Red Meat Hypersensitivity and Probable Alpha-Gal Syndrome: Prevalence Among Adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: It is unknown whether late adolescents represent a particular risk group for the development of red meat hypersensitivity (RMH) and alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). This age group's physiological changes and eating habits could play a determining role. This study aimed to estimate the self-reported prevalence of RMH and probable AGS among late adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study analyzed a sample of 1992 Mexican adolescents between 15 and 18 years of age. The data were obtained with a previously validated questionnaire that asked about the clinical manifestations related to red meat intake. Confidence intervals at 95% (95% CI) were estimated for proportions. RESULTS: In total, there were 19 adolescents with RMH, a prevalence of 1.0% (95% CI: 0.6-1.5%). The main red meats related to symptoms were pork (89.5%), beef (21.1%), lamb (10.5%), and mutton (5.1%). The most frequent manifestations of RMH were gastrointestinal (73.7%), respiratory (63.2%), and cutaneous (63.2%). Once the symptoms were grouped, there were two cases of urticaria (2/19, 10.5%) and six cases with probable anaphylaxis (6/19, 31.6%). Finally, three adolescents were considered probable cases of AGS, which represents a prevalence of 0.15% (95% CI: 0.1-0.4%). CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of RMH in late adolescents is low, early detection is justified because approximately one-third present with severe symptoms.

Prevalence of allergic sensitization to Platanus occidentalis among adults with allergic rhinitis: A multicenter study.

Background: In the Americas there are few studies that have evaluated the frequency of allergic sensitization to Platanus occidentalis or sycamore pollen in adult patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Objective: To determine the prevalence of allergic sensitization to P. occidentalis and to identify factors associated with its presentation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 3 centers distributed in the northwest, west, and southeast of Mexico. Allergic sensitization to P. occidentalis was determined with a skin prick test. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Results: A total of 404 patients were included, women were 233 (57.7%); the age mean was 33.8 ± 12.9 years. The overall prevalence of sensitization to P. occidentalis was 20.8% (95% CI, 17.1%-25.0%); in the northwestern: 15.9% (95% CI, 9.6%-25.1%); in the western: 21.8% (95% CI, 15.4%-29.9%); and in the southeastern: 22.4% (95% CI, 17.1%-38.8%). Multivariate analysis showed to the following allergens as factors associated with sycamore allergic sensitization: tree pollens (OR, 3.19; P = 0.001), weeds (OR, 2.49; P = 0.004), fungi (OR, 1.96; P = 0.014), and dog or cat epitheliums (OR, 1.88; P = 0.018). Conclusion: Allergic sensitization to P. occidentalis pollen in AR patients is not an infrequent event; consequently, we recommend doing the challenge test in all patients with this allergen, especially in those regions where the tree is present.

[Prevalence of asthma in patients hospitalized for pneumonia associated to SARS-CoV-2 infection]. / Prevalencia de asma en pacientes hospitalizados por neumonía asociada a infección por SARS-CoV-2.

BACKGROUND: The association between asthma and COVID-19 remains controversial. Objective. To establish the prevalence of asthma in a sample of patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia; furthermore, to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with asthma compared to patients without asthma. METHODS: Clinical data corresponding to 120 patients hospitalized for pneumonia associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were analyzed. Patients with and without asthma were compared based on COVID-19 severity. RESULTS: The prevalence of asthma in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia was 3.5% (95% CI: 2.0% to 5.1%). When comparing the severity of COVID-19 among asthma patients with non-asthma patients, it did not differ based on symptoms, comorbidity, duration of symptoms, need for assisted mechanical ventilation, biomarkers of inflammation, and the occurrence of death. Patients with asthma and COVID-19 showed a high T2 phenotype, poor respiratory function, and no regular treatment for asthma control. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences in the frequency of assisted mechanical ventilation or death were observed between patients hospitalized for COVID-19-associated pneumonia with and without a history of asthma.

ANTECEDENTES: La asociación el asma con la COVID-19 continúa siendo controversial. Objetivo: establecer la prevalencia de asma en una muestra de pacientes con neumonía asociada COVID-19; además, describir las características clínicas de los pacientes con asma en comparación con los pacientes sin asma. MÉTODOS: La asociación el asma con la COVID-19 continúa siendo controversial. Objetivo: establecer la prevalencia de asma en una muestra de pacientes con neumonía asociada COVID-19; además, describir las características clínicas de los pacientes con asma en comparación con los pacientes sin asma. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de asma en los pacientes con neumonía por COVID-19 fue del 3.5% (IC 95%: 1.5% a 9.6%). Al comparar la gravedad de la COVID-19 entre los pacientes con asma con los pacientes sin asma, ésta no difirió en función de los síntomas, la comorbilidad, la duración de los síntomas, la necesidad de ventilación mecánica asistida, los biomarcadores de inflamación y la ocurrencia de muerte. Los pacientes con asma y COVID-19 mostraron un fenotipo T2 alto, con pobre función respiratoria y sin uso de tratamiento regular para el control del asma. CONCLUSIONES: No se observaron diferencias significativas en la frecuencia de la ventilación mecánica asistida o de la muerte entre los pacientes hospitalizados por neumonía asociada con COVID-19 con y sin historia de asma.

Biventricular Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy as an Unusual Presentation of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine-Associated Multisystemic Inflammatory Syndrome.

Biventricular takotsubo cardiomyopathy (BiTCM) is a rare entity, seldom reported. We describe a case of a female presenting with multisystemic inflammatory syndrome associated with the administration of a vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this particular case, the patient experienced the onset of symptoms shortly after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Early recognition of biventricular takotsubo cardiomyopathy and timely initiation of appropriate treatment are crucial. Prompt management includes stabilizing the patient's hemodynamic status, alleviating symptoms, and addressing any underlying causes, such as inflammation or immune-related responses. Close clinical surveillance is necessary to monitor the patient's cardiac function, assess response to treatment, and prevent potential complications.

Serum Vitamin D Is Inversely Associated with Blood Eosinophil Count Among Adults with Allergic Asthma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role that serum vitamin D concentration plays in the number of eosinophils in peripheral blood in adults with allergic asthma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 142 patients were categorized based on different cutoff points for eosinophils: ≥200, ≥300, ≥400, and ≥500 cells/mL. The vitamin D concentration was stratified into <20 and ≥20 ng/mL. The association between vitamin D (independent variable) and eosinophils (dependent variable) was explored using multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The average number of eosinophils in the included patients was 418 cells/mL, and 33.8% of the included patients had vita- min D concentrations ≥20 ng/mL. Asthmatic patients with vitamin D< 20 ng/mL had a higher mean concentration of eosinophils than did asthmatic patients with vitamin D ≥20 ng/mL (464 ± 377.7 eosinophils/mL vs. 327.8 ± 247.2 eosinophils/mL, P = .025). We also observed that vitamin D was inversely correlated with eosinophil count (rho = 0.244, P = .003). In the multivariate analysis, vitamin D <20 ng/mL showed a significant inverse association with each cutoff value for eosinophilia (odds ratio >1). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D concentrations <20 ng/mL are associated with a significant increase in the number of eosinophils in blood. Studies that analyze the use of vitamin D supplements as complementary therapy for the treatment of asthma are needed.

Aeroallergen immunotherapy associated with reduced risk of severe COVID-19 in 1095 allergic patients.

Introduction: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) brings along changes in the immune system, restoring dendritic cell function, reducing T2 inflammation and augmenting the regulatory cell activation. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, interferes with the immune system causing immune suppression during the first phase and over-activation in more advanced disease. We decided to explore the interaction of both in a real-world observational trial. Methods: We registered COVID-19 outcomes in patients with allergic disorders in Latin America, treated with and without AIT. The registry was conducted during the first 1.3 years of the pandemic, with most of the data collected before COVID-19 vaccination was concluded in most countries. Data collection was anonymous via a web-based instrument. Ten countries participated. Results: 630/1095 (57.6%) of the included patients received AIT. Compared to patients without AIT, those treated with AIT had a reduced risk ratio (RR) for COVID-19 lower respiratory symptoms (RR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.6703-0.9024; p = 0.001662) and need for oxygen therapy (RR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.4217-0.9992; p = 0.048). In adherent patients on maintenance sublingual immunotherapy/subcutaneous immunotherapy (SLIT/SCIT) the RR reduction was larger [RR = 0.6136 (95% CI 0.4623-0.8143; p < 0.001) and RR: 0.3495 (95% CI 0.1822-0.6701; p < 0.005), respectively]. SLIT was slightly more effective (NS). We excluded age, comorbidities, level of health care attendance, and type of allergic disorder as confounders, although asthma was related to a higher frequency of severe disease. When analyzing patients with allergic asthma (n = 503) the RR reduction favoring AIT was more pronounced with 30% for lower respiratory symptoms or worse (RR 0.6914, 95% CI 0.5264 to 0.9081, p = 0.0087) and 51% for need of oxygen therapy or worse (RR 0.4868, 95% CI 0.2829-0.8376, p = 0.0082). Among severe allergic patients treated with biologics (n = 24) only 2/24 needed oxygen therapy. There were no critical cases among them. Conclusion: In our registry AIT was associated with reduced COVID-19 severity.

Changes in the national prevalence of asthma and coronavirus disease 2019 fatality: A population-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mitigation and containment strategies implemented by each country can influence the prevalence of asthma and its fatality. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the trend of asthma prevalence and COVID-19 fatality in children and adults with asthma. METHODS: The prevalence of asthma and fatalities were compared among the peaks of 5 pandemic waves in Mexico. RESULTS: Among patients with COVID-19, the prevalence rates of asthma among children were as follows: wave I, 3.5%; wave II, 2.6%; wave III, 2.2%; wave IV, 2.4%; and wave V, 1.9% (P for trend < .001); the prevalence rates of asthma among adults were as follows: wave I, 2.5%; wave II, 1.8%; wave III, 1.5%; wave IV, 1.7%; and wave V, 1.6% (P for trend < .001). The rates of fatality because of COVID-19 among individuals with asthma were as follows: wave I, 8.9%; wave II, 7.7%; wave III, 5.0%; wave IV, 0.9%; and wave V, 0.2% (P for trend < .001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence rates of asthma and fatalities from COVID-19 suggest a gradual reduction throughout the pandemic in Mexico.

Association Between Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma in Adults With Loss of Interest in Sex.

BACKGROUND: The alterations of sexual desire in allergy respiratory diseases have seldom been analyzed. This paper aims to evaluate the association of allergic rhinitis and asthma among adults with the loss of interest in sex. METHODS: Through a cross-sectional study, we compared three groups of subjects: one with patients with allergic rhinitis, another with allergic asthma, and a control group. The loss of interest in sex was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory-II, which includes a scale that evaluates this characteristic. RESULTS: The prevalence of loss of interest in sex in patients with allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and controls was 48.8%, 39.5%, and 20.2%, respectively. In multivariate models, a positive association between a loss of interest in sex and allergic asthma (OR =2.4, p =0.005) and allergic rhinitis (OR =2.1, p =0.03) was found independently. In both models, other associated factors included being female (p <0.001) and living as a couple (p <0.001). In contrast, no significant association was found with age (≥40 years), smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, or excess weight. CONCLUSION: Loss of interest in sex is highly prevalent and is notoriously associated with allergic respiratory diseases; similarly, it is associated with living as a couple and being female.

[Bibliometric characterization of Revista Alergia Mexico]. / Caracterización bibliométrica de Revista Alergia México.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the scientific production of the Revista Alergia Mexico. METHODS: A descriptive study was carried out that took into consideration the bibliometric information of the Revista Alergia México hosted in PubMed (MEDLINE) and Scopus. RESULTS: The total number of articles published during 1991 to 2021 according to Pubmed was 1,115 (annual mean: 37.2 ± 12.3). Scopus registered 1,541 articles during 1972 to 2021 (annual mean: 30.8 ± 14.9); in both sources, original articles (49 and 78%, respectively) and review articles (21 and 12%, respectively) were the most published document modalities; the most relevant topics included asthma (32%), allergic rhinitis (16%) and drug allergy (9%). Public institutions in Mexico were the institutions with the highest number of published articles. The country with the highest number of published papers was Mexico (54%), followed by Colombia (5%) and Spain (4%). The 2020 citation index according to Scopus was 0.9; an H-index of 15; and an impact factor of 0.150. During the period 2016 - 2020, the annual rejection rate ranged from 7% to 30%. CONCLUSIONS: Promoting the internationalization of the journal, publishing articles in the English language and achieving the impact factor are among some of the main needs of the Revista Alergia Mexico.

OBJECTIVO: Caracterizar la producción científica de la Revista Alergia México desde una perspectiva bibliométrica. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo, llevado a cabo a partir de la información bibliométrica de la Revista Alergia México, alojada en los repositorios PubMed (MEDLINE) y Scopus. RESULTADOS: De acuerdo con Pubmed, la cantidad total de artículos publicados entre 1991 y 2021 fueron 1115 (media anual; 37.2 ± 12.3); por su parte, Scopus registró 1541 artículos durante 1972 y 2021 (media anual: 30.8 ± 14.9). En ambos repositorios, los artículos originales (49 y 78%, respectivamente) y de revisión (21 y 12%, respectivamente) fueron los documentos publicados con mayor frecuencia. La temática más relevante incluyó: asma (32%), rinitis alérgica (16%) y alergia a medicamentos (9%). Las instituciones públicas de México fueron las que publicaron mayor cantidad de artículos. El país con mayor cantidad de documentos publicados fue México (54%), seguido de Colombia (5%) y España (4%). Según Scopus, el índice de citación de 2020 fue de 0.9; índice-H de 15 y factor de impacto de 0.150. Durante el periodo 2016-2020, el índice de rechazo anual fue del 7 al 30%. CONCLUSIONES: Las principales necesidades de Revista Alergia México consisten en promover su internacionalización, publicar artículos en idioma inglés y conseguir un factor de impacto más alto en los próximos años.

[Geographical variation of asthma prevalence among Mexican children during the COVID-19 pandemic]. / Variación geográfica en la prevalencia de asma en niños mexicanos durante la pandemia de la COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the geographic variation in the prevalence of asthma in children, according to their place of residence in Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of the epidemiological surveillance system dataset for respiratory diseases in Mexico carried on. From 27 February to 5 November 2020, a total of 1,048,576 subjects were screened for SARS-CoV2 infection, of which 35,899 were children under 18 years of age. The strength of the association was estimated by odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: Of 1,048,576 patients who attended for SARS-CoV2 infection detection, 35,899 corresponded to pediatric patients who met the study criteria. The estimated national prevalence of asthma was 3.9% (95% CI: 3.7-4.1%). The nationwide prevalence of asthma was 3.9% (95% CI: 3.7% - 4.1%); the minimum was 2.8% (Southeast region) and the maximum 6.8% (Southeast region). Compared to the South-West Region that presented the minimum prevalence at the national level, the Northwest (OR = 2.41) and Southeast (OR = 1.33) regions showed the highest risk of asthma in pediatric population. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of asthma in children differed markedly among the different regions of Mexico; two regions, Northwest and Southeast, stood out. This study puts into context the role of the environment on the prevalence of asthma in children.

OBJECTIVO: Estimar la prevalencia de asma en pacientes pediátricos, según su lugar de residencia en la República Mexicana, durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal, llevado a cabo a partir de la revisión de datos del Sistema de Vigilancia Epidemiológica para Enfermedades Respiratorias en México, analizados del 27 febrero al 5 de noviembre de 2020. Criterios de inclusión: pacientes que acudieron a la detección de infección por SARS-CoV2, menores de 18 años. La fuerza de asociación se estimó con la razón de momios. RESULTADOS: De 1,048,576 pacientes que acudieron a la detección de infección de SARS-CoV2, 35,899 correspondieron a pacientes pediátricos que cumplieron con los criterios del estudio. La prevalencia nacional de asma estimada fue de 3.9% (IC95%: 3.7-4.1%); la prevalencia mínima se observó en la región Suroeste (2.8%) y la máxima en el Sureste (6.8%); comparada con la región Suroeste, que registró la prevalencia mínima a nivel nacional, y la Noroeste (RM = 2.41) y Sureste (RM = 1.33) mostraron el mayor riesgo de asma en la población pediátrica. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de asma en niños mexicanos difirió notoriamente en los diferentes estados de la República Mexicana; sobresalieron las regiones Noroeste y Sureste. Este estudio pone de manifiesto el papel del medio ambiente en la prevalencia del asma en pacientes pediátricos mexicanos.

[Prevalence of cow´s milk allergy and lactose intolerance among Mexican late adolescents]. / Prevalencia de alergia a la leche de vaca e intolerancia a la lactosa en adolescentes tardíos mexicanos.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of cow´s milk allergy and lactose intolerance in a sample of late adolescents. METHODS: Through a population-based study, data corresponding to students with aged 15 to 18 years were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1992 adolescents was analized. The prevalence of cow´s milk allergy was 1.4% (95% CI: 0.2% to 0.8%) and the prevalence of lactose intolerance was 0.5% (95% CI: 0.2% to 0.8%). Adolescents with cow´s milk allergy had fewer gastrointestinal symptoms (p = 0.036), but more skin (p < 0.001) and respiratory (p = 0.028) ailments than adolescents with lactose intolerance. CONCLUSIONS: The manifestations associated with cow's milk consumption in late adolescents seem to correspond mainly to cow´s milk allergy than to lactose intolerance.

OBJECTIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de alergia a la proteína de la leche de vaca e intolerancia a la lactosa en una muestra de adolescentes tardíos. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal con base poblacional, en el que se analizaron los datos de pacientes adolescentes de 15 a 18 años. RESULTADOS: Se registraron 1992 estudiantes. La prevalencia de alergia a la proteína de la leche de vaca fue de 1.4% (IC95%: 0.9% a 2.0%) y de intolerancia a la lactosa de 0.5% (IC95%: 0.2% a 0.8%). Los adolescentes con alergia a la proteína de la leche de vaca tuvieron menos síntomas gastrointestinales (p = 0.036), pero más molestias cutáneas (p < 0.001) y respiratorias (p = 0.028) que los adolescentes con intolerancia a la lactosa. CONCLUSIONES: Las manifestaciones asociadas con el consumo de leche de vaca en adolescentes tardíos corresponden, principalmente, a la alergia de la proteína de la leche de vaca que a la intolerancia a la lactosa.

Incidencia y factores asociados con las reacciones adversas tras la primera dosis de la vacuna Pfizer-BioNTech en trabajadores de la salud.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of adverse reactions (AR) after the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and to identify some factors associated with AR. METHOD: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Data were obtained through an epidemiological survey answered online. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with early (< 2 h) and late (≥ 2 h) AR. RESULTS: A total of 2295 health care workers were included; in them, the cumulative incidence of AR was 18.2% (95% confidence interval: 16.6-19.8), where the majority were late (78.2%). The associated factors that increased the risk of early AR were being female (odds ratio [OR]: 2.23, p = 0.002) and belonging to the medical staff (OR: 1.56; p = 0.041). In late AR were being female (OR: 1.94; p < 0.0001); on the other hand, diabetes (OR: 0.46; p = 0.021), asthma (OR: 0.53; p = 0.040) and smoking (OR: 0.44, p = 0.002) were inversely associated factors. Interestingly, history of COVID-19 was not associated with either early or late AR. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of presenting some type of AR due to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in health care workers is < 20%.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la incidencia de reacciones adversas (RA) tras la primera dosis de la vacuna Pfizer-BioNTech e identificar algunos factores asociados con ellas. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectiva. Los datos fueron obtenidos mediante una encuesta epidemiológica contestada en línea. Se realizaron análisis multivariados para identificar factores asociados con las RA tempranas (< 2 h) y tardías (≥ 2 h). RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 2295 trabajadores de la salud; en ellos, la incidencia acumulada de RA fue del 18.2% (intervalo de confianza del 95%: 16.6-19.8%) y la mayoría fueron tardías (78.2%). Las RA tempranas más frecuentes fueron dolor local, cefalea y mareo; en las tardías fueron dolor local, cefalea y fatiga. No se documentaron casos de anafilaxia; sin embargo, en el grupo de RA tempranas y tardías hubo un caso y tres casos, respectivamente, con síntomas sistémicos que afectaron a dos órganos diferentes. Los factores asociados que incrementaron el riesgo de RA tempranas fueron ser mujer (odds ratio [OR]: 2.23; p = 0.002) y pertenecer al personal médico (OR: 1.56; p = 0.041). En las RA tardías fue ser mujer (OR: 1.94; p < 0.0001); por su parte, la diabetes (OR: 0.46; p = 0.021), el asma (OR: 0.53; p = 0.040) y el tabaquismo (OR: 0.44; p = 0.002) fueron factores asociados inversamente. Es interesante que la historia de COVID-19 no se asoció con RA tempranas ni tardías. CONCLUSIONES: El riesgo de presentar algún tipo de RA debido a la vacuna Pfizer-BioNTech en trabajadores de la salud es < 20%.

Oral Allergy Syndrome Associated with Jicama.

Background: The occurrence of oral symptoms after food consumption defines oral allergy syndrome (OAS). Thus, our objective was to report the association of oral allergy syndrome triggered by jicama. Methods: In this study, we report 10 cases of OAS associated with jicama eating. Results: Of the total cases, 6 were women; the mean age of the group was 28.3 ± 11.4 years. All patients suffered from allergic rhinitis and 3 of them also had asthma. On average, patients experienced the onset of symptoms 5 minutes after eating jicama. As expected, the patients had oral ailments, mainly itching in the pharynx, palate, and lips; furthermore, 4 out of 10 also had skin symptoms. The skin test by the prick-prick technique with fresh jicama had a mean diameter of 8.1 ± 5.4 mm. Conclusion: In closing, jicama should be considered as a cause of OAS, especially in regions where it is cultivated and eaten in large quantities.

Asthma and COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers from a Mexican Hospital: Is There an Association?

ABSTRACT Background: Asthma does not appear to be a risk factor for developing COVID-19. Objective: The objective of the study was to analyze the role of asthma as a factor associated with COVID-19 among healthcare workers (HW). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in HW from a Mexican hospital. Data were obtained through an epidemiological survey that included age, sex, and history of COVID-19. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with COVID-19. Results: In total, 2295 HW were included (63.1% women; mean age 39.1 years); and 1550 (67.5%) were medical personnel. The prevalence of asthma in HW with COVID-19 was 8.3%; for the group without COVID-19, the prevalence was 5.3% (p = 0.011). The multivariate analyses suggested that asthma was associated with COVID-19 (OR 1.59, p = 0.007). Conclusion: Our study suggests that asthma could be a factor associated with COVID-19 in HW.

Asthma and COVID-19 among healthcare workers from a Mexican Hospital: is there an association?

Background: Asthma does not appear to be a risk factor for developing COVID-19. Objective: The objective of the study was to analyze the role of asthma as a factor associated with COVID-19 among healthcare workers (HW). Methods: A crosssectional study was conducted in HW from a Mexican hospital. Data were obtained through an epidemiological survey that included age, sex, and history of COVID-19. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with COVID-19. Results: In total, 2295 HW were included (63.1% women; mean age 39.1 years); and 1550 (67.5%) were medical personnel. The prevalence of asthma in HW with COVID-19 was 8.3%; for the group without COVID-19, the prevalence was 5.3% (p = 0.011). The multivariate analyses suggested that asthma was associated with COVID-19 (OR 1.59, p = 0.007). Conclusion: Our study suggests that asthma could be a factor associated with COVID-19 in HW.

[Self-reported prevalence of fructan food hypersensitivity in university students from the State of Mexico]. / Prevalencia de hipersensibilidad alimentaria a fructanos en estudiantes universitarios del Estado de México.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the self-reported prevalence of fructans food hypersensitivity in a sample of Mexican university students and to investigate the most frequent symptoms, the related foods involved, risk factors and gastrointestinal function status. METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in a convenience sample of 412 university students aged from 18 to 35 years. Data were collected about their personal and family history of gastrointestinal diseases, the presence of symptoms after consumption of certain foods, and the severity of their symptoms. RESULTS: The prevalence of fructans food hypersensitivity was 31.1 %; it was higher in women than in men. The most frequent gastrointestinal symptoms were bloating and flatulence. The most frequent extra-intestinal symptoms were fatigue and stress. The food groups related to the occurrence of symptoms were legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Significant association was found between female sex, personal and family history of gastrointestinal diseases and the presence of fructans food hypersensitivity (p < 0.05). Most individuals with fructans food hypersensitivity had mild gastrointestinal dysfunction (67.2 %). CONCLUSIONS: FFH is a common condition, it was found in one third of university students and occurs mainly in women. More research and diffusion about this pathology is required.

OBJECTIVO: Determinar la prevalencia por autorreporte de hipersensibilidad alimentaria a fructanos en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios e investigar los síntomas más frecuentes, los alimentos relacionados, los factores de riesgo y su función gastrointestinal. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal, descriptivo, en una muestra elegida por conveniencia de 412 estudiantes universitarios, de 18 a 35 años. Se recopilaron datos sobre antecedentes personales y familiares de enfermedades gastrointestinales, síntomas secundarios al consumo de ciertos alimentos y severidad de sus síntomas. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de hipersensibilidad alimentaria a fructanos fue de 31.1 %, mayor en mujeres que en hombres. Los síntomas gastrointestinales más frecuentes fueron distensión y flatulencias y los extraintestinales, fatiga y estrés. Los grupos de alimentos relacionados con la aparición de síntomas fueron leguminosas, vegetales y frutas. Se encontró asociación significativa entre el sexo femenino, la historia personal y familiar de enfermedades gastrointestinales y la presencia de hipersensibilidad alimentaria a fructanos (p < 0.05). La mayoría de los individuos con hipersensibilidad alimentaria a fructanos tuvieron una disfunción gastrointestinal leve (67.2 %). CONCLUSIONES: La hipersensibilidad alimentaria a fructanos es común; se encontró en un tercio de los estudiantes universitarios, principalmente en mujeres. Se necesita mayor investigación y difusión sobre esta patología.

Beyond eosinophilia: inflammatory patterns in patients with asthma.

Background: Recently, inflammatory cell ratios have gained importance as useful indicators in the categorization of asthma.Objective: We compared the concentration of white blood cells in peripheral blood, as well as their respective inflammatory cell ratios, between patients with asthma and a healthy control group.Methods: We performed cross-sectional analyses of the data obtained from 53 adult patients with asthma and 109 adult controls. In our study, we estimated and compared the following inflammatory cell ratios: Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Eosinophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (ELR), Eosinophil-Neutrophil Ratio (ENR), Eosinophil-Monocyte Ratio (EMR), and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR). The magnitude of association was quantified with the odds ratio.Results: In both groups, the average age was 33 years. In asthmatic patients, we obtained the following results: eosinophils ≥ 400 cells/µl, accounted for 37.7%; basophils ≥ 110 cells/µl, comprised 37.7%; and monocytes < 320 cells/µl, reached 11.3%. In the control group, the results were as follows: 4.6%, 9.2% and 0.9%, respectively. When compared to the control group, asthmatic patients had higher odds of eosinophils ≥ 400 cells/µl (OR = 12.61, p < 0.0001); higher odds of basophils ≥ 110 cells/µl (OR = 6.00, p < 0.0001); and increased odds of monocytes < 320 cells/µl (OR = 13.79, p = 0.017). NLR did not differ between our two groups; however, ELR, ENR, EMR and PLR were significantly higher in the asthma group.Conclusions: Overall, patients with asthma have a higher concentration of eosinophils and basophils, fewer monocytes in their blood, and higher ratios of increased chronic inflammation.

Asthma is not a risk factor for severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Mexican population.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the association between asthma and severity of COVID-19 in the Mexican population. METHODS: The data from a national database of confirmed patients diagnosed with COVID-19, who attended from February to June 2020, were analyzed in a retrospective cohort study. Patients with and without asthma were compared concerning hospitalization, pneumonia, endotracheal intubation, and death related to COVID-19. Other covariates (age, sex, indigenous group, and comorbidity) were included in various logistic regression models. RESULTS: Asthma was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.76), lower risk of pneumonia (OR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.81), and lower risk of endotracheal intubation (OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.98). In addition, asthma decreased the risk of death from COVID-19 (OR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.82). In a subgroup analysis, the same association was observed in patients who required hospitalization (OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.90), while in non-hospitalized patients, associations were inconsistent according to the covariates introduced in the models. There was no association between asthma and death in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), however, asthma significantly reduced the risk of death in the hospitalized patients who did not require ICU. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that patients with asthma are less likely to require hospitalization, develop pneumonia, need tracheal intubation or die from COVID-19 as compared to patients without asthma.