Transepidermal water loss in allergic diseases.

Background: In recent years, the epithelial barrier hypothesis has been emphasized in the formation of allergic diseases. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) occurs through diffusion and evaporation from the skin to the external environment. There are few studies on TEWL in allergic diseases. Objective: This study evaluated the relationship between patients with atopic diseases and healthy controls and hygiene habits in TEWL. Methods: The study was conducted on patients who were followed up for atopic disease (asthma, allergic rhinitis, immunoglobulin E mediated food allergy, and atopic dermatitis) and healthy children. TEWL measurement was in a room that was stable in terms of humidity and temperature by using a widely validated open room system. During the measurement, the participants reported their frequency of taking a shower and cleaning product use. Results: In the study group, TEWL was measured in 182 patients, and the median (min-max) TEWL was 21.3 g/hm² (7.8-101.3 g/hm²) in the disease group and 9.6 g/hm2 (3.9-30.3 g/hm²) in the control group (p < 0.001). The number of weekly baths was higher in the disease group (p < 0.001). The cutoff for atopic diseases was 13.2 g/hm² (sensitivity, 83.2%; specificity, 84.3%; p < 0.001). Conclusion: High TEWL in atopic diseases supports the epithelial barrier hypothesis associated with disease development. Further studies are necessary to determine the threshold between healthy controls and the patients in the disease group. The TEWL measurement can be an effective method to determine the risk groups. Moreover, further studies related to factors on TEWL and treatment methods to reduce this loss are necessary, too.

The prevalence of sensitization to food allergens in children with atopic dermatitis.

INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis (AD) has a complex pathophysiology. The course of the disease is affected by both environmental factors and allergen hypersensitivities. Food and aeroallergens have a significant role in the pathogenesis and disease control. OBJECTIVE: In this study, it was aimed to determine the prevalence of food and aeroallergen sensitivity of children with AD. METHODS: Children under 18 years with AD who applied to pediatric allergy and immunology outpatient clinics were evaluated. All patients had a skin prick test (SPT) within most common food and aeroallergens. RESULTS: One hundred seventy three patients were studied. Most of the moderate and severe AD patients were boys (boys 64% vs. girls 47%). Symptoms started earlier and positive results in SPTs with food allergens were more common in patients with SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis) >25 (p < 0.0001). Egg white (39%), egg yolk (31%), cow's milk (13%) and wheat flour (5%), were the most common allergens, respectively. The SCORAD scores were higher in multiple food sensitized patients' groups (p < 0.001). Although, food sensitizations were prevalent in patients who had higher SCORAD scores (p = 0.001), there was no significant difference in sensitization with aeroallergens. (p = 0.392). CONCLUSION: Sensitizations to both food and aeroallergens are common in patients with AD. In addition, sensitization to these allergens and SCORAD severity in patients with AD have positive correlation.

The importance of aeroallergen sensitivity in children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder that causes chronic airway disease. In addition to genetic factors, environmental factors may affect the clinical phenotype of CF. In this study, the presence of aeroallergen sensitivity in our patients with CF and its effects on clinical findings are evaluated. METHODS: In this study, patients included were diagnosed with CF and followed in the Pediatric Respiratory and Allergy Clinic of the Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey. Demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory findings, skin prick test (SPT) results, and modified Shwachman-Kulczycki (MSK) scores of the patients were evaluated. RESULTS: We evaluated 51 patients with CF with a median age of 10 (6-18) years. The mean MSK score of the patients was 72.54±11.50, and the mean predictive value of forced expiratory volume (FEV1) in the initial (1st) second was 80.43±19.50. According to SPT, aeroallergen sensitivity was detected in 17 (33.3%) patients. The prevalence of bacterial colonization and bronchiectasis was higher, and MSK scores were lower in Aspergillus fumigatus (AF)-sensitive patients (P ≤ 0.01). However, no similar difference was found in other allergen sensitivities. MSK scores (P = 0.001) and predictive FEV1 values (P = 0.005) of 25 (49%) patients with bacterial colonization were significantly lower than those without colonization. CONCLUSION: Aeroallergen sensitivity was detected in approximately one-third of CF patients. Although it has been emphasized in studies that environmental factors may have an impact on lung functions and clinical conditions in CF, the effect of allergens other than AF sensitivity may be less important compared to other environmental factors, such as the presence of bacterial colonization.

Is There a Clinical Significance of Very Low Serum Immunoglobulin E Level?

PURPOSE: High serum immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels are associated with allergies, parasitic infections, and some immune deficiencies; however, the potential effects and clinical implications of low IgE levels on the human immune system are not well-known. This study aims to determine the disorders accompanying very low IgE levels in children and adults. METHODS: The patients whose IgE levels were determined between January 2015 and September 2020 were analyzed, and the patients with an IgE level < 2 IU/mL were included in this study. Demographic data, immunoglobulin levels, autoantibody results, and the diagnoses of the patients were noted from the electronic recording system of the hospital. RESULT: The IgE levels were measured in 34,809 patients (21,875 children, 12,934 adults), and 130 patients had IgE levels < 2 IU/mL. Fifty-seven patients were children (0.26%); 73 were adults (0.56%). There was a malignant disease in 34 (9 of them children) (26%), autoimmune diseases in 20 (3 of them children) (15.4%), and immunodeficiency in 17 (14 of them children) (13.1%) of the patients. The most common reasons were other diseases, immunodeficiency and malignancy in children, and malignancy, autoimmune disorders, and other diseases in the adults, in rank order. The IgE level did not show any correlation with the levels of other immunoglobulins. CONCLUSION: Although rare, a low IgE level has been shown to accompany malignancies, autoimmune disorders, and immune deficiencies. Patients with very low IgE levels should be carefully monitored for systemic disorders.

The comparison of physical fitness and anaerobic capacity in asthmatic and non-asthmatic children.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Asthma, is the most common chronic inflammatory disease in childhood period. It can affect the daily life to an advanced level and may become vital. The purpose of this study is to compare physical fitness and anaerobic capacity in asthmatic children (AC) and non-asthmatic children (NC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 47 children participated in the study; 25 individuals with mild to moderate asthma and 22 healthy children were assessed. The assessed variables consist pulmonary function and peripheral muscle strength (PMS). Additionally, physical fitness was evaluated by using fitnessgram test battery, which includes body composition, modified shuttle walk test (MSWT), curl-up test, push-up test, and sit and reach test variables. Anaerobic capacity was measured with wingate anaerobic capacity test (WAnT) and counter-movement jump (CMJ) using a tri-axial accelerometer. RESULTS: FEV1/FVC ratio (p = 0.01), MSWT (p = 0.001), push-up test (p = 0.01), and WAnT peak power (p = 0.05) were measured significantly to be found reduced in AC compared with that of NC. Between the two groups, PMS, curl-up test, sit and reach test, and CMJ were not significantly different (p = 0.05). High to moderate positive correlation was found among WAnT, CMJ parameters and FEV1, fat-free body mass (FFM), dominant handgrip, and quadriceps strengths (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Physical fitness level and anaerobic capacity were lower in AC compared with that of NC. Physical fitness parameters and anaerobic exercise capacity should be evaluated on the physiotherapy and rehabilitation program in AC.

Allergic bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in children.

BACKGROUND: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillus (ABPA) is a lung disease caused by hypersensitivity from Aspergillus fumigatus. Diagnostic criteria, staging systems and treatment methods for ABPA disease have been reported in studies evaluating populations, the majority of which are adult patients. Our study aimed to discuss the use of ABPA diagnostic criteria in children, the success of other alternative regimens to oral corticosteroids in the treatment of ABPA, and the changes that occur during treatment, in the light of the literature. METHODS: Between January 2017 and 2020, patients diagnosed with ABPA at the Dokuz Eylül University Child Allergy and Immunology clinic were identified; demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory findings, diagnostic scores and stages, and treatment protocols were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age of patients diagnosed with ABPA was 14.33 ± 1.96. At the time of ABPA diagnosis, the median total IgE level was 1033 IU/mL (1004-6129), and the median AF specific IgE was 10.64 (2.59-49.70) kU/L. Bronchiectasis was detected in HRCT of 5 cases. We detected significant improvement in spirometric analysis with omalizumab treatment in our patient with steroid-related complications. DISCUSSION: Today, although risk factors have been investigated for ABPA, it has not been revealed clearly. Both diagnostic criteria and treatment regimens have been described in research studies, mostly adults. In pediatric patients; clarification of diagnosis and treatment algorithms is necessary to prevent irreversible lung tissue damage and possible drug side effects.

[Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 PCR Positive Cases in the Pediatric Emergency Department]. / Çocuk Acil Serviste SARS-CoV-2 PCR Pozitif Saptanan Olgularin Degerlendirilmesi.

In December 2019, a previously unknown type of coronavirus was detected in China and named as "severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)". The World Health Organization has named the SARS-CoV-2 related as coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and declared it as a pandemic. There is a limited data about the COVID-19 disease for the pediatric patients. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and radiologic findings, treatment and clinical outcomes of patients admitted to the pediatric emergency department with the suspicion of COVID-19. Between March 11 and June 16, 2020, patients aged between 1 month-18 years admitted to the pediatric emergency department and who have an indication for sampling for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method with the suspicion of COVID-19 according to the current guidelines published by the Ministry of Health were included in the study. The demographic characteristics, symptoms, durations and the history of contact with the suspected/definite COVID-19 cases were questioned in the patients with positive results. Physical examination, laboratory and imaging data of the patients were recorded. According to clinical severity, patients were divided into five groups. Treatment methods, ward/intensive care unit admission, length of stay at hospital, and prognosis were recorded. Of the 237 patients included in the study, 45 (18.9%) of the samples were positive and 192 (81.1%) were negative. There was a history of contact with COVID-19 positive case in 38 (85.6%) of COVID-19 PCR positive patients. The mean time for onset of symptoms after contact was 3.5 ± 1.7 days. Twenty-one of the patients (46.6%) were asymptomatic and the most common symptom was fever (34.1%) and cough (27.3%). Of the patients whose laboratory tests were requested, lymphopenia wasdetected in 50% and 52.3% of procalcitonin, 23.5% of C-reactive protein and 64.7% of D-dimer values were found to be high. Chest radiography was obtained from 45.4% of the patients; 90.0% were evaluated as normal, bronchovascular change, pleural effusion and consolidation were detected in one of each (5.0%) patient. Thorax computed tomography (CT) was obtained from 4 (9.0%) patients. One patient had normal CT findings, two patients had consolidation, one patient had peripheral ground-glass appearance and one patient had pleural effusion. Antibiotics were started in 38.6% of the patients and the most commonly used antibiotic was azithromycin (34.1%). Oseltamivir was started in one (2.3%) patient, and 10 (24.7%) patients were treated with hydroxychloroquine. There were no serious and critical cases according to the clinical severity. Pediatric patients constitute a small part of COVID-19 individuals in the community, and a significant part of them are asymptomatic, and patients who are symptomatic present with a mild clinic. In our study, most of the patients had a history of contact with COVID-19 positive cases, therefore, it should be questioned when evaluating a pediatric patient. There were no specific findings for COVID-19 positive patients in terms of laboratory and radiology.

Efficacy of allergen-blocker mechanical barrier gel on symptoms and quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis.

PROPOSE: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a very common, chronic and global health problem. In the last two decades, the efficiency of barrier-enforcing measures in AR has been investigated. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of allergen-blocker mechanical barrier gel (MBG) (AlerjiSTOP®) treatment on symptoms and quality of life score (QoLS) in patients with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. METHODS: A single-center, prospective study was conducted between January 2017 and May 2018. Patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis with a visual analogue scale (VAS) of 5 or higher (moderate/severe) were enrolled in the study. Patients were evaluated in terms of VAS, nasal symptom score (NSS), ocular symptom score (OSS), total symptom score (TSS) and QoLS at baseline, 1 week and 1 month of MBG treatment. RESULTS: A total of 83 patients with AR were enrolled in the study. Clinical and laboratory examinations showed that 50 (60.2%) patients were mono-sensitized. Allergen-blocker mechanical barrier gel treatment was performed as monotherapy in 22 (26.5%) patients. Median VAS, NSS, OSS and TSS decreased from 7 to 4, 8 to 3, 4 to 0 and 12 to 4, respectively (p < 0.0001). Correlation analysis revealed positive correlations between lower pediatric rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire scores for patients under 12 years of age and decrease in VAS, NSS and TSS (r = 0.380, p = 0.008; r = 0.544, p < 0.0001; r = 0.543, p < 0.0001). Positive correlations were detected between lower rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (self-administered) scores for patients ≥ 12 years of age and decrease in VAS, NSS, OSS and TSS (r = 0.703, p < 0.0001; r = 0.465, p = 0.005; r = 0.526, p = 0.001; r = 0.624, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we found significant decrease in all symptom scores and improvement in QoLS of patients treated with MBG as monotherapy and combination therapy.

Autoimmune/autoinflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants after multi-component meningococcal serogroup B vaccination in a 7-year-old girl: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Vaccines, which make it possible to be protected from many life-threatening infectious diseases, have been used safely and effectively for years. Most vaccines used today contain a variety of adjuvants and exogenous proteins. Severe reactions, in addition to transient and self-limiting mild reactions, mostly caused by these components, have been reported. The effects of vaccine adjuvants on the pathogenesis of immunemediated diseases are still under investigation. The syndrome called Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) has been defined in the literature. CASE: We found a novel mutation of autoinflammatory diseases in the genetic analysis of our patient. The patient developed symptoms of prolonged fever, rash, arthritis and serositis after multicomponent serogroup B meningococcal (Bexsero®) vaccination, without a previously known rheumatic disease. In the presence of clinical findings in our patient, the diagnostic criteria of ASIA syndrome were met. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a patient diagnosed with the autoinflammatory disease with a novel mutation after Bexsero® vaccination. We consider that genetic examinations will be useful in patients with a systemic vaccine reaction in the presence of ASIA when diagnostic criteria are met.

Three-axis accelerometer system for comparison of gait parameters in children with cystic fibrosis and healthy peers.

BACKGROUND: Cystic Fibrosis (CF), affecting functional exercise capacity generally measured by submaximal exercise test such as 6min walk test, is a progressive, autosomal recessive and metabolic disorder. Three-axis accelerometers, which are used during gait, are an easy way to assess gait parameters in patients and healthy individuals. Gait parameters were significantly associated with clinical outcomes of COPD. However, the association between gait parameters and clinical outcomes in children with CF is unclear. RESEARCH QUESTION: Do clinical outcomes in CF have an important role in determining gait parameters?. METHODS: Twenty-one CF and 21 healthy subjects participated in this case-control study. Body composition was evaluated using Tanita-BC 418. Respiratory and knee extension muscle strengths were assessed. Functional exercise capacity was evaluated using the 6-min walk test (6MWT). Spatiotemporal gait parameters were evaluated using a validated wireless inertial sensing device (G-Sensor, BTS Bioengineering S.p.A., Italy) during the 6MWT and 7-meter gait test. RESULTS: MIP, the distance of 6MWT, and stride length were significantly lower in the CF group compare to healthy children (p<0.05). Gait speed and functional exercise capacity, cadence and functional exercise capacity, quadriceps muscle strength, FEV1, fat-free mass were found to be correlated in CF patients (p<0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: The aerobic capacity and gait parameters were affected in CF patients with mild disease severity in our study. Clinical outcomes were associated with gait parameters in CF patients. This is the first study to use the 3-axis accelerometer to evaluate functional exercise capacity and gait parameters of CF and healthy children. A three-axis accelerometer can be used to assess functional exercise capacity and gait parameters in CF patients at the clinics.