Antibodies to Der p 1 and Der p 2 in allergic patients

Introduction and objectives Atopic individuals are characterized by increased IgE production and Th2 response if exposed to certain antigens. It is known that the mother transfers anti-mite antibodies to the fetus and newborn, IgG thru the placenta, and IgA thru breastfeeding, but it is not clear whether there is a protective mechanism mediated by them concerning the development of future allergies. This study aimed to compare the levels of IgA, IgG, and IgE antibodies specific to Der p 1 and Der p 2 between atopic and healthy individuals. Methods Serum samples of 98 patients and 44 healthy controls were subjected to quantification for specific IgE, IgG, and IgA antibodies against Der p 1 and Der p 2 by ImmunoCap® and ELISA, and subjected to statistical analysis as indicated. Results Atopic patients had higher serum levels of IgE, IgG, and IgA specific to Der p 1 and Der p 2. The correlation was more robust between IgE and IgG antibodies. Conclusions Allergic patients produce higher levels of antibodies against Der p 1 and Der p 2 compared with healthy individuals. The mechanisms involved still require detailed studies (AU)

Pulmonary complications in patients with antibody deficiency

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate pulmonary complications in patients with primary antibody deficiency (X-linked a gammaglobulinaemia [XLA] and common variable immunodeficiency [CVID]). Methods: Thirty patients over six years of age regularly followed in a reference out-patient clinic on primary immunodeficiency were studied. All of them have been treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) replacement therapy. Pulmonary complications were evaluated analysing clinical data (medical records review), lung function test (spirometry) and pulmonary imaging (chest computed tomography [CCT]). Results: Patients with normal CCT (N=14) and those with abnormal CCT (N=16) have shown no differences regarding the age at onset of symptoms, age of diagnosis, and duration of IVIG treatment. The mean number of pneumonia episodes before IVIG replacement was significantly higher among patients with abnormal CCT (4 vs 7 episodes, p=0.008). CCT abnormalities observed in 16 patients were: bronchiectasis (12/16); peribronchial thickening (3/16); airtrapping (5/16); lung volume reduction (4/16); atelectasis (2/16), follicular bronchiolitis and ground-glass abnormality (2/16) and parenchyma nodule (1/16). Lung function tests showed ventilatory disturbance in 18/30: obstructive pattern in 38.8%, restrictive pattern in 44.4%,and mix pattern in 16.7%. There were no significant differences in lung function between those with and without CCT abnormalities. Negative significant correlations were observed between lung function and number of episodes of pneumonia. Chronic persistent cough was associated with a reduction in lung function. Conclusions: Pulmonary complications are not rare in patients with antibody deficiencies and they must be monitored (AU)