A Precision Medicine Approach to SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic Management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Precision medicine (PM) represents a new paradigm in disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. To apply PM premises in an emerging coronavirus pandemic acquires potentially greater relevance in order to allow the selection of specific preventive measures as well as biomarkers that will be useful in disease management. RECENT FINDINGS: The identification of the new coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as the responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had led to a plethora of strategies to contain viral dissemination, affecting life styles and personal behaviors. Viral genomic sequencing has shown that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein utilizes angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) found on ciliated epithelial cells of the human lungs as its specific receptor. Neutralizing antibodies to the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein were detected in patients recovered from COVID-19; however, both T cells and NK cells were reduced in severe cases. Excessive and uncontrolled releases of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1B, IL-1RA, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) were increased in severe patients. These cytokines might be useful biomarkers of disease worsening and potential targets for new biological therapies currently under investigation. SUMMARY: Present knowledge and recent developments in PM approach to COVID-19 disease prevention, evaluation, and management are pointed out. Better understanding of pathogenic pathways together with an accurate phenotype classification of patients presented with SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptoms might contribute to a more accurate definition of biomarkers and other diagnostic tools, which may lead to more precise mitigation strategies, personalized pharmacologic options, as well as new biological therapy developments.

A Precision Medicine Approach to Rhinitis Evaluation and Management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Precision medicine (PM) represents a new paradigm in disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. The PM approach focuses on the characterization of different phenotypes and pathogenic pathways in order to allow the selection of specific biomarkers that will be useful in disease management. Rhinitis is a highly prevalent and heterogeneous disease, both in terms of underlying endotypes and clinical presentations. Therefore, to apply the PM principles to the various rhinitis subtypes rise as a meaningful strategy to improve evaluation and treatment. RECENT FINDINGS: The technology of recombinant allergens has allowed molecular characterization of IgE reactivity of specific individual components of allergenic extracts. Recently published and ongoing clinical trials based on component resolved diagnosis (CRD) bring more precision to allergen immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis. Monoclonal antibodies against various cytokines involved in inflammatory allergic and nonallergic rhinitis endotypes show promissory results. SUMMARY: Better understanding of pathogenic pathways together with an accurate phenotype classification of patients presented with rhinitis symptoms contributes to point out clinical usefulness of biomarkers and other diagnostic tools, which leads to more accurate environmental control measures, personalized pharmacologic options, and new biological therapy developments.

[Environmental intervention in respiratory disease]. / Intervención ambiental en las enfermedades respiratorias.

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases despite advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis, the dissemination of guidelines for its management and the emergence of new drugs. The reasons for this increase are not fully established, but it is suggested that multiple environmental factors may be involved. Inhaled air contains numerous harmful agents in addition to environmental allergens. The main immediate respiratory clinical expression after inhaling this contaminated air is asthma and rhinitis. The activity of human beings has altered the outdoor environment by the emission of multiple pollutants and has produced an increasing climate change. It also has a notable impact on the development of respiratory pathology and the modification of air quality. The bibliography on the subject of environmental control is very broad and sometimes difficult to interpret. In order to be able to make precise, valid and simple indications for patients to accomplish with, four scientific societies of the Argentine Republic that deal with this type of diseases, have elaborated a document that contains information of easy access to all medical personal involved in the treatment of patients with asthma and / or rhinitis, that provides practical measures for the patients and the different public health systems about unmet needs in this complex issue.

En los últimos años hubo un aumento significativo en la prevalencia de las enfermedades alérgicas pese a los avances en la comprensión de la patogénesis, la divulgación de guías para su control y tratamiento y la aparición de nuevos fármacos. La razón para este aumento no está totalmente establecida, pero se considera que múltiples factores ambientales podrían estar involucrados en ello. El aire inspirado contiene numerosos agentes nocivos además de alérgenos ambientales; el asma y la rinitis alérgica son las principales expresiones clínicas respiratorias inmediatas posteriores a su inhalación. En la antropósfera, el entorno de la superficie terrestre habitada por los humanos, se han alterado los equilibrios naturales por la emisión de múltiples sustancias y se ha producido un creciente cambio climático. Este fenómeno global influye en la calidad del aire y consecuentemente en el desarrollo de enfermedades respiratorias. Dado que la bibliografía sobre el tema del control ambiental es muy amplia, y en ocasiones difícil de interpretar para poder realizar indicaciones precisas, válidas y sencillas de cumplir por parte de los pacientes, cuatro sociedades científicas de la República Argentina, dedicadas a este tipo de enfermedades, elaboraron un documento con información de fácil acceso a todo profesional médico que trate asma y/o rinitis, que expone medidas prácticas para los enfermos y alerta a los distintos actores involucrados en la salud pública acerca de las necesidades insatisfechas en este tema tan complejo, a fin de poder elaborar una agenda para su posible resolución.

Intervención ambiental en las enfermedades respiratorias / Environmental intervention in respiratory disease

En los últimos años hubo un aumento significativo en la prevalencia de las enfermedades alérgicas pese a los avances en la comprensión de la patogénesis, la divulgación de guías para su control y tratamiento y la aparición de nuevos fármacos. La raz ón para este aumento no está totalmente estable cida, pero se considera que múltiples factores ambientales podrían estar involucrados en ello. El aire inspirado contiene numerosos agentes nocivos además de alérgenos ambientales; el asma y la rinitis alérgica son las principales expresiones clínicas respiratorias inmediatas posteriores a su inhalación. En la antropósfera, el entorno de la superficie terrestre habitada por los humanos, se han alterado los equilibrios naturales por la emisión de múltiples sustancias y se ha producido un creciente cambio climático. Este fenómeno global influye en la calidad del aire y consecuentemente en el desarrollo de enfermedades respiratorias. Dado que la bibliografía sobre el tema del control ambiental es muy amplia, y en ocasiones difícil de interpretar para poder realizar indicaciones precisas, válidas y sencillas de cumplir por parte de los pacientes, cuatro sociedades científicas de la República Argentina, dedicadas a este tipo de enfermedades, elaboraron un documento con información de fácil acceso a todo profesional médico que trate asma y/o rinitis, que expone medidas prácticas para los enfermos y alerta a los distintos actores involucrados en la salud pública acerca de las necesidades insatisfechas en este tema tan complejo, a fin de poder elaborar una agenda para su posible resolución.

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases despite advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis, the dissemination of guidelines for its management and the emergence of new drugs. The reasons for this increase are not fully established, but it is suggested that multiple environmental factors may be involved. Inhaled air contains numerous harmful agents in addition to environmental allergens. The main immediate respiratory clinical expression after inhaling this contaminated air is asthma and rhinitis. The activity of human beings has altered the outdoor environment by the emission of multiple pollutants and has produced an increasing climate change. It also has a notable impact on the development of respiratory pathology and the modification of air quality. The bibliography on the subject of environmental control is very broad and sometimes difficult to interpret. In order to be able to make precise, valid and simple indications for patients to accomplish with, four scientific societies of the Argentine Republic that deal with this type of diseases, have elaborated a document that contains information of easy access to all medical personal involved in the treatment of patients with asthma and / or rhinitis, that provides practical measures for the patients and the different public health systems about unmet needs in this complex issue.

World Allergy Organization Anaphylaxis Guidelines: 2013 update of the evidence base.

The World Allergy Organization (WAO) Guidelines for the assessment and management of anaphylaxis are a widely disseminated and used resource for information about anaphylaxis. They focus on patients at risk, triggers, clinical diagnosis, treatment in health care settings, self-treatment in the community, and prevention of recurrences. Their unique strengths include a global perspective informed by prior research on the global availability of essentials for anaphylaxis assessment and management and a global agenda for anaphylaxis research. Additionally, detailed colored illustrations are linked to key concepts in the text [Simons et al.: J Allergy Clin Immunol 2011;127:593.e1-e22]. The recommendations in the original WAO Anaphylaxis Guidelines for management of anaphylaxis in health care settings and community settings were based on evidence published in peer-reviewed, indexed medical journals to the end of 2010. These recommendations remain unchanged and clinically relevant. An update of the evidence base was published in 2012 [Simons et al.: Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2012;12:389-399]. In 2012 and early 2013, major advances were reported in the following areas: further characterization of patient phenotypes; development of in vitro tests (for some allergens) that help distinguish clinical risk of anaphylaxis from asymptomatic sensitization; epinephrine (adrenaline) research, including studies of a new epinephrine auto-injector for use in community settings, and randomized controlled trials of immunotherapy to prevent food-induced anaphylaxis. Despite these advances, the need for additional prospective studies, including randomized controlled trials of interventions in anaphylaxis is increasingly apparent. This 2013 Update highlights publications from 2012 and 2013 that further contribute to the evidence base for the recommendations made in the original WAO Anaphylaxis Guidelines. Ideally, it should be used in conjunction with these Guidelines and with the 2012 Guidelines Update.

2012 Update: World Allergy Organization Guidelines for the assessment and management of anaphylaxis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The World Allergy Organization (WAO) Guidelines for the assessment and management of anaphylaxis published in early 2011 provide a global perspective on patient risk factors, triggers, clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of anaphylaxis. In this 2012 Update, subsequently published, clinically relevant research in these areas is reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS: Patient risk factors and co-factors that amplify anaphylaxis have been documented in prospective studies. The global perspective on the triggers of anaphylaxis has expanded. The clinical criteria for the diagnosis of anaphylaxis that are promulgated in the Guidelines have been validated. Some aspects of anaphylaxis treatment have been prospectively studied. Novel investigations of self-injectable epinephrine for treatment of anaphylaxis recurrences in the community have been performed. Progress has been made with regard to measurement of specific IgE to allergen components (component-resolved testing) that might help to distinguish clinical risk of future anaphylactic episodes to an allergen from asymptomatic sensitization to the allergen. New strategies for immune modulation to prevent food-induced anaphylaxis and new insights into subcutaneous immunotherapy to prevent venom-induced anaphylaxis have been described. SUMMARY: Research highlighted in this Update strengthens the evidence-based recommendations for assessment, management, and prevention of anaphylaxis made in the WAO Anaphylaxis Guidelines.

World allergy organization guidelines for the assessment and management of anaphylaxis.

The illustrated World Allergy Organization (WAO) Anaphylaxis Guidelines were created in response to absence of global guidelines for anaphylaxis. Uniquely, before they were developed, lack of worldwide availability of essentials for the diagnosis and treatment of anaphylaxis was documented. They incorporate contributions from more than 100 allergy/immunology specialists on 6 continents. Recommendations are based on the best evidence available, supported by references published to the end of December 2010. The Guidelines review patient risk factors for severe or fatal anaphylaxis, co-factors that amplify anaphylaxis, and anaphylaxis in vulnerable patients, including pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and those with cardiovascular disease. They focus on the supreme importance of making a prompt clinical diagnosis and on the basic initial treatment that is urgently needed and should be possible even in a low resource environment. This involves having a written emergency protocol and rehearsing it regularly; then, as soon as anaphylaxis is diagnosed, promptly and simultaneously calling for help, injecting epinephrine (adrenaline) intramuscularly, and placing the patient on the back or in a position of comfort with the lower extremities elevated. When indicated, additional critically important steps include administering supplemental oxygen and maintaining the airway, establishing intravenous access and giving fluid resuscitation, and initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation with continuous chest compressions. Vital signs and cardiorespiratory status should be monitored frequently and regularly (preferably, continuously). The Guidelines briefly review management of anaphylaxis refractory to basic initial treatment. They also emphasize preparation of the patient for self-treatment of anaphylaxis recurrences in the community, confirmation of anaphylaxis triggers, and prevention of recurrences through trigger avoidance and immunomodulation. Novel strategies for dissemination and implementation are summarized. A global agenda for anaphylaxis research is proposed.

Sensibilización a Blomia tropicalis en pacientes con rinitis y asma en Rosario / Sensitizacion to Blomia tropicalis in patients with rhinitis and asthma in Rosario

El objetivo de este trabajo fue establecer la prevalencia de sensibilidad cutánea a Blomia tropicalis, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Acarus siro y a otros alérgenos en un grupo de pacientes con rinitis y/o asma y de controles en el área del gran Rosario. Se incluyeron un total de 67 pacientes, de los cuales 21 tenían rinitis alérgica, 16 asma, 20 rinitis y asma y 10, síntomas respiratorios no atópicos. También se incluyeron 27 controles sin síntomas alérgicos respiratorios. Se realizaron la determinación de la IgE total y pruebas cutáneas por prick test a B. tropicalis y otros alérgenos en todos los casos. Los niveles de IgE entre los grupos resultaron significativamente diferentes (p<0,05). La frecuencia de sensibilización cutánea a B. tropicalis en el grupo de riníticos fue 61,9 por ciento, en el grupo de asmáticos, 87,5 por ciento, y en el de asmáticos con rinitis, 90 por ciento; ningún paciente con asma y/o rinitis no alérgica y ningún control tuvo una respuesta positiva. La frecuencia de sensibilización simultánea a más de un alergeno fue ò85 por ciento en el grupo de atópicos. Los 6 ácaros evaluados fueron los que presentaron una mayor frecuencia de sensibilización (ò58 por ciento) seguidos por Alternaria con el 8,8 por ciento. Ocho de los 57 pacientes atópicos (14 por ciento) presentaron reactividad cutánea exclusivamente a B. tropicalis. Los resultados obtenidos nos permiten concluir que 1) una alta proporción de pacientes atópicos es sensible a B. tropicalis en la zona del gran Rosario; 2) la prevalencia de dicha sensibilidad es mayor en pacientes con asma y rinitis alérgica; 3) un alto porcentaje de pacientes sensibles a B. tropicalis también lo es a otros ácaros; 4) existe un grupo de pacientes (8/57) tiene sensibilidad exclusiva a B. tropicalis; 5) ningún control sano o sintomático no atópico presentó reacción cutánea a la concentración más alta de B. tropicalis y 6) el extracto de B. tropicalis usado ha demostrado una alta sensibilidad y especificidad

Sensibilización a Blomia tropicalis en pacientes con rinitis y asma en Rosario / Sensitizacion to Blomia tropicalis in patients with rhinitis and asthma in Rosario

El objetivo de este trabajo fue establecer la prevalencia de sensibilidad cutánea a Blomia tropicalis, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Acarus siro y a otros alérgenos en un grupo de pacientes con rinitis y/o asma y de controles en el área del gran Rosario. Se incluyeron un total de 67 pacientes, de los cuales 21 tenían rinitis alérgica, 16 asma, 20 rinitis y asma y 10, síntomas respiratorios no atópicos. También se incluyeron 27 controles sin síntomas alérgicos respiratorios. Se realizaron la determinación de la IgE total y pruebas cutáneas por prick test a B. tropicalis y otros alérgenos en todos los casos. Los niveles de IgE entre los grupos resultaron significativamente diferentes (p<0,05). La frecuencia de sensibilización cutánea a B. tropicalis en el grupo de riníticos fue 61,9 por ciento, en el grupo de asmáticos, 87,5 por ciento, y en el de asmáticos con rinitis, 90 por ciento; ningún paciente con asma y/o rinitis no alérgica y ningún control tuvo una respuesta positiva. La frecuencia de sensibilización simultánea a más de un alergeno fue ò85 por ciento en el grupo de atópicos. Los 6 ácaros evaluados fueron los que presentaron una mayor frecuencia de sensibilización (ò58 por ciento) seguidos por Alternaria con el 8,8 por ciento. Ocho de los 57 pacientes atópicos (14 por ciento) presentaron reactividad cutánea exclusivamente a B. tropicalis. Los resultados obtenidos nos permiten concluir que 1) una alta proporción de pacientes atópicos es sensible a B. tropicalis en la zona del gran Rosario; 2) la prevalencia de dicha sensibilidad es mayor en pacientes con asma y rinitis alérgica; 3) un alto porcentaje de pacientes sensibles a B. tropicalis también lo es a otros ácaros; 4) existe un grupo de pacientes (8/57) tiene sensibilidad exclusiva a B. tropicalis; 5) ningún control sano o sintomático no atópico presentó reacción cutánea a la concentración más alta de B. tropicalis y 6) el extracto de B. tropicalis usado ha demostrado una alta sensibilidad y especificidad (AU)