly for Grasses (44.4%), Plantago (27.8%), Cynodon (26.1%), Sorrel (23.5%), Birch (14.9%), Nothofagus obliqua (13.3%) and Alder (11.1%). Dust mites were the most common non-pollinic sensitizing aeroallergens, including Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (70.1%) and Dermatophagoides farinae (62.8%). Conclusions: According to our results, skin tests in the city of Temuco should include at least dust mites, pollens of Grasses, Plantago, Cynodon, Sorrel, Birch, Nothofagus obliqua and Alder, because these allergens account for 93% of ARC cases in this city.

Prevalence of risk factors of allergic diseases among children aged 8-9 years in poltava region (the results of the first stage of the research).

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: According to the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI, 2016), allergy is the most common chronic disease in Europe. The aim: The aim of the investigation is to study the spread of risk factors of allergic reactions in children who are 8-9 years old of Poltava region. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The investigation included two stages: the 1st contained interviewing; the 2nd one - additional clinical and lab investigation of children, who require the further diagnosis specification. RESULTS: Results: 1068 children who are 8-9 years old were interviewed based on questionnaires: 56,2% males and 43,8% females. Children were divided into residents (49,2%), and villagers (50,8%). In order to identify allergic diseases the division in family was the next: the presence of bronchial asthma was present in 38 people (3,6%), allergic rhinitis or allergic conjunctivitis - 128 people (12,0%), atopic dermatitis - 54 people (5,1%), food allergy - 129 people (12,1%), medicinal allergy - 25 people (11,7%). Analyzing the influence of trigger factors, it should be noted that in the risk group there are children who received cow's milk as substitutes for breast milk (38.1%), children who had a history of helminthal invasion (19.6%), children where parents smoke (45.9%), one third of parents (31.9%) complained of frequent respiratory viral infections in their children. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Presented epidemiological investigation allowed studying the prevalence of diagnosed allergic diseases in children of Poltava region and determining children's category who require additional diagnostics of chronic allergic diseases.

[What about tropical endemic vernal keratoconjunctivitis? Which relationship with intestinal parasites?] / Que savons-nous de la limboconjonctivite endémique des tropiques ? Et quel rapport avec les parasites intestinaux ?

Given the causative parasite hypothesis for tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis (TELC), we conducted an analytical case-control study of all children with tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis seen in the ophthalmology department of Laquintinie hospital in Douala during the period from January 2nd to April 30, 2015. RESULTS: We identified 64 cases of tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis out of 550 children seen; a hospital prevalence of 11.6%; thirteen cases (eight boys and five girls) did not meet inclusion criteria, and 51 cases were included, 31 boys (60.8%) and 20 girls (39.2%) with a male/female (M/F) sex-ratio of 1.41. For controls, we included 28 males (54.9%) and 23 girls (45.1%) for a M/F sex-ratio of 1.22. The prevalence of tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis in boys was 12.1%, and for girls it was 7.1% in the case group. Stage II was the most frequent at 29 cases (56.9%), as well as the mixed form at 31 cases (60.8%). The frequency of intestinal parasites was 14 cases (27.5%) in the group of tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis patients and 6 cases (11.8%) in the control group (P=0.08). Entamoeba histolytica in its cystic form was the most intestinal parasite found in both groups, 10 cases for tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis (19.6%) and 6 cases in the control groups (11.8%). The mean serum IgE among cases was 81.2 IU/ml, while in the controls it was 15.6 IU/ml (P=0.001) CONCLUSION: There is no relationship between intestinal parasitic infection and the occurrence of tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis.

Allergic rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema: prevalence and associated factors in children.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to describe the data collected from India during phase 3 of the International study of asthma and allergy in childhood (ISAAC) study. Prevalence, severity, and population characteristics associated with rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema were assessed. METHODS: Children from two age groups (6-7 and 13-14 years) were included in the study as per the ISAAC protocol. The symptoms of allergy and associated features were assessed using a questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis among the 6-7 years age group was 11.3%, while it was 24.4% in the 13-14 years age group. The prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis was 3.9% in the 6-7 years age group and 10.9% in the 13-14 years age group. The prevalence of eczema was 2.8% in the 6-7 years age group and 3.7% in the 13-14 years age group. The passage of trucks near home, parental smoking, use of paracetamol, use of antibiotics, cooking with firewood, and television watching were associated with allergic rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema. Maternal smoking was the strongest of all the associated features for allergic rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema, especially in the 6-7 years age group (odds ratio: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.5-2.4; odds ratio: 2.9, 95% CI, 2.2-3.9; and odds ratio: 3.5, 95% CI: 2.6-4.8, respectively). CONCLUSION: Allergic conditions like allergic rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema are prevalent among Indian children and are associated with environmental tobacco smoke, paracetamol use, antibiotic use, television watching, and outdoor and indoor air pollution.

Epidemiological trends of allergic diseases in adolescents / Tendência epidemiológica das prevalências de doenças alérgicas em adolescentes

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the prevalences of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in adolescents in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, in 2012 by administering the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire, as well as to compare the observed prevalences with those found in studies performed 10 years earlier and employing the same methodology used here. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between May and December of 2012 and involving adolescents in the 13- to 14-year age bracket. Participants were randomly selected from among adolescents studying at public schools in Belo Horizonte and completed the ISAAC questionnaire. Proportions were calculated in order to assess the prevalences of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in the sample as a whole, and the chi-square goodness-of-fit test was used in order to compare the prevalences observed in 2012 with those found in 2002. Results: The prevalences of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in 2012 were 19.8%, 35.3%, and 16.3%, respectively, being significantly higher than those found in 2002 (asthma, p = 0.006; allergic rhinitis, p < 0.01; and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, p = 0.002). Conclusions: The prevalences of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis among adolescents in 2012 were found to be high, having increased in comparison with those found 10 years earlier, despite efforts in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as prevalências de asma, rinite alérgica e rinoconjuntivite alérgica em adolescentes da cidade de Belo Horizonte (MG) através do questionário do International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood no ano de 2012, bem como compará-las com aquelas obtidas em estudos realizados 10 anos antes empregando a mesma metodologia. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com estudantes de 13-14 anos de idade de escolas públicas localizadas no município, selecionados de forma aleatória simples, entre maio e dezembro de 2012, com a utilização do questionário. Foram realizados cálculos das diferenças de proporções para a análise das prevalências de asma, rinite alérgica e rinoconjuntivite alérgica na amostra geral, e o teste de qui-quadrado de adesão foi utilizado para a comparação das prevalências de 2012 e 2002. Resultados: As prevalências de sintomas de asma, rinite alérgica e rinoconjuntivite alérgica em 2012 foram de 19,8%, 35,3% e 16,3%, respectivamente. Houve aumentos significativos dessas prevalências em relação ao ano de 2002 (asma, p = 0,006; rinite alérgica, p < 0.01; e rinoconjuntivite alérgica, p = 0.002). Conclusões: Foram evidenciados elevadas taxas de asma, rinite alérgica e rinoconjuntivite alérgica entre os adolescentes estudados e aumentos dessas prevalências no intervalo de 10 anos, apesar dos esforços no âmbito da prevenção, diagnóstico e tratamento dessas doenças.

Rural residence, farming environment, and allergic diseases in Argentinean adolescents.

RATIONALE: Little is known about residence in a rural or farming environment and allergic diseases in Latin America. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of rural residence and current wheeze, current asthma and current symptoms of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis in 1,804 adolescents (ages 13-14 years) attending 31 schools in urban and rural areas of San Francisco (Córdoba, Argentina). Rural residence was classified as never, previous, and current. Duration of rural residence was categorized as 0, >0 but ≤5 years, and >5 years. Current wheeze, current asthma, and current allergic rhino-conjunctivitis were defined on the basis of responses to an extensively validated questionnaire from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. Logistic regression was used for the multivariable analysis of rural residence and the outcomes of interest. RESULTS: After adjustment for current smoking and other covariates, current rural residence (odds ratio [OR] = 0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.03-0.81) and rural residence for >5 years (OR = 0.32, 95%CI = 0.12-0.84) were significantly associated with reduced odds of current wheeze. In a multivariable analysis, current residence in a rural area (OR = 0.52, 95%CI = 0.32-0.86) and rural residence for >5 years (OR = 0.44, 95%CI = 0.26-0.73) were significantly associated with reduced odds of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis. This association was no longer significant after additional adjustment for current residence in a dairy farm, which was significantly associated with reduced odds of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis. Similarly, current regular contact with farm animals was significantly associated with reduced odds of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis. CONCLUSIONS: Among Argentinean adolescents, current rural residence and rural residence for >5 years were associated with reduced odds of current wheeze and allergic rhino-conjunctivitis. These potential protective effects may be explained by a dairy farm environment, including regular contact with farm animals. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:21-28. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Allergic Conjunctivitis and the Associated Risk of Migraine Among Children: A Nationwide Population-based Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the risk of migraine in children with allergic conjunctivitis (AC). METHODS: In this population-based cohort study, 309 138 children with AC and 309 138 non-AC controls were included between 2000 and 2007. By 2008 end, the incidences of migraine in both cohorts, and the AC-to-non-AC cohort hazard ratios (HRs) were measured. RESULTS: The incidence of migraine during the study period was 1.92-fold higher in the AC cohort than in the non-AC cohort. The risk was greater for boys with AC and children aged <6 years. The mean time-interval between physician-diagnosed AC to physician-diagnosed migraine was 3.67 years (SD = 2.19).The risk of migraine development in the AC cohort increased with follow-up time and was highest during 4-5 years after AC diagnosis. The children with AC more likely had migraine without than with aura. CONCLUSIONS: Children with AC had a higher incidence and subsequent risk of migraine.

Anxiety and Atopic Disease: Comorbidity in a Youth Mental Health Setting.

Anxiety frequently co-occurs with atopic diseases (e.g., allergies) in community samples, although data are limited to community and pediatric medical samples. Little work has examined atopy rates among mental health treatment seeking youth or whether youth with comorbid anxiety and atopy present similarly to non-comorbid youth. Using initial intake data from a University-based specialty youth clinic for anxiety and depressive disorders (n = 189), rates of atopic comorbidity were benchmarked against lifetime prevalence estimates in epidemiological samples. Anxiety severity and parental stress were compared between youth with and without atopy. Results indicated high rates of atopy in the clinical sample (51.3 %) relative to population atopy estimates (34.5 %). Anxious youth with atopy exhibited more overall and generalized anxiety symptoms relative to non-atopic youth (ps < .05); parental stress was comparable between atopic and non-atopic anxious youth. This suggests potentially heightened clinical severity for youth with co-occurring anxiety and atopy.