A real-life ImmunoCAT study: impact of molecular diagnosis through ImmunoCAPTM ISAC 112 on immunotherapy prescription in pollen-polysensitized patients in Catalonia, Spain.

BACKGROUND: Molecular diagnosis in allergology helps to identify multiple allergenic molecules simultaneously. The use of purified and/or recombinant allergens increases the accuracy of individual sensitization profiles in allergic patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of molecular diagnosis through the ImmunoCAPTM ISAC 112 microarray on etiological diagnosis and specific immunotherapy (SIT) prescription. This was compared to the use of conventional diagnoses in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis and/or allergic asthma, sensitized to three or more pollen allergens of different botanical species. METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, observational study was conducted in patients aged 3-25 years who received care at the Allergology service of 14 hospitals in Catalonia from 2017 to 2020. Allergology diagnosis was established based on the patient's clinical assessment and the results of the skin prick test and specific immunoglobulin E assays. Subsequently, molecular diagnosis was conducted using ImmunoCAPTM ISAC® 112 to recombinant and/or purified allergen components. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients were included; 35 (32.1%) were pediatric patients and 74 (67.9%) were adolescents or young adults (mean age: 18 years), with 58.0% being females. A change of 51.0% was observed in SIT prescription following molecular etiological diagnosis by means of a multi-parameter microarray. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular diagnosis by means of multi-parameter tests increases the accuracy of etiological diagnosis and helps to define an accurate composition of SIT.

Allergy to Gibberellin-regulated proteins in an adolescent: A case of orange-induced anaphylaxis mediated by cofactors.

This report is a case of anaphylaxis in an adolescent due to allergy to gibberellin-regulated proteins mediated by cofactors, in probable relation to a pollen/food allergy syndrome. It should also emphasizes the importance of obtaining a faithful clinical history, especially when it comes to adolescent patients as they tend to initiate toxic habits.

Allergy to Gibberellin-regulated proteins in an adolescent: A case of orange-induced anaphylaxis mediated by cofactors / Alergia a proteínas reguladas por giberelinas en un adolescente: un caso de anafilaxia inducida por naranja mediada por cofactores

This report is a case of anaphylaxis in an adolescent due to allergy to gibberellin-regulated proteins mediated by cofactors, in probable relation to a pollen/food allergy syndrome. It should also emphasizes the importance of obtaining a faithful clinical history, especially when it comes to adolescent patients as they tend to initiate toxic habits.(AU)

INMUNOCAT study: The impact of molecular diagnosis on immunotherapy prescription in pollen polysensitized patients from Catalonia.

BACKGROUND: Recognition of specific allergens triggering immune response is key for the appropriate prescription of allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT). This study aimed at evaluating the impact of using the commercially available microarray ImmunoCAPTM ISAC 112 (Thermo Fisher Scientific) on the etiological diagnosis and SIT prescription compared to the conventional diagnostic methods in patients with allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis and/or asthma. METHODS: 300 patients with respiratory allergic disease, sensitized to three or more pollen aeroallergens from different species, as assessed by a skin prick test (SPT) and specific IgE assays (sIgE), were included in this multicentric, prospective observational study. SPT and a blood test were performed to all patients. Total serum IgE and sIgE (ImmunoCAPTM) for allergens found positive in the SPT and sIgE allergen components (ImmunoCAPTM ISAC 112) were measured. RESULTS: According to SPT results, the most prevalent pollen sensitizers in our population were Olea europaea followed by grass, Platanus acerifolia and Parietaria judaica. The molecular diagnosis (MD) revealed Ole e 1 as the most prevalent pollen sensitizer, followed by Cup a 1, Phl p 1, Cyn d 1, Par j 2, Pla a 1, 2, and 3 and Phl p 5. Immunotherapy prescription changed, due to MD testing, in 51% of the cases, with an increase of prescription of SIT from 39% to 65%. CONCLUSION: The identification of the allergen eliciting the respiratory disease is essential for a correct immunotherapy prescription. The advances in allergen characterization using methods, such as the commercial microarray ImmunoCAPTM ISAC 112, can help clinicians to improve SIT prescription.

Cost-effectiveness of omalizumab for the treatment of severe pediatric allergic asthma-Results of a real-life study in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Severe pediatric allergic asthma (SPAA) induces a huge economic burden in terms of direct, indirect, and intangible costs. The use of omalizumab for the treatment of these patients has produced a significant improvement in several clinical outcomes, but at the same time, the cost for the management of the disease has also increased. The aim of this report was to evaluate whether the use of omalizumab is cost-effective. METHODS: A sample of 426 children with SPAA from the ANCHORS (Asthma iN CHildren: Omalizumab in Real-life in Spain) study was used to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for the avoidance of moderate-to-severe exacerbations (MSE) and also for the improvement in childhood Asthma Control Test (c-ACT) or the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ5). We retrospectively collected data on health encounters and drug consumption before and up to 6 years after the beginning of the treatment with omalizumab. RESULTS: The ICER per avoided MSE was €2107 after 1 year, and it consistently decreased to €656 in those followed up to 6 years. Similarly, the ICER for the minimally important difference in control tests showed a decrease from €2059 to €380 per each 0.5 points of improvement in ACQ5 and from €3141 to €2322 per each 3 points improvement in c-ACT, at years 1 and 6, respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of OMZ is a cost-effective option for most children with uncontrolled SPAA, especially those who have frequent exacerbations; the costs are progressively reduced in successive years of treatment.

A practical toolbox for the effective transition of adolescents and young adults with asthma and allergies: An EAACI position paper.

INTRODUCTION: Adolescence is a critical stage of rapid biological, emotional and social change and development. Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with asthma and allergies need to develop the knowledge and skills to self-manage their health independently. Healthcare professionals (HCP), parents and their wider network play an essential role in supporting AYA in this process. Previous work showed significant limitations in transition care across Europe. In 2020, the first evidence-based guideline on effective transition for AYA with asthma and allergies was published by EAACI. AIM: We herein summarize practical resources to support this guideline's implementation in clinical practice. METHODS: For this purpose, multi-stakeholder Task Force members searched for resources in peer review journals and grey literature. These resources were included if relevant and of good quality and were pragmatically rated for their evidence-basis and user friendliness. RESULTS: Resources identified covered a range of topics and targeted healthcare professionals, AYA, parents/carers, schools, workplace and wider community. Most resources were in English, web-based and had limited evidence-basis. CONCLUSIONS: This position paper provides a valuable selection of practical resources for all stakeholders to support effective transitional care for AYA with asthma and allergies. Future research should focus on developing validated, patient-centred tools to further assist evidence-based transition care.

Perceptions of adolescents and young adults with allergy and/or asthma and their parents on EAACI guideline recommendations about transitional care: A European survey.

BACKGROUND: The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has developed a guideline to provide evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals to support the transitional care of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with allergy and/or asthma. The goal of this work was to ensure that the draft recommendations are also important for patients. METHODS: We surveyed patients aged 11-25 years with allergy and/or asthma and their parents across Europe between 17 February and 16 March 2020. The multilingual survey was distributed through national allergy and asthma patient organizations in Europe as well as through social media. RESULTS: A total of 1210 responses from 24 European countries were collected. There were 415 (34.3%) AYA and 795 (65.7%) parents. The majority of AYA (72.3%) and parents (81.9%) were female. Patients had a history of asthma (61.1%), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (54.1%), food allergy (53.8%), atopic eczema (42.6%) and anaphylaxis (28.8%). All recommendations achieved the median score of either 'important' or 'very important'. The least supported recommendations were the use of joint clinics with both paediatric and adult physicians attending and the use of web-based or mobile technologies for communication with the AYA. The most supported recommendation was checking that the AYA is knowledgeable and compliant with their prescribed medication. Qualitative analysis revealed conditional approval for some recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: There was agreement from patients and parents on the importance of the draft recommendations on transitional care for AYA with allergy and/or asthma and their parents. The recommendations now need to be implemented into clinical practice across Europe.

Omalizumab outcomes for up to 6 years in pediatric patients with severe persistent allergic asthma.

BACKGROUND: Various studies have assessed omalizumab outcomes in the clinical practice setting but follow-up and/or number of patients included were limited. We aim to describe the long-term outcomes of pediatric patients with severe persistent allergic asthma receiving omalizumab in the largest real-life cohort reported to date. METHODS: ANCHORS was a multicenter, observational, retrospective cohort study conducted in 25 Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonology units in Spain. We collected data of patients < 18 years and initiating omalizumab between 2006 and 2018, from the year prior to omalizumab initiation to discontinuation or last available follow-up. The primary outcome was the evolution of the annual number of moderate-to-severe exacerbations compared with the baseline period. RESULTS: Of the 484 patients included, 101 (20.9%) reached 6 years of treatment. The mean ± standard deviation number of exacerbations decreased during the first year of treatment (7.9 ± 6.6 to 1.1 ± 2.0, P < .001) and remained likewise for up to 6 years. The other clinical parameters assessed also improved significantly during the first year and stabilized or continued to improve thereafter. The percentage of patients experiencing adverse events was consistently low, and the main reason for discontinuation was good disease evolution. CONCLUSION: In this large, long-term, observational study, moderate-to-severe exacerbations decreased significantly from the first year of treatment with omalizumab. The beneficial effect was maintained in the long term, along with a good safety profile. Our results position omalizumab as an effective long-term treatment in pediatric patients with severe persistent allergic asthma.

Current transition management of adolescents and young adults with allergy and asthma: a European survey.

BACKGROUND: Transition from parent-delivered to self-management is a vulnerable time for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with allergy and asthma. There is currently no European guideline available for healthcare professionals (HCPs) on transition of these patients and local/national protocols are also mostly lacking. METHODS: European HCPs working with AYA with allergy and asthma were invited to complete an online survey assessing challenges of working with these patients, current transition practices and access to specific healthcare resources. RESULTS: A total of 1179 responses from 41 European countries were collected. Most HCPs (86%) reported a lack of a transition guideline and a lack of a transition process (20% paediatric HCPs, 50% of adult HCPs, 56% HCP seeing all ages). Nearly half (48%) acknowledged a lack of an established feedback system between paediatric and adult medical services. Many respondents never routinely asked about mental health issues such as self-harm or depression and are not confident in asking about self-harm (66.6%), sexuality (64%) and depression (43.6%). The majority of HCPs (76%) had not received specific training in the care of AYA although 87% agreed that transition was important for AYA with allergy and asthma. CONCLUSION: Although there was agreement that transition is important for AYA with allergy and asthma, there are crucial limitations and variations in the current provision of transition services across Europe. Standardisation of AYA management and specific training are required. This should improve management and continuity of care during adolescence and into adulthood to achieve the best healthcare outcomes.

EAACI Guidelines on the effective transition of adolescents and young adults with allergy and asthma.

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients need additional support, while they experience the challenges associated with their age. They need specific training to learn the knowledge and skills required to confidently self-manage their allergies and/or asthma. Transitional care is a complex process, which should address the psychological, medical, educational and vocational needs of AYA in the developmentally appropriate way. The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has developed a clinical practice guideline to provide evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals to support the transitional care of AYA with allergy and/or asthma. This guideline was developed by a multidisciplinary working panel of experts and patient representatives based on two recent systematic reviews. It sets out a series of general recommendations on operating a clinical service for AYA, which include the following: (a) starting transition early (11-13 years), (b) using a structured, multidisciplinary approach, (c) ensuring AYA fully understand their condition and have resources they can access, (d) active monitoring of adherence and (e) discussing any implications for further education and work. Specific allergy and asthma transition recommendations include (a) simplifying medication regimes and using reminders; (b) focusing on areas where AYA are not confident and involving peers in training AYA patients; (c) identifying and managing psychological and socio-economic issues impacting disease control and quality of life; (d) enrolling the family in assisting AYA to undertake self-management; and (e) encouraging AYA to let their friends know about their allergies and asthma. These recommendations may need to be adapted to fit into national healthcare systems.

Understanding the challenges faced by adolescents and young adults with allergic conditions: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence represents a vulnerable time for individuals with asthma and allergic conditions. They suffer an unexpected degree of morbidity. This systematic review aimed to understand the challenges faced by adolescents and young adults with these conditions. METHODS: A systematic literature search was undertaken across eight databases. References were checked by two reviewers for inclusion. Study data were extracted, and their quality was assessed in duplicate. A narrative meta-synthesis was undertaken. RESULTS: A total of 108 papers describing 106 studies were retrieved, most focused on asthma. Five themes were identified across studies: (a) Health-related quality of life-impairment was associated with poor disease control, psychosocial issues, adolescent-onset allergic disease and female sex; (b) Psychological factors-asthma and food allergy were associated with anxiety and depression, atopic dermatitis was associated with suicidal ideation, and that parental emotional support may be protective; (c) Adherence-suboptimal adherence was associated with older age, barriers to medication usage, poor symptom perception and failure to take responsibility, and positive factors were routines, simpler treatment regimes, better knowledge and perceptions about medications; (d) Self-management-facilitated by education, knowledge and a positive attitude; and (e) Supportive relationships-families could modify barriers to adherence and foster positive views about self-management, adolescents suggested that their peers should be more involved in supporting them, and adolescents also wished to have support from nonjudgemental healthcare professionals. CONCLUSIONS: We have some understanding of the challenges faced by adolescents with asthma, less so for other allergic conditions. This knowledge will be used to support guidelines for managing adolescents.

The effectiveness of interventions to improve self-management for adolescents and young adults with allergic conditions: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review aimed to review the literature on interventions for improving self-management and well-being in adolescents and young adults (11-25 years) with asthma and allergic conditions. METHODS: A systematic literature search was undertaken across eight databases. References were checked by two reviewers for inclusion. Study data were extracted, and their quality was assessed in duplicate. A narrative synthesis was undertaken. RESULTS: A total of 30 papers reporting data from 27 studies were included. Interventions types were psychological (k = 9); e-health (k = 8); educational (k = 4); peer-led (k = 5); breathing re-training (k = 1). All interventions were for asthma. Psychological interventions resulted in significant improvements in the intervention group compared with the control group for self-esteem, quality of life, self-efficacy, coping strategies, mood and asthma symptoms. E-Health interventions reported significant improvements for inhaler technique, adherence and quality of life. General educational interventions demonstrated significantly improved quality of life, management of asthma symptoms, controller medication use, increased use of a written management plan and reduction in symptoms. The peer-led interventions included the Triple A (Adolescent Asthma Action) programme and a peer-led camp based on the Power Breathing Programme. Improvements were found for self-efficacy, school absenteeism and quality of life. CONCLUSION: Although significant improvements were seen for all intervention types, many were small feasibility or pilot studies, few studies reported effect sizes and no studies for allergic conditions other than asthma met the inclusion criteria. Research using large longitudinal interventional designs across the range of allergic conditions is required to strengthen the evidence base.

Estudi de casos i controls sobre els factors de risc i la gravetat de l'asma en una població escolar / Estudio de casos y controles sobre factores de riesgo y gravedad del asma en una población escolar / Case-control study on risk factors for asthma and its severity in school-aged patients

Fonament: L'asma és la malaltia crònica infantil més freqüent i la seva prevalença continua augmentant. Objectiu: Valorar la influència de factors de risc coneguts de l'asma i la seva gravetat en pacients escolars. Mètode: Estudi observacional prospectiu de casos i controls fet a Consultes Externes d'Al·lergologia Pediàtrica en pacients asmàtics i controls sans. Les dades van ser recollides mitjançant qüestionaris i revisió d'històries clíniques. Posteriorment es va fer una anàlisi estadística per regressió univariant i multivariant. Resultats: Es van incloure 32 individus sans amb una edat mitjana de 10 anys i predomini masculí [59,3% (n=19)] i 107 pacients asmàtics amb una edat mitjana de 9 anys i predomini masculí [62,6% (n=67)]. El 32% (n=34) dels pacients asmàtics va presentar asma persistent i el 9% (n=10) mal control de la malaltia. La sensibilització a àcars de la pols va ser la més prevalent [86% (n=92)]. En l'anàlisi estadística entre els factors de risc estudiats de totes dues poblacions va destacar que l'única diferència significativa eren els antecedents de sibilàncies de repetició abans dels 3 anys (p<0,001). Es van observar associacions estadísticament significatives entre asma persistent i antecedents de sibilàncies virals recurrents (p<0,001), bronquiolitis per virus respiratori sincitial (VRS) (p<0,05) i sensibilització a fongs (p<0,05). Conclusions: L'antecedent de sibilàncies recurrents els tres primers anys de vida és el factor de risc més important per a l'asma escolar. Aquest factor, la bronquiolitis per VRS i la sensibilització a fongs es van relacionar amb l'asma més greu

Fundamento: El asma es la enfermedad crónica infantil más frecuente. En las últimas décadas se ha constatado un aumento de su prevalencia Objetivo. Valorar la influencia de factores de riesgo conocidos del asma y su gravedad en un grupo de pacientes en edad escolar. Método: Estudio observacional prospectivo de casos y controles realizado en Consultas Externas de Alergología Pediátrica en pacientes asmáticos y controles sanos. Los datos fueron recogidos mediante cuestionarios y revisión de historias clínicas. Posteriormente se realizó un análisis estadístico por regresión univariante y multivariante. Resultados: Se incluyeron 32 individuos sanos con una edad media de 10 años y predominio masculino [59,3% (n=19)] y 107 pacientes asmáticos con una edad media de 9 años y predominio masculino [62,6% (n=67)]. El 32% (n=34) de los pacientes asmáticos presentó asma persistente y el 9% (n=10) mal control de la enfermedad. La sensibilización a ácaros del polvo fue la más prevalente [86% (n=92)]. En el análisis estadístico entre los factores de riesgo estudiados de ambas poblaciones destacó que la única diferencia significativa fueron los antecedentes de sibilancias de repetición antes de los 3 años (p<0,001). Se observaron asociaciones estadísticamente significativas entre asma persistente y antecedentes de sibilancias virales recurrentes (p<0,001), bronquiolitis por virus respiratorio sincitial (VRS) (p<0,05) y sensibilización a hongos (p<0,05). Conclusiones: El antecedente de sibilancias recurrentes los tres primeros años de vida es el factor de riesgo más importante para el asma escolar. Este factor, la bronquiolitis por VRS y la sensibilización a hongos se relacionaron con el asma de mayor gravedad

Background: Asthma is the most common chronic disease in childhood. Its prevalence has increased over the last few decades. Objective: The aim of our study was to define the influence of known risk factors for asthma and its severity in a group of school- aged patients. Method: Prospective observational case-control study of asthmatic patients attended in our allergy outpatient department and healthy controls. Data were collected through questionnaires and review of medical records. Subsequently, a statistical analysis was perfor- med by univariate and multivariate regression. Results: Thirty-two healthy individuals, with an average age of 10 years and male predominance [59% (n=19)] and 107 asthmatic children, with an average age of 9 years and male predominance [62.6% (n=67)] were included. Thirty-two percent (n=34) of the asthmatic children presented persistent asthma and 9% (n=10) poor control of the disease. Sensitization to dust mites was the most prevalent [86% (n=92)]. In the statistical analysis between the risk factors studied in both populations, the only significant difference was the history of recurrent wheezing of children aged 3 years or younger (p<0.001). Associations were also observed between severe asthma and a history of frequent viral lower respi-atory tract infections (p<0.001), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection (p<0.05) and sensitization to fungi (p<0.05). Conclusions: The history of recurrent wheezing in the first 3 years of life is the most important risk factor for the presence of asthma in children in school age. This factor, RSV bronchiolitis and sensitization to fungi were related to most severe asthma

Prospective assessment of diagnostic tests for pediatric penicillin allergy: From clinical history to challenge tests.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic guidelines for penicillin allergy in children recommend cumbersome protocols based partially on data from adults, which may be suboptimal for pediatric use. OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of tools for diagnosis of penicillin allergy in children. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter study was conducted in children with reported adverse events related to penicillin, excluding severe reactions. All patients underwent a uniform diagnostic protocol that consisted of clinical history, skin tests, serum specific IgE (sIgE), and, regardless of these results, drug provocation tests (DPTs). RESULTS: A total of 732 children (mean age, 5.5 years; 51.2% males) completed the allergy workup, including DPTs. Amoxicillin triggered 96.9% of all reactions. None of the patients with an immediate index reaction (IR) developed a reaction on DPT. Penicillin allergy was confirmed in 35 children (4.8%): 6 immediate reactions (17%) and 29 nonimmediate reactions (83%) on the DPT. No severe reactions were recorded. The allergist diagnosis based on the clinical history was not associated with the DPT final outcome. In 30 of 33 allergic patients (91%), the results of all skin tests and sIgE tests were negative. A logistic regression model identified the following to be associated with penicillin allergy: a family history of drug allergy (odds ratio [OR], 3.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-6.89; P = .008), an IR lasting more than 3 days vs 24 hours or less (OR, 8.96; 95% CI, 2.01-39.86; P = .004), and an IR treated with corticosteroids (OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.30-5.54; P = .007). CONCLUSION: Conventional predictors of allergy to penicillin performed weakly. The authors propose straightforward penicillin provocation testing in controlled, experienced centers for the diagnosis of nonsevere penicillin allergy in children.

Safety of Adrenaline Use in Anaphylaxis: A Multicentre Register.

BACKGROUND: The use of intramuscular adrenaline to treat anaphylaxis is suboptimal, despite being the first-line treatment recommended by national and international anaphylaxis guidelines. Fear of potentially severe side effects may be one of the underlying factors. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and severity of adverse side effects after the use of adrenaline in anaphylaxis, as well as potential risk factors. METHODS: Observational study based on a multicenter online registry of cases of adrenaline administration for suspected anaphylaxis. RESULTS: 277 registered valid cases were included: 138 (51.49%) female, median age 29 years (12-47), and 6 children under 2 years with a median age of 9 months (1-21). Side effects occurred in 58 cases (21.64%), with tremors, palpitations, and anxiety being the most frequent. There was a significant association of developing side effects with older age, higher dose of adrenaline, or use of the intravenous route. Potentially severe adverse effects (high blood pressure, chest discomfort, or ECG alterations) occurred only in 8 cases (2.99%); in these cases, no differences were found according to age or adrenaline dose, but again, intravenous administration was associated with more severe adverse events. CONCLUSION: This study shows that side effects affect less than 1 in 5 patients who receive adrenaline for an anaphylactic reaction, and are usually mild and transient. Therefore, in an emergency situation such as anaphylaxis, restricting adrenaline administration due to potential adverse effects would, in general, not be justified.

Noia de 14 anys amb episodis de dolor abdominal i edemes distals recurrents / No disponible

No disponible

Diagnòstic molecular en al·lergologia pediàtrica. Implicacions diagnòstiques i terapèutiques / Diagnóstico molecular en alergología pediátrica. Implicaciones diagnósticas y terapéuticas / Component-resolved diagnostic in pediatric allergy. Diagnostic and therapeutic implications

Fonament: els extractes obtinguts a partir de les fonts al•lergògenes completes sovint són barreges mal definides d'al•lèrgens principals, al•lèrgens de reactivitat encreuada i material no al•lergogen. Quan són utilitzades en els mètodes diagnòstics de sensibilització al•lèrgica (tant in vivocom in vitro), sovint no permeten un diagnòstic precís de l'al•lergen responsable de la simptomatologia, especialment en els pacients sensibilitzats a més d'una font al•lergògena. Els avenços en la caracterització d'al•lèrgens (biologia molecular i tècniques de DNA recombinant) han permès que disposem de noves eines diagnòstiques, com els al•lèrgens recombinants i els al•lèrgens purificats. Objectiu: revisar si la utilització d'al•lèrgens recombinants i al•lèrgens purificats pot millorar l'eficàcia dels mètodes diagnòstics convencionals utilitzats fins ara en al•lergologia pediàtrica. Mètode: revisió bibliogràfica fins al desembre del 2014. Es revisen els articles en què s'ha avaluat la utilitat del diagnòstic molecular en població al•lèrgica pediàtrica. Resultats: la utilització d'al•lèrgens recombinants i al•lèrgens purificats millora l'eficàcia dels mètodes diagnòstics convencionals, ja que ens permet definir les sensibilitzacions genuïnes i les que són conseqüència dels fenòmens de reac tivitat encreuada amb més precisió diagnòstica. Amb l'apli cació del diagnòstic molecular s'espera aconseguir una millor tipificació de la patologia al•lèrgica de la població pediàtrica polisensibilitzada i amb patologia al•lèrgica complexa. Conclusions: el diagnòstic al•lergològic molecular pot ser una eina molt útil per prendre decisions clíniques apropiades i a temps per als pacients, i oferir als metges la possi-bilitat d'individualitzar les accions terapèutiques

Fundamento. Los extractos obtenidos a partir de las fuentes alergénicas completas a menudo son mezclas mal definidas de alérgenos principales, alérgenos de reactividad cruzada y material no alergénico. Cuando se utilizan en los métodos diagnósticos de sensibilización alergénica (tanto in vivo como in vitro), a menudo no permiten un diagnóstico preciso del alérgeno responsable de la sintomatología, especialmente en los pacientes sensibilizados a más de una fuente alergénica. Los avances en la caracterización de los alérgenos (biología molecular y técnicas de DNA recombinante) han permitido que dispongamos de nuevas herramientas diagnósticas, como los alérgenos recombinantes y los alérgenos purificados. Objetivo. Revisar si la utilización de alérgenos recombinantes y alérgenos purificados puede mejorar la eficacia de los métodos diagnósticos convencionales utilizados en alergología pediátrica hasta ahora. Método. Revisión bibliográfica hasta diciembre de 2014. Se revisan los artículos en los que se evaluó la utilidad del diagnóstico molecular en población alérgica pediátrica. Resultados. La utilización de alérgenos recombinantes y alérgenos purificados mejora la eficacia de los métodos diagnósticos convencionales, ya que nos permite definir las sensibilizaciones genuinas y las que son consecuencia de los fenómenos de reactividad cruzada con una mayor precisión diagnóstica. Con la aplicación del diagnóstico molecular se espera conseguir una mayor tipificación de la patología alérgica de la población pediátrica polisensibilizada y con patología alérgica compleja. Conclusiones. El diagnóstico molecular puede ser una herramienta muy útil a la hora de establecer decisiones clínicas apropiadas y a tiempo para nuestros pacientes alérgicos, y ofrecer a los médicos la posibilidad de individualizar las mejores acciones terapéuticas (AU)

Background. Extracts obtained from complete allergenic sources are usually poorly defined mixtures of major allergens, cross-reactive allergens, and non-allergenic material. The analysis of those extracts seldom allows for a precise diagnosis of the allergen responsible for the symptoms (in vivo or in vitro), especially in patients sensitized to more than one allergenic source. Advances in the characterization of allergens (molecular biology and recombinant DNA techniques) have allowed for the development of new diagnostic tools based on purified and recombinant allergens. Objective. To review the effect that advances in the characterization of purified and recombinant allergens have had in the diagnostics of pediatric allergy. Method. Literature review of manuscripts published until December 2014. Articles evaluating the usefulness of molecular diagnosis in pediatric allergy were reviewed. Results. Advances in the characterization of allergens have facilitated the development of new diagnostic tools based on purified and recombinant allergens that can improve the efficiency of conventional allergy diagnosis methods. The use of recombinant and purified allergens for the study of the allergic sensitization of polysensitized patients and of patients with complex allergic disease may help discern genuine sensitization of the patient from crossreactivity with greater accuracy. Conclusions. The identification of the specific allergen that is sensitizing the patient is an essential requirement for optimal diagnosis and treatment; multiplexed molecular diagnosis can provide very useful information to aid in the management of these children (AU)