Characteristics of patients with hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapeutic and biological agents and desensitization behavior / Características de pacientes com reações de hipersensibilidade a agentes quimioterápicos e biológicos e comportamento de dessensibilização

Introduction: Hypersensitivity to chemotherapeutic and biological agents has increased in recent years due to their frequent use. Avoidance has been the first line of defense, leading to decreased treatment efficacy and increased adverse events. Objective: To characterize the sociodemographic and clinical aspects of patients with hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapeutic agents who underwent desensitization and biological procedures in a Colombian city. Methods: This observational, descriptive, retrospective, multicenter study was conducted in patients with hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapeutic and biological agents who underwent desensitization. Results: In the 14 included patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapeutic and biological agents (57.1% women; median age 42.5 years), 45 desensitization procedures were performed. The most commonly prescribed drug was rituximab (57%). The skin was the most frequent reaction site (78.6%), and systemic corticosteroids were the most common treatment (78.6%). Breakthrough reactions occurred in 31.1% of the patients and only premedication with corticosteroids was associated with less severe reactions. All cases of desensitization were successful. Conclusions: Desensitization to chemotherapeutic and biological agents proved to be a useful and safe tool in a Colombian population.

Introdução: A hipersensibilidade aos agentes quimioterápicos e biológicos aumentou nos últimos anos devido ao seu uso frequente. Evitar tem sido a primeira linha de ação, levando à diminuição da eficácia do tratamento e ao aumento de eventos adversos. Objetivos: Caracterizar os aspectos sociodemográficos e clínicos de pacientes com reações de hipersensibilidade a agentes quimioterápicos submetidos a dessensibilização e procedimentos biológicos em uma cidade colombiana. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo observacional, descritivo, retrospectivo e multicêntrico em pacientes com reações de hipersensibilidade a agentes quimioterápicos e biológicos submetidos à dessensibilização. Resultados: Foram incluídos 45 procedimentos de dessensibilização em 14 pacientes com histórico de reações de hipersensibilidade a agentes quimioterápicos e biológicos (57,1% mulheres, com mediana de idade de 42,5 anos). O medicamento mais relatado foi o rituximabe (57%). O envolvimento cutâneo foi o mais frequente (78,6%) e os corticosteroides sistêmicos foram o tratamento mais utilizado (78,6%). As reações ocorreram em 31,1% e apenas a pré-medicação com corticosteroides foi associada a uma menor gravidade destas. Todos os casos de dessensibilização foram bem-sucedidos. Conclusões: A dessensibilização a agentes quimioterápicos e biológicos provou ser uma ferramenta útil e segura em uma população colombiana.

Depsipeptides Targeting Tumor Cells: Milestones from In Vitro to Clinical Trials.

Cancer is currently considered one of the most threatening diseases worldwide. Diet could be one of the factors that can be enhanced to comprehensively address a cancer patient's condition. Unfortunately, most molecules capable of targeting cancer cells are found in uncommon food sources. Among them, depsipeptides have emerged as one of the most reliable choices for cancer treatment. These cyclic amino acid oligomers, with one or more subunits replaced by a hydroxylated carboxylic acid resulting in one lactone bond in a core ring, have broadly proven their cancer-targeting efficacy, some even reaching clinical trials and being commercialized as "anticancer" drugs. This review aimed to describe these depsipeptides, their reported amino acid sequences, determined structure, and the specific mechanism by which they target tumor cells including apoptosis, oncosis, and elastase inhibition, among others. Furthermore, we have delved into state-of-the-art in vivo and clinical trials, current methods for purification and synthesis, and the recognized disadvantages of these molecules. The information collated in this review can help researchers decide whether these molecules should be incorporated into functional foods in the near future.

Congenital Heart Disease: The State-of-the-Art on Its Pharmacological Therapeutics.

Congenital heart disease is one of the most common causes of death derived from malformations. Historically, its treatment has depended on timely diagnosis and early pharmacological and surgical interventions. Survival rates for patients with this disease have increased, primarily due to advancements in therapeutic choices, but mortality remains high. Since this disease is a time-sensitive pathology, pharmacological interventions are needed to improve clinical outcomes. Therefore, we analyzed the applications, dosage, and side effects of drugs currently used for treating congenital heart disease. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers, and potassium-sparing diuretics have shown a mortality benefit in most patients. Other therapies, such as endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, prostaglandins, and soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulators, have benefited patients with pulmonary artery hypertension. Likewise, the adjunctive symptomatic treatment of these patients has further improved the outcomes, since antiarrhythmics, digoxin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have shown their benefits in these cases. Conclusively, these drugs also carry the risk of troublesome adverse effects, such as electrolyte imbalances and hemodynamic compromise. However, their benefits for survival, symptom improvement, and stabilization outweigh the possible complications from their use. Thus, cases must be assessed individually to accurately identify interventions that would be most beneficial for patients.

Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Severely Immunocompromised Patients With Complete Remission B-Cell Lymphoma and Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy: A Case Report of Two Cases.

Immunosuppressant conditions such as hematological malignancies increase the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. It has been described in the literature that patients on anti-CD20 maintenance therapies for lymphoid malignancies are susceptible to having recurrent flares together with viral replication or reinfections, although these cases are scarce. These patients are not well represented in randomized controlled trials, and as a consequence, the evidence for the use of certain treatments in this scenario is lacking. We present two cases of patients with B-cell lymphoma on remission and treated with rituximab on maintenance. They developed at least 1 flare of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after acute infection and always after receiving rituximab. RT-PCR was positive in the nasopharyngeal swab and also in plasma. Patients were treated during flares with remdesivir, hyperimmune plasma, and corticosteroids. These two cases showed the unresolved problem of COVID-19 in immunosuppressant patients and showed that despite the vast amount of information available on SARS-CoV-2, information in this subgroup of patients is lacking.

Natural Peptides Inducing Cancer Cell Death: Mechanisms and Properties of Specific Candidates for Cancer Therapeutics.

Nowadays, cancer has become the second highest leading cause of death, and it is expected to continue to affect the population in forthcoming years. Additionally, treatment options will become less accessible to the public as cases continue to grow and disease mechanisms expand. Hence, specific candidates with confirmed anticancer effects are required to develop new drugs. Among the novel therapeutic options, proteins are considered a relevant source, given that they have bioactive peptides encrypted within their sequences. These bioactive peptides, which are molecules consisting of 2-50 amino acids, have specific activities when administered, producing anticancer effects. Current databases report the effects of peptides. However, uncertainty is found when their molecular mechanisms are investigated. Furthermore, analyses addressing their interaction networks or their directly implicated mechanisms are needed to elucidate their effects on cancer cells entirely. Therefore, relevant peptides considered as candidates for cancer therapeutics with specific sequences and known anticancer mechanisms were accurately reviewed. Likewise, those features which turn certain peptides into candidates and the mechanisms by which peptides mediate tumor cell death were highlighted. This information will make robust the knowledge of these candidate peptides with recognized mechanisms and enhance their non-toxic capacity in relation to healthy cells and further avoid cell resistance.

Reacciones adversas asociadas a vacunas contra la COVID-19 / Adverse reactions associated with vaccines against COVID-19

Resumen Con el advenimiento de la pandemia por COVID-19 se generó la necesidad de diseñar estrategias que ayudaran a mitigar la morbimortalidad causada por el virus y una de las más prometedoras es la vacunación masiva. Sin embargo, la vacunación puede asociarse a reacciones adversas, entre ellas, reacciones de hipersensibilidad a los componentes de las diferentes vacunas, por lo que es fundamental conocer dichos componentes y la población que requiere una valoración previa por Alergología. Todo paciente que lo requiera se debe remitir oportunamente con el fin de reconocer el componente implicado en la reacción por medio de pruebas adecuadas y ofrecer una conducta que permita continuar un esquema de vacunación que sea seguro. Este artículo busca recopilar los datos de reacciones adversas, con énfasis en reacciones de hipersensibilidad, que se han presentado en ensayos clínicos con la aplicación de las vacunas contra el SARS-CoV-2 para ser aplicadas en Colombia. Adicionalmente, se realiza una propuesta de abordaje de los pacientes con antecedentes de reacciones de hipersensibilidad con respecto a la conducta que se debe tomar para su vacunación.

Abstract With the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to design strategies to help mitigate the morbimortality caused by the virus arose and one of the most promising is mass vaccination. However, vaccination may be associated with adverse reactions, including hypersensitivity reactions to the components of the different vaccines, so it is essential to know these components and the population that requires prior assessment by Allergology. Any patient who requires it should be referred in a timely manner, in order to recognize the component involved in the reaction by means of appropriate tests and to offer a course of action that allows continuing a safe vaccination schedule. This article seeks to compile data on adverse reactions, with emphasis on hypersensitivity reactions, which have occurred in clinical trials with the application of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 to be applied in Colombia. Additionally, a proposal is made to approach patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions with respect to the conduct that should be taken for their vaccination.

2D projection image reconstruction for field free line single-sided magnetic particle imaging scanner: simulation studies.

Magnetic Particle Imaging is an imaging modality that exploits the nonlinear response of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles to a time-varying magnetic field. In the past years, various scanner topologies have been proposed, which includes a single-sided scanner. Such a scanner features all its hardware located on one side, offering accessibility without limitations due to the size of the object of interest. In this paper, we present a proof of concept image reconstruction simulation studies for a single-sided field-free line scanner utilizing non-uniform magnetic fields. Specifically, we implemented a filtered backprojection algorithm allowing a 2D image reconstruction over a field of view of 4 × 4 cm2 with a spatial resolution of up to 2 mm for noiseless case.

MAFLD/NAFLD Biopsy-Free Scoring Systems for Hepatic Steatosis, NASH, and Fibrosis Diagnosis.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is the most prevalent liver disorder worldwide. Historically, its diagnosis required biopsy, even though the procedure has a variable degree of error. Therefore, new non-invasive strategies are needed. Consequently, this article presents a thorough review of biopsy-free scoring systems proposed for the diagnosis of MAFLD. Similarly, it compares the severity of the disease, ranging from hepatic steatosis (HS) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to fibrosis, by contrasting the corresponding serum markers, clinical associations, and performance metrics of these biopsy-free scoring systems. In this regard, defining MAFLD in conjunction with non-invasive tests can accurately identify patients with fatty liver at risk of fibrosis and its complications. Nonetheless, several biopsy-free scoring systems have been assessed only in certain cohorts; thus, further validation studies in different populations are required, with adjustment for variables, such as body mass index (BMI), clinical settings, concomitant diseases, and ethnic backgrounds. Hence, comprehensive studies on the effects of age, morbid obesity, and prevalence of MAFLD and advanced fibrosis in the target population are required. Nevertheless, the current clinical practice is urged to incorporate biopsy-free scoring systems that demonstrate adequate performance metrics for the accurate detection of patients with MAFLD and underlying conditions or those with contraindications of biopsy.

[Anaphylaxis in a lactating infant who is allergic to cow's milk protein]. / Anafilaxia en lactante alérgica a la proteína de la leche de vaca.

BACKGROUND: Allergy to cow's milk protein is a common problem in children. The clinical manifestations of the reactions that are mediated by IgE are varied and the anaphylactic reactions can be life-threatening. CLINICAL CASE: A girl at an age of four months and a half that, five minutes after consuming cereal with cow's milk, had rashes in the perioral area and extensive pruritic micropapular lesions associated with vomit and inspiratory stridor. She received adrenaline by intramuscular injection and antihistamines by intravenous injection. She was first evaluated in a service of allergy treatment when she was six months and twenty days old. The results of the allergen-specific immunoglobulin E test were positive. The treatment was initiated with a hydrolyzed rice formula and supplementary feeding. CONCLUSIONS: Anaphylaxis can be the first and last manifestation of a food allergy. The right education for parents about strictly avoiding the food that triggered the allergic reaction and the right training in the use of intramuscular adrenalin may result in a better prognosis for patients.

Antecedentes: La alergia a la proteína de la leche de vaca es un problema frecuente en los niños. Las manifestaciones clínicas de las reacciones mediadas por IgE son variadas y las reacciones anafilácticas pueden poner en riesgo la vida Caso clínico: Niña que a los cuatro meses y medio de edad, después de cinco minutos de consumir cereal preparado con leche de vaca, presentó erupciones periorales y lesiones micropapulares generalizadas, pruriginosas, asociadas con vómito y estridor inspiratorio. Recibió adrenalina intramuscular y antihistamínicos intravenosos. Fue evaluada por primera vez en un servicio de alergología a los seis meses y 20 días de edad. Los resultados de la inmunoglobulina E específica fueron positivos. Se inició tratamiento con fórmula hidrolizada de arroz y alimentación complementaria. Conclusión: La anafilaxia puede ser la primera y última manifestación de una alergia alimentaria. La educación adecuada a los padres acerca de evitar estrictamente el alimento desencadentante de la reacción alérgica y el entrenamiento en el uso de la adrenalina intramuscular puede traducirse en un mejor pronóstico para los pacientes.

[Epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic characterization of children with eosinophilic gastroenteropathy. A retrospective study of three high complexity health institutions]. / Caracterización epidemiológica, clínica y diagnóstica de niños con gastroenteropatía eosinofílica. Estudio retrospectivo de tres instituciones de salud de alta complejidad.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGID) are uncommon. In Colombia there are no studies in the pediatric population. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic characteristics of a pediatric population with EGID. METHODS: Observational, retrospective study in children aged between 0 and 12 years, assessed in three high complexity hospitals in Medellín, Colombia, between 2010 and 2015. RESULTS: Out of 151 children, 74 (49%) had eosinophilic esophagitis, 35 (23.2%) had eosinophilic gastritis, 20 (13.2%), eosinophilic duodenitis, and 65 (43%) eosinophilic ileitis or colitis; 60.9% were males, and median age was 5 years; 66.9% had a history of allergic disease, and 78.8% had involvement of a single segment of the gastrointestinal tract. Main symptoms were abdominal pain and vomiting. Maximum eosinophil count per high power field (HPF) in the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, ileum and colon was 34, 21, 42, 45 and 60, respectively. Peripheral eosinophilia was more common in patients with esophageal and stomach involvement. The most sensitizing foods were egg, milk, shrimp, wheat and chicken. Proton pump inhibitors, steroids or immunosuppressants, as well as food-exclusion diets were used. CONCLUSIONS: EGID can compromise multiple segments, and its symptoms are unspecific; multidisciplinary management is required.

Antecedentes: Los desórdenes gastrointestinales eosinofílicos son poco frecuentes. En Colombia no hay estudios en población pediátrica. Objetivo: Describir características epidemiológicas, clínicas y diagnósticas de una población pediátrica con desórdenes gastrointestinales eosinofílicos. Métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo en niños entre 0 y 12 años evaluados en tres hospitales de alta complejidad de Medellín, Colombia, entre 2010 y 2015. Resultados: De 151 niños, 74 (49 %) padecían esofagitis eosinofílica, 35 (23.2 %) gastritis eosinofílica, 20 (13.2 %) duodenitis eosinofílica y 65 (43 %) ileítis o colitis eosinofílica; 60.9 % era del sexo masculino, la mediana de edad fue de cinco años, 66.9 % tenía antecedente de enfermedad alérgica y 78.8 %, afectación de un solo segmento del tracto gastrointestinal. Los principales síntomas fueron dolor abdominal y vómito. El conteo máximo de eosinófilos por campo de alto poder en esófago, estómago, duodeno, íleon y colon fue de 34, 21, 42, 45 y 60, respectivamente. La eosinofilia periférica fue más frecuente en pacientes con afectación de esófago y estómago. Los alimentos más sensibilizantes fueron huevo, leche, camarón, trigo y pollo. Se utilizaron inhibidores de bomba de protones, esteroides o inmunosupresores y dietas de exclusión de alimentos. Conclusiones: Los desórdenes gastrointestinales eosinofílicos pueden afectar múltiples segmentos y sus síntomas son inespecíficos, por lo que se requiere manejo multidisciplinario.

[Prevalence of sensitization to cow's milk and egg among patients with suspicion of IgE mediated diseases]. / Prevalencia de sensibilización a leche y huevo en pacientes con sospecha de enfermedades mediadas por IgE.

BACKGROUND: In Latin America, there are very few epidemiological data on food allergy and sensitization to milk and egg. OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency of sensitization to milk and egg in a population with suspicion of IgE mediated diseases. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective and descriptive study was made with patients who consulted to our service of Allergy, with suspicion of exacerbation of possible IgE mediated diseases when eat certain foods. All patients had skin prick test including the suspected foods and milk and egg. Each patient had a complete clinical history. RESULTS: Sensitization to at less one food was present in 29.7% of patients. Egg sensitization occurred in 6.1% of patients and it was associated with asthma, rhinitis and gastrointestinal eosinophilia in children younger than five years. Milk sensitization was present in 4.5% and was not associated with any disease. CONCLUSIONS: In Colombia, sensitization to milk and egg is relatively low compared to that reported in other studies with population with high risk of sensitization. Because of the association between sensitization of egg and the risk of having respiratory symptoms and gastrointestinal eosinophilia, an egg sensitization could be and early marker of poor prognosis in atopic patients.

Antecedentes: en Latinoamérica existen muy pocos datos epidemiológicos de alergia alimentaria y sensibilización a leche o huevo. Objetivo: describir la frecuencia de sensibilización a leche y huevo en una población con sospecha de enfermedades mediadas por IgE. Material y método: estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo de pacientes que consultaron a un servicio de Alergología, con sospecha de exacerbación con ciertos alimentos. Todos los pacientes seleccionados tenían pruebas cutáneas con leche y huevo y otros alimentos sospechosos; además, tenían una historia clínica completa que permitía correlacionar el resultado con la comorbilidad del paciente. Resultados: la sensibilización a un alimento ocurrió en 29.7% de los pacientes. La sensibilización a huevo se observó en 6.1% de los pacientes y se asoció de manera significativa con asma, rinitis y eosinofilia gastrointestinal, especialmente en menores de cinco años, mientras que la sensibilización a leche se observó en 4.5% y no se asoció con ninguno de los fenotipos estudiados. Conclusiones: en Colombia, la sensibilización a leche y huevo es relativamente baja comparada con lo reportado en otros estudios en población con riesgo de sensibilización. Sin embargo, la sensibilización temprana a huevo podría ser un marcador de mal pronóstico en los pacientes atópicos.

[Milk and egg allergy: diagnosis, management and implications for Latin America]. / Alergia a la leche y al huevo: diagnóstico, manejo e implicaciones en América Latina

Sensitization to food allergens, as well as the development of food allergies, is increasing worldwide, and cow's milk and hen's eggs are the main implicated foods. In most Latin American countries there are no management guidelines on the aforementioned topics; at their creation, such guidelines should be adapted to the conditions of the population in each region. This paper presents a review of the management of food allergy to milk and eggs useful for health personnel at all levels and some considerations of the factors found in Latin American developing countries.

Alergia a la leche y al huevo: diagnóstico, manejo e implicaciones en América Latina / Milk and egg allergy: Diagnosis, management and implications for Latin America

La sensibilización a alimentos y el desarrollo de alergias alimentarias viene aumentando en todo el mundo, siendo la leche de vaca y el huevo de gallina los principales alimentos implicados. En la mayoría de los países latinoamericanos no existen guías de manejo y cuando se elaboren deberán adaptarse a las condiciones de la población de cada región. En el presente artículo presentamos una revisión del manejo de la alergia alimentaria a la leche y al huevo útil para el personal de salud de todos los niveles, así como algunas consideraciones de los factores presentes en los países latinoamericanos.

Sensitization to food allergens, as well as the development of food allergies, is increasing worldwide, and cow´s milk and hen´s eggs are the main implicated foods. In most Latin American countries there are no management guidelines on the aforementioned topics; at their creation, such guidelines should be adapted to the conditions of the population in each region. This paper presents a review of the management of food allergy to milk and eggs useful for health personnel at all levels and some considerations of the factors found in Latin American developing countries.

[Cold urticaria: case series and literature review]. / Urticaria por frío: serie de casos y revisión del tema.

Cold urticaria is one of the five most common causes of chronic urticaria and is grouped as a physical urticaria. It can occur after exposure to cold, either through solid objects, air or liquids. Patients may have symptoms of urticaria, angioedema, respiratory distress and even anaphylaxis when the skin is exposed to a cold environment, such as handling refrigerated objects, swimming in cold water or entering an air-conditioned room. Five cases of cold urticaria are presented, followed by a brief literature review.

Urticaria por frío: serie de casos y revisión del tema / Cold urticaria: case series and literature review

La urticaria por frío es una de las cinco causas más frecuentes de urticarias crónicas; está incluida en el grupo de urticarias físicas y puede ocurrir luego de la exposición al frío, ya sea a través de un objeto, el aire o un líquido. Los pacientes pueden presentar síntomas de urticaria, angioedema, dificultad respiratoria e, incluso, anafilaxia al sacar objetos de la nevera, nadar en agua fría o al entrar a cuartos con aire acondicionado. A continuación se presentan cinco pacientes con diagnóstico de esta enfermedad y una breve revisión del tema.

Cold urticaria is one of the five most common causes of chronic urticaria and is grouped as a physical urticaria. It can occur after exposure to cold, either through solid objects, air or liquids. Patients may have symptoms of urticaria, angioedema, respiratory distress and even anaphilaxis when the skin is exposed to a cold environment, such as handling refrigerated objects, swimming in cold water or entering an air-conditioned room. Five cases of cold urticaria are presented, followed by a brief literature review.

Pseudoquiste pancreático: informe de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Pancreatic pseudocyst: a case report and review of the literature

Se presenta el caso de una adolescente de 15 años de edad con dolor abdominal crónico recurrente de tres meses de evolución. Se establece el diagnóstico de pseudoquiste pancreático crónico, el cual se presentó como complicación de un episodio de pancreatitis aguda hemorrágica secundaria a la administración de L-asparaginasa para el tratamiento de leucemia linfoblástica aguda. El ultrasonido abdominal fue el estudio que permitió hacer el diagnóstico pre-operatorio. El drenaje interno-cistogastrostomía fue el tratamiento de elección. Se hace una revisión de la literatura en relación a la fisiopatología, cuadro clínico, abordaje diagnóstico y conducta terapéutica

Angiodisplasia de rectosigmoides / Sigmoidal-rectal angiodysplasia

Se presenta el caso de un niño de tres años de edad con una angiodisplasia (malformación arterio venosa), localizada en rectosigmoides, cuya manifestación fue rectorragia crónica recurrente. La colonoscopía fue el procedimiento que permitió hacer el diagnóstico, el cual se corroboró por arteriografía. La resección del segmento afectado fue el tratamiento de elección