[Insect hypersensitivity in Iceland.].

In this article we review allergic reactions to stinging insects (hymenoptera) and biting insects (mosquitoes). We describe the first proven case of sensitization and anaphylaxis to hymenoptera in an Icelander. Yellow jackets, honeybees, paper wasps and hornets cause most sting reactions. The vespidae species were first seen in Iceland in 1973. Since that time, these insects have inhabited the island in ever increasing numbers. Symptoms range from local reactions to systemic anaphylaxis and even death. Accurate diagnosis is important as treatment with venom immunotherapy can prevent repeated reactions by at least 95%. Local reactions in children and adults and even widespread urticaria in children should not be treated with immunotherapy. Practical measures to avoid these insects and the characteristics of each species are discussed. Physicians and other health care workers must recognize the symptoms of insect sting allergy and know when to refer to an allergist for skin testing and possible immunotherapy.

[Anaphylaxis.].

Anaphylaxis is a life threatening medical emergency in which the possibility for patient morbidity and mortality is high. It is the most serious of allergic disorders. An understanding of the pathophysiology of anaphylaxis and recognition of symptoms is paramount for its diagnosis. The term anaphylaxis refers to a generalized allergic reaction that results from a type I immunologic reaction. IgE activation of mast cells and basophils results in the release of preformed mediatiors including histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes. These mediators induce vascular permeability, vascular smooth muscle relaxation and constriction of bronchial smooth muscles. Anaphylactoid reactions are clinically and pathologically similar but are not IgE mediated. This pathophysiologic sequence of events leads to the clinical manifestations of anaphylaxis including urticaria, angioedema, pruritus, and bronchospasms, eventually leading to hypotension and death if left untreated. This article discusses current demographics, causes and pathophysiology of anaphylaxis and provides guidelines for the treatment of anaphylaxis. The importance of prompt and correct treatment with adrenaline as well as thorough medical evaluation is also reviewed.

[European Community Respiratory Health Survey: The main results so far with special reference to Iceland.].

INTRODUCTION: The European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) was the first project embarked on extensive study of geographical difference between countries with regards to asthma and atopy incidence in a young adult population. The same methodology and definitions were used at all study sites. The purpose of this article is to review the published results of the ECRHS with a special emphasis on the findings from the Icelandic population, and compare these results with those from the participants from the other nations and study sites. METHODS: Compiled results from all study sites participating in the ECHRS hereto published were reviewed. The compiled data are derived from approximately 140.000 individuals aged 20-44 (birth-years 1946-71) from 22 nations and 48 study sites. The Icelandic population was chosen from the greater Reykjavik metropolitan area. Subjects responded to seven questions on respiratory symptoms, diagnosis of asthma and use of asthma medications. In the latter part of the investigation, 800 individuals were randomly selected from each study site. They were asked to respond to a detailed questionnaire. Subsequently spirometry, methacholine challange and skin prick testing to 11-12 common aeroallergens was performed. Additionally, allergen specific IgE and total IgE was measured. Somewhat fewer sites participated in this latter part: 17 nations and 37 study sites. RESULTS: The findings are presented from two angles: the compiled data from all study sites and the results from the Icelandic population; specifically comparing the Icelandic data with the participants from the other nations. The study showed a geographical difference in the incidence of asthma, bronchial hyper- responsiveness and other respiratory symptoms. In the first part of the study, an eight-fold difference in wheezing, six-fold difference in asthma, ten-fold difference in physician- diagnosed asthma and a four-fold difference in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was found between the study sites. "English-speaking" nations had the highest prevalence of respiratory diseases and Iceland, Spain, Germany, Italy, Algeria and India had the lowest incidence. A three-fold difference in the prevalence of allergy and an eight-fold difference in bronchial responsiveness were found between study sites in the latter part of the study. The incidence of asthma was highest in the lower age groups. Atopy prevalence (defined as a positive specific IgE for at least one allergen) was highest in Australia. Other English speaking nations and Switzerland had prevalence over 40%. Iceland had the lowest prevalence of atopy (23.6%) and Greece, Norway and Italy all had a prevalence of atopy under 30%. Total IgE was highest in Greece, France, Ireland and Italy (>50kU/L), but was lowest in Iceland (13.2 kU/L). The article speculates on the possible effects of the environment on the prevalence of wheezing, bronchial reactivity and atopy in the different study sites. SUMMARY: RESULTS from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey demonstrate a substantial difference in the prevalence of asthma, bronchial responsiveness and atopy between study sites. The prevalence was highest in countries where English is the native language. Of all study sites, the prevalence was lowest in Iceland. In the articles, possible explanations for this discrepancy are reviewed.

[Diagnosing occupational diseases. Examples from shellfish industry.].

It is very important to report suspected occupational diseases in Iceland to the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health, so they can be diagnosed, investigated in details and improvements made. This article describes the illness of clam workers at Thornórshöfn, a small village in the northern part of Iceland. It lead to a detailed investigation and the diagnosis of clamworkers hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Many specialists participated in the study that lead to improvement in the factory that has benefitted the workers.