Impact of Chronic Spontaneous or Inducible Urticaria on Occupational Activity.

The impact of chronic urticaria on work has been scarcely reported, whereas its peak incidence is between the ages of 20 and 40. The aim of this study was to assess the occupational impact of chronic urticaria and its treatment, by combining objective and patient-reported data. A monocentric observational study was performed using questionnaires over a 1-year period from 2021 to 2022 in chronic urticaria patients who were in a period of professional activity and agreed to participate. Of the 88 patients included, 55.7% assessed the occupational impact of their chronic urticaria as significant, and even more severe when chronic urticaria was poorly controlled. Some 86% of patients had symptoms at work, in a third of cases aggravated by work. However, occupational physical factors were not associated with an aggravation of inducible chronic urticaria. A total of 20% reported treatment-related adverse effects affecting their work. Despite low absenteeism, presenteeism and reduced productivity were important (> 20%). Six patients (6.8%) had difficulties keeping their work. For 72.7% of the patients, the occupational physician was not informed. The occupational impact of chronic urticaria should be discussed during consultations, particularly when it is insufficiently controlled. The occupational physician should be informed in order to support patients' professional project.

Neutrophilic Urticarial Dermatosis.

Neutrophilic urticarial dermatosis (NUD) is a rare form of dermatosis that is poorly understood. It was first described by Kieffer and colleagues as an urticarial eruption that is histopathologically characterized by a perivascular and interstitial neutrophilic infiltrate with intense leukocytoclasia and without vasculitis or dermal edema. NUD clinically presents as a chronic or recurrent eruption that consists of nonpruritic macules, papules, or plaques that are pink to reddish and that resolve within 24 hours without residual pigmentation. NUD is often associated with systemic diseases such as Schnitzler syndrome, lupus erythematosus, adult-onset Still's disease, and cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes.

A rare case of dialysis associated reaction presenting with urticarial vasculitis and haemoglobinuria.

Dialysis associated reactions presenting with urticarial vasculitis is rarely reported in medical literature. We report a 61-year-old gentleman who developed sudden onset dyspnea with diffuse erythema within 20 min of haemodialysis. Patient was started on Azilsartan 3 days prior to this clinical event. Labs revealed features of hemolysis and urine was positive for hemoglobinuria. All dialysis related factors responsible for this reaction were ruled out. Due to non-resolution of skin rash, skin biopsy was attempted which revealed fibrinoid necrosis of occasional vessels with predominant lymphocytic infiltration suggestive of drug induced urticarial vasculitis. Complement levels were normal. He was managed with steroids, anti-histaminic, discontinuation of azilsartan and change of dialyzer membrane. This case highlights a rare dermatological presentation of Type A dialysis associated reaction involving azilsartan with differential diagnosis and treatment strategies.

A comparative analysis of chronic inducible urticaria in 423 patients: Clinical and laboratory features and comorbid conditions.

BACKGROUND: Chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) is a subtype of chronic urticaria (CU) which require specific physical or non-physical triggers to occur. They may be isolated or may coexist with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Despite their frequent appearance in dermatology clinics, there is scarce information on the distinguishing features among the most common subtypes of CIndU as well as isolated CIndU versus CSU plus CIndU. OBJECTIVES: To compare clinical and laboratory characteristics, and comorbid conditions among the most common CIndU types and isolated CIndU versus CSU plus CIndU. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed CIndU patients and compared patients' demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics across isolated CIndU, CSU plus CIndU, symptomatic dermographism (SD), cold urticaria (ColdU) and cholinergic urticaria (ChoU). RESULTS: A total of 423 patients (~70% isolated CIndU, ~30% CSU plus CIndU, ~5% mixed CIndU subtypes) were included in the study. The most frequent CIndU subtypes were SD (68.6%; 290/423), ColdU (11.4%; 48/423) and ChoU (10.9%; 46/423). Isolated CIndU patients were younger than CSU plus CIndU (33.74 ± 12.72 vs. 37.06 ± 11.84, p = 0.010). Angioedema, emergency referrals, need for systemic steroids, comorbid systemic disorders were more frequent and baseline urticaria control test scores were lower in CSU plus CIndU patients (vs. CIndU, p < 0.001, p = 0.008, p < 0.001, p = 0.031, p = 0.036, respectively). Among CIndU subtypes, ChoU patients were younger (24.9 ± 12.2 vs. 34.47 ± 12.12 vs. 31.38 ± 14.95; p < 0.001) and had male predominance (p < 0.001) while SD patients had no angioedema (p < 0.001) and had higher frequency of increased total IgE levels (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Isolated CIndU and CSU plus CIndU seems to be different endotypes of CU where CSU plus CIndU presents a more severe and refractory course. There are distinctive features of each CIndU subtype. These suggest involvement of different pathomechanistic pathways in these subtypes that need to be clarified in future studies.

Epidemiology, clinical profiles, and prognostic value of COVID-19-related cutaneous manifestations in African populations: a rapid narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Skin manifestations' true prognostic value, and clinical and epidemiological pictures in SARS-CoV-2 infection in African populations are poorly described and understudied. More familiarity with COVID-19 cutaneous manifestations may aid in early clinical diagnosis or guide prognosis. METHODS: In this literature review, we looked for potential studies published from December 2019 to March 2023 on COVID-19 cutaneous lesions in African populations. Our key questions were focused on the prognostic values of cutaneous manifestations related to COVID-19. RESULTS: Our findings show that cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 vary by country and severity of COVID-19, primarily multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS). Significant differences were also found between various dermatological lesions, primarily MIS, erythema multiforme-like, livedoid, vesicular, or varicella-like rashes, urticarial, maculopapular or morbilliform rashes, and chilblain-like or pernio-like rashes. There were 47.5% (115/242) of MIS cases reported in nine published African studies. Our findings also revealed that MIS may be diagnosed in 2-7 days due to early onset rash. Advanced age, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, HIV, tuberculosis, asthma, atopic disease, underweight, malnutrition, and malignancy were found to be associated with COVID-19 cutaneous manifestations in African populations. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19-related skin manifestations in African populations are important as a driving force in COVID-19 prognosis.

Occupational asthma, rhinitis and contact urticaria from greenhouse work.

BACKGROUND: The current knowledge about occupational allergic diseases among greenhouse workers is scant. AIMS: To describe greenhouse workers' occupational allergic diseases. METHODS: We identified 28 greenhouse workers with occupational allergic diseases in 2002-2020 by conducting a systematic search in the patient register of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. All the patients worked in tomato- or cucumber-growing greenhouses and showed immunoglobulin-E-mediated sensitization to occupational agents. Specific inhalation challenges or workplace peak expiratory flow monitoring confirmed occupational asthma (OA), nasal allergen challenges confirmed occupational rhinitis (OR) and open skin tests confirmed occupational contact urticaria (OCU). RESULTS: Most patients had more than one occupational disease and were sensitized to several workplace agents. Tomato plants were the most common cause of occupational diseases and induced 22 allergic diseases in 14 patients. Cucumber plants caused occupational diseases in 10 patients (3 OA, 7 OR and 6 OCU). The pest control mite Amblyseius swirskii and a mixture of parasitic wasps Encarsia formosa and Eretmocerus eremicus both induced two OA cases. Three patients had an occupational disease caused by storage mites and three others had a work-related systemic reaction to a bumblebee sting. CONCLUSIONS: The greenhouse workers typically suffered from several occupational allergic diseases and were sensitized to cultivated plants, various pest control organisms and storage mites. All these can cause OA and OR, but in this study, OCU was only induced by cultivation plants. Cucumber plant is a novel cause of OA and OR, and A. swirskii is a novel cause of OA.

Mosquito allergy: Immunological aspects and clinical management.

Mosquito allergy has been conceived as the cutaneous reactions that appears during and after mosquito biting process; a perception that is supported by several scientific research. Additional data have led to conceive that other manifestations of allergic responses may occur as a cause of the exposure to somatic mosquito allergens. Two main phenotypes of mosquito allergy are identifiable: the cutaneous allergic reactions, induced by salivary allergens, and other manifestations of the allergic responses such as asthma and allergic rhino conjunctivitis that are caused by somatic allergens. The cutaneous reactions have kept the focus of attention of the scientific community. It appears as skin lesions that resembles the phenotype of papular urticaria with a defined natural history of the disease. Although these two phenotypes of mosquito allergy seem to be well differentiated in terms of the allergens that are involved and the routes of exposures, other factors such as geographical distribution, may participate. Mosquitoes have adapted to the host immune response against bites, producing immunomodulatory molecules that counteract such defensive response. The role that the immunomodulatory molecules have on the allergic immune response has not been studied yet and it is still not known if affects all mosquito allergy phenotypes. Only a few studies of allergen specific immunotherapy for cutaneous allergic reactions induced by mosquito bites have been done, and none for respiratory allergic responses. The clinical practice focuses on symptom management and avoiding mosquito bites as much as possible. Avoiding mosquitoes, using different well described methods, is still the best option to limit contact with these insects. The lack of knowledge of mosquito allergy have raised several questions that affects the clinical management of this allergic disease, from its diagnosis, prevention and immunotherapy.

Case Report: Insulin hypersensitivity in youth with type 1 diabetes.

Objective: Immediate type I, type III, and delayed type IV hypersensitivity reactions to insulin are rare, but potentially serious complications of exogenous insulin administration required for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: We present four cases of insulin hypersensitivity reactions occurring in youth with T1D and a literature review of this topic. Results: Insulin hypersensitivity reactions included types I, III, and IV with presentations ranging from localized urticaria, erythematous nodules, and eczematous plaques to anaphylaxis with respiratory distress. Reactions occurred in youth with newly diagnosed T1D and in those with long-standing T1D who were using both injection and insulin pump therapy. Multidisciplinary care involving pediatric endocrinology and allergy/immunology utilizing trials of many adjunct therapies yielded minimal improvement. Despite the use of various treatments, including antihistamines, topical therapies, immunosuppressant medications, desensitization trials, and intravenous immune globulin, cutaneous reactions, elevated hemoglobin A1c levels, and negative effects on quality of life remain persistent challenges. One patient became one of the youngest pancreas transplant recipients in the world at age 12 years due to uncontrollable symptoms and intolerable adverse effects of attempted therapies. Conclusion: Although rare, insulin hypersensitivity reactions negatively affect glycemic control and quality of life. These cases demonstrate the varying severity and presentation of insulin hypersensitivity reactions along with the limited success of various treatment approaches. Given the life-sustaining nature of insulin therapy, further studies are needed to better understand the underlying pathophysiology of insulin hypersensitivity and to develop targeted treatment approaches.

Prurito en dermatología. Enfermedades y su tratamiento. Parte 2 / Pruritus in Dermatology: Part 2 — Diseases and Their Treatment

El prurito es el síntoma principal en múltiples enfermedades dermatológicas y sistémicas. La dermatitis atópica, la psoriasis, la dermatitis de contacto, la urticaria, el liquen simple crónico, la micosis fungoides, las cicatrices, las enfermedades autoinmunes, la enfermedad renal o hepática crónica, entre otras, asocian prurito que puede requerir un manejo terapéutico distinto. Aunque los antihistamínicos parecen ser la primera línea de tratamiento, en realidad su papel queda limitado a la urticaria y reacciones por fármacos, ya que los mecanismos fisiopatológicos de cada una de las entidades tratadas a lo largo de este manuscrito serán distintas. En estos últimos años han aparecido nuevas moléculas para el tratamiento del prurito, con perfiles de eficacia y seguridad muy atractivos para su uso en práctica clínica. Sin duda, es un momento crucial para el desarrollo de la dermatología en el campo del prurito, y una oportunidad para ser más exigentes con los objetivos a alcanzar en estos pacientes (AU)

Pruritus is the main symptom of many dermatologic and systemic diseases. Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, urticaria, lichen simplex chronicus, mycosis fungoides, scars, autoimmune diseases, kidney or liver diseases among others are all associated with itch that may require different approaches to management. Although antihistamines seem to be the first line of therapy, in reality their role is limited to urticaria and drug-induced reactions. In fact, the pathophysiologic mechanisms of each of the conditions covered in this review will differ. Recent years have seen the emergence of new drugs whose efficacy and safety profiles are very attractive for the management of pruritus in clinical practice. Clearly we are at a critical moment in dermatology, in which we have the chance to be more ambitious in our goals when treating patients with pruritus (AU)

[Translated article] Pruritus in Dermatology: Part 2—Diseases and Their Treatment / Prurito en dermatología. Enfermedades y su tratamiento. Parte 2

Pruritus is the main symptom of many dermatologic and systemic diseases. Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, urticaria, lichen simplex chronicus, mycosis fungoides, scars, autoimmune diseases, kidney or liver diseases among others are all associated with itch that may require different approaches to management. Although antihistamines seem to be the first line of therapy, in reality their role is limited to urticaria and drug-induced reactions. In fact, the pathophysiologic mechanisms of each of the conditions covered in this review will differ. Recent years have seen the emergence of new drugs whose efficacy and safety profiles are very attractive for the management of pruritus in clinical practice. Clearly we are at a critical moment in dermatology, in which we have the chance to be more ambitious in our goals when treating patients with pruritus (AU)

El prurito es el síntoma principal en múltiples enfermedades dermatológicas y sistémicas. La dermatitis atópica, la psoriasis, la dermatitis de contacto, la urticaria, el liquen simple crónico, la micosis fungoides, las cicatrices, las enfermedades autoinmunes, la enfermedad renal o hepática crónica, entre otras, asocian prurito que puede requerir un manejo terapéutico distinto. Aunque los antihistamínicos parecen ser la primera línea de tratamiento, en realidad su papel queda limitado a la urticaria y reacciones por fármacos, ya que los mecanismos fisiopatológicos de cada una de las entidades tratadas a lo largo de este manuscrito serán distintas. En estos últimos años han aparecido nuevas moléculas para el tratamiento del prurito, con perfiles de eficacia y seguridad muy atractivos para su uso en práctica clínica. Sin duda, es un momento crucial para el desarrollo de la dermatología en el campo del prurito, y una oportunidad para ser más exigentes con los objetivos a alcanzar en estos pacientes (AU)

A case of hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome complicated by eosinophilic pneumonia: a case report and review of the literature.

The primary symptom of urticarial vasculitis (UV), which is a histopathological leukocytoclastic vasculitis disease, is an eruption that resembles urticaria. Other organs may also experience accompanying symptoms. Lung lesions with UV are mostly obstructive pulmonary disease with smoking. However, the coexistence of eosinophilic pneumonia (EP) and complicated UV remains unclear. We report a man in his 70s with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who attended our department with ring-shaped erythema, marginal edema, and pigmentation. Additionally, a skin histological analysis showed nuclear dust and perivascular neutrophil infiltration, while a blood sample showed a decrease in C3 and C1q concentrations. Administration of prednisone temporarily improved the eruption. However, he developed a cough and a new UV eruption 1 year later. Computed tomography revealed infiltration in the right upper lobe of the lungs, and a blood sample showed a high eosinophil count. He was finally diagnosed with hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome and idiopathic chronic EP. A previous study showed that serum C1q concentrations in patients with EP were lower when this disease was active. Whether a decline in C1q concentrations can cause EP is unclear. However, our case is unique owing to the co-onset of EP with low complement concentrations and recurrence of UV.

Effects of the immunoglobulin/histamine complex on panic disorder concurrent with chronic spontaneous urticaria: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Panic disorder and panic attacks are two of the most common problems in psychiatry. A psychoimmunological correlation between allergic diseases and panic disorder has been strongly suggested. Histamine H1 receptor antagonists have been suggested as alternative drugs for the treatment of panic disorder. Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and panic disorder improved simultaneously with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants. Panic disorder has also been treated with the antihistamine chlorpheniramine. The immunoglobulin/histamine complex is a histamine-fixed immunoglobulin preparation that was reported to be effective in treating CSU. This case report describes the successful treatment of a patient with concomitant panic disorder and CSU for 23 years using immunoglobulin/histamine complex therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: This report describes a 52-year-old female Korean patient who suffered from CSU with panic disorder for 23 years. Basic allergy tests (blood tests and skin prick tests) were conducted before and after treatment for the evaluation of allergic conditions. A multiple allergosorbent test (MAST) for the detection of allergen-specific IgE levels was also performed. The clinical severity of CSU was evaluated using the urticaria severity score system. Diagnostic interviews systematically assessed the diagnostic criteria outlined by the DSM-V, and the patient was evaluated before, during and after treatment using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-2) for depression, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for anxiety and the Beck Hopelessness Score (BHS) for hopelessness. The patient received 2 ml of Histobulin™ (12 mg human immunoglobulin/0.15 µg histamine complex) once a week by subcutaneous injection for the treatment of CSU. Initial improvement of CSU was achieved after the third injection. After the twenty-seventh injection of Histobulin™, she showed no symptoms or signs and ceased allergic medication use. With the remission of CSU, allergic rhinitis was also completely resolved. The frequency of the common cold was significantly decreased during and after treatment. The medication frequency and development of clinical manifestations of panic disorder changed in parallel with the clinical severity of CSU. Moreover, the patient exhibited no clinical manifestations and ceased medication for panic disorder and sleeping pills for insomnia simultaneously with the remission of CSU. In the psychological evaluation, the BDI, STAI and BHS scores improved accordingly. CONCLUSIONS: The immunoglobulin/histamine complex was effective in treating CSU and concomitant panic disorder in this patient and could be effective in treating some types of panic disorder. Considering the mechanisms of action of histamine and the immunoglobulin/histamine complex together with the patient's clinical progress, histamine seemed to be related to panic disorder in this case. The concept of histamine-mediated syndromes, including allergies and psychiatric disorders, shows that a wider disease identity may be needed. Further studies on the immunopathogenesis of panic disorder and the mechanisms of action of the immunoglobulin/histamine complex are necessary.

Normocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis in a patient with multiple sclerosis on glatiramer acetate.

Glatiramer acetate is one of the oldest and safest disease modifying therapies used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Urticarial vasculitis is a rare complication of treatment with glatiramer acetate, having been reported by only two others previously. Here, we describe a case of normocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis diagnosed on skin punch biopsy in a patient with multiple sclerosis treated with glatiramer acetate for five years. Upon treatment with steroids and an antihistamine along with discontinuation of glatiramer acetate, the urticaria resolved.

Safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose in children with iron deficiency anemia.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is the primary cause of anemia in children. Intravenous (IV) iron formulations circumvent malabsorption and rapidly restore hemoglobin. METHODS: This Phase 2, non-randomized, multicenter study characterized the safety profile and determined appropriate dosing of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in children with iron deficiency anemia. Patients aged 1-17 years with hemoglobin <11 g/dL and transferrin saturation <20% received single IV doses of undiluted FCM 7.5 mg/kg (n = 16) or 15 mg/kg (n = 19). RESULTS: The most common drug-related treatment-emergent adverse event was urticaria (in three recipients of FCM 15 mg/kg). Systemic exposure to iron increased in a dose-proportional manner with approximate doubling of mean baseline-corrected maximum serum iron concentration (157 µg/mL with FCM 7.5 mg/kg; and 310 µg/mL with FCM 15 mg/kg) and area under the serum concentration-time curve (1901 and 4851 h·µg/mL, respectively). Baseline hemoglobin was 9.2 and 9.5 g/dL in the FCM 7.5 and 15 mg/kg groups, respectively, with mean maximum changes in hemoglobin of 2.2 and 3.0 g/dL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, FCM was well tolerated by pediatric patients. Improvements in hemoglobin were greater with the higher dose, supporting use of the FCM 15 mg/kg dose in pediatric patients (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02410213). IMPACT: This study provided information on the pharmacokinetics and safety of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose for treatment of iron deficiency anemia in children and adolescents. In children aged 1-17 years with iron deficiency anemia, single intravenous doses of ferric carboxymaltose 7.5 or 15 mg/kg increased systemic exposure to iron in a dose-proportional manner, with clinically meaningful increases in hemoglobin. The most common drug-related treatment-emergent adverse event was urticaria. The findings suggest that iron deficiency anemia in children can be corrected with a single intravenous dose of ferric carboxymaltose and support use of a 15 mg/kg dose.

Risk Factors of Quality-Of-Life and Sexual Function Impairment in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Patients: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) has been associated with poor quality of life and mood disturbances. However, factors associated with these dimensions have not been properly assessed. Moreover, there is a lack of studies regarding sexual dysfunction (SxD) and CSU. Therefore, the aims of this study were to assess quality of life associated factors and to evaluate the prevalence and potential impact of SxD in patients with CSU. METHOD: Cross-sectional study of patients suffering from CSU. Sociodemographic and disease activity variables, quality of life, sleep, SxD, anxiety, and depression were collected using validated questionnaires. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were included, with a female-to-male ratio of 2.40. Female sex, worse disease control, and sexual dysfunction were associated with poor quality-of-life indexes (p < 0.001). SxD was detected in 52% of female and 63% of male patients. SxD was associated with poor disease control (p < 0.001). Female SxD, but not male, was associated with poorer quality of life (p = 0.02) and an increased risk for anxiety 85% and depression 90% (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Female patients and those with an inadequate control of CSU are in higher risk of having poorer quality of life. SxD seems to be frequent in patients with CSU. Moreover, female SxD seems to have a more profound impact on quality of life and mood disturbances when compared to males. Assessment of SxD in Urticaria Clinic might be of benefit to identify patients at a higher risk of poor quality of life.

Emergency/Elective Surgery and Emergency Percutaneous Interventions in Liver Hydatid Cysts and Their Results.

BACKGROUND: Hydatid cyst may remain asymptomatic for several years or may become complicated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the patients who were operated on for liver hydatid cyst in our clinic and the results of preoperative or postoperative complications. METHODS: The data of 836 patients who underwent surgery (n = 750) or Puncture, Aspiration, Injection, and Re-aspiration (n = 86) for hydatid cyst disease in our clinic between January 2006 and January 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Surgical operation was performed in 750 of the patients and Puncture, Aspiration, Injection, and Re-aspiration procedure was performed in 89 of the patients. In the surgery and Puncture, Aspiration, Injection, and Re-aspiration group, respiratory distress, anaphylaxis, allergic rash, and urticaria were observed in 11 patients (8 in Puncture, Aspiration, Injection, and Re-aspiration group and 3 in open surgery group). All patients recovered with emergency medical interventions. Recurrence was observed after the percutaneous procedure in 11 cases and after surgery in 36 cases. There was no statistically significant difference between the surgical and Puncture, Aspiration, Injection, and Re-aspiration groups in terms of recurrence and cyst infection (P = .253 and P = .547, respectively). The incidence of the development of intrabiliary rupture, allergic reaction, and intraperitoneal rupture was found 135 (16.14%), 12 (1.43%), and 2 (0.23%) in our study, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal or intrabiliary rupture is a rare but fatal complication of hydatid cyst. The presence of fever, jaundice, abdominal pain, urticaria, and anaphylactic reactions in endemic areas should take the suspicion of hydatid cyst rupture. The timing of surgery is an important factor affecting morbidity and mortality. Detailed exploration of the abdomen in emergency surgery for rupture hydatid cyst is essential for recurrence.

Food allergy in dogs and cats; current perspectives on etiology, diagnosis, and management.

Food allergy is a recognized clinical entity in dogs and cats and is an important differential to consider in the workup of a pruritic animal. Food can be a trigger factor for canine atopic dermatitis, and food allergy may coexist with feline atopic skin syndrome. Other clinical signs such as urticaria, recurrent pyoderma, and dorsolumbar pruritus can be seen in dogs, and urticaria, conjunctivitis, and respiratory signs can be seen in cats. In both species, gastrointestinal signs may be present. The pathogenesis in dogs and cats is complex and incompletely understood, which limits the development of reliable diagnostic laboratory tests. The diagnosis currently relies on an appropriately performed diet trial with subsequent provocation. This paper briefly reviews food allergies in people and explores our current knowledge of the disorder in dogs and cats.

Alpha-gal syndrome initially misdiagnosed as chronic spontaneous urticaria in a pediatric patient: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Delayed allergy to red meat, also termed alpha-gal syndrome, is increasingly reported in adults and African communities, while pediatric cases remain rare. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report on a 7-year-old Caucasian boy presenting with recurrent wheals since the age of 5 years old. Episodes with hives occurred around every 3 weeks, mainly in the evening. One of these episodes was also associated with angioedema. No clear trigger was identified. At the first visit, after excluding an infection and autoimmune thyroiditis, chronic spontaneous urticaria was suspected and symptomatic treatment with antihistamines was prescribed. Six months later, the boy presented at the emergency room with generalized urticaria, dyspnoea, and emesis. Symptoms resolved after administration of epinephrine and antihistamines. A detailed medical history after this event revealed that he had eaten three sausages as well as jelly beans containing gelatine several hours prior to this episode. More precisely, after eating the sausages and jelly beans during the day, he had shown some hives before going to bed, and later developed the other symptoms in the middle of the night, suggesting alpha-gal syndrome. In his history, several tick bites are reported. Immunoglobulin E levels for alpha-gal were clearly elevated, confirming the diagnosis of a delayed-appearing immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic reaction to alpha-gal. Emergency medication was prescribed and avoidance of red meat and gelatine-containing foods was recommended. Under this exclusion diet, the boy remained asymptomatic, with the exception of two accidents in the follow up of 3 years, one developing during a barbecue and the second after exceptionally eating marshmallows. CONCLUSION: A detailed clinical history led to the diagnosis of alpha-gal syndrome. Although alpha-gal syndrome is typically seen in adults, our case illustrates that children can also present with this potentially life-threatening allergy. Since alpha-gal syndrome is rare in Europe, the disease is not well known and often overlooked for several years, especially in children.