Medically important ants: a systematic review of the global distribution and clinical consequences of their bites and stings / Hormigas de importancia médica: revisión sistemática de su distribución global y consecuencias clínicas de sus mordeduras y picaduras

Introduction: From the medical point of view, only some ants are of special interest. Due to the diversity of ants and the growing contact with humans, it is necessary to have a better understanding of the factors and problems, which lead to adverse clinical outcomes. Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of published studies on ants and their impact on the medical field to synthesize fragmented knowledge and to inform the current state of this problem. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in Medline, EMBASE, SciELO and Google Scholar, with no time threshold. The search strategy was limited to articles published in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Eligible studies were case reports and case series that reported outcomes in humans caused by ant stings. Patient-level and study-level information was extracted. Results: The literature search yielded 1909 studies; of which 30 case reports and 16 case series reporting a total of 95 cases were included. Of these 48 patients were women (50.5 percent, and the median age was 36.1 ± 25.5 years old. The most frequently reported complications were severe pain, anaphylaxis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The death of eighteen patients was documented (18.9 percent). Ants from the genera Solenopsis spp., Myrmecia sp., Paraponera clavata, Pachycondyla sennaarensis, Myrmecia rubra caused most of the accidents Conclusions: Severe allergic reactions caused by ants are a rare event, however, mortality can be high. An increase of ant related accidents is expected, a quick diagnosis and treatment is necessary to avoid fatalities(AU)

Introducción: Desde el punto de vista médico, solo algunas hormigas son de especial interés. Debido a la diversidad de hormigas y al creciente contacto con humanos, es necesario comprender mejor los factores y problemas que conducen a resultados clínicos adversos. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión sistemática de estudios publicados sobre las hormigas y su impacto en el campo médico para sintetizar conocimientos fragmentados e informar sobre el estado actual del problema. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sistemática en Medline, EMBASE, SciELO y Google Scholar, sin límite de tiempo. La estrategia de búsqueda se limitó a artículos publicados en portugués, inglés y español. Se seleccionaron informes y series de casos sobre consecuencias de las picaduras de hormigas en humanos. Se extrajo información a nivel de paciente y a nivel de estudio. Resultados: La búsqueda bibliográfica obtuvo 1 909 estudios, de los cuales se seleccionaron 30 informes y 16 series sobre un total de 95 casos. De estos, 48 pacientes eran mujeres (50,5 por ciento) y la media de edad era 36,1 ± 25,5 años. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron dolor intenso, anafilaxia y síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda. Se documentó la muerte de 18 pacientes (18,9 por ciento). Hormigas de los géneros Solenopsis spp., Myrmecia sp., Paraponera clavata, Pachycondyla sennaarensis y Myrmecia rubra causaron la mayoría de los accidentes. Conclusiones: Las reacciones alérgicas graves provocadas por hormigas son un evento raro; sin embargo, la mortalidad puede ser alta. Se espera un incremento de los accidentes relacionados con las hormigas. Se requiere un diagnóstico y tratamiento rápidos para evitar muertes(AU)

Atopia e/ou angioedema no paciente com urticária colinérgica com revisão da literatura / Atopy and/or angioedema in patients with cholinergic urticaria with a literature review

Introdução: A urticária colinérgica (UCol) é um subtipo de urticária crônica induzida, desencadeada pela sudorese e o aumento da temperatura corporal. A associação de UCol com atopia é referida como um possível subtipo mais grave. A manifestação de angioedema estaria associada a um quadro mais prolongado de urticária e a sintomas extracutâneos, por exemplo, anafilaxia. Objetivo: Avaliar a frequência de atopia e/ou angioedema nos pacientes com UCol, em um centro terciário. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de prontuários de pacientes com UCol acompanhados em um centro terciário. Todos apresentavam teste de provocação para UCol positivo. A frequência de atopia e/ou angioedema foi avaliada nestes pacientes, como também as características gerais nestes subgrupos. Resultados: Foram incluídos 30 pacientes, sendo 60% do gênero feminino e idade (média) de 32,9 anos e tempo de doença (média) de 7,5 anos. O angioedema foi referido por 8 pacientes (26,7%), não foram observadas diferenças significantes entre os dois grupos (com e sem angioedema). Em relação à atopia, 9 pacientes (30%) realizaram a investigação através de IgE específica para aeroalérgenos, sendo positivo em 6 destes (66,7%). Embora sem diferença estatística, o grupo de pacientes com UCol e atopia apresentava valores de IgE sérica total mais elevados e maior frequência de associação com outras urticárias induzidas. Conclusões: Neste estudo, a frequência de atopia foi elevada e associada a níveis elevados de IgE sérica total. O angioedema foi relatado em mais de um quarto dos pacientes, independente da associação com UCE, favorecendo a uma maior gravidade à UCol. Doze pacientes (40%) não responderam aos anti-histamínicos, apesar da dose quadruplicada, sendo necessários outros esquemas terapêuticos.

Introduction: Cholinergic urticaria (CholU) is a subtype of chronic induced urticaria that is triggered by sweating and increased body temperature. The association of CholU with atopy is referred to as a possible subtype but more severe. The manifestation of angioedema is believed to be associated with more prolonged urticaria and extracutaneous symptoms such as anaphylaxis. Objective: To assess the frequency of atopy and/or angioedema in patients with CholU in a tertiary care center. Methods: A retrospective study of medical records of patients with CholU followed-up at a tertiary care center was conducted. All patients had a positive test for CholU. The frequency of atopy and/or angioedema was assessed in these patients, as well as the general characteristics in the subgroups. Results: Thirty patients were included in the study; 60% were female, mean age was 32.9 years, and mean disease duration was 7.5 years. Angioedema was reported by eight patients (26.7%). There were no significant differences between the two groups (with and without angioedema). Concerning atopy, nine patients (30%) underwent investigation using specific IgE for aeroallergens, with six positive results (66.7%). Although there was no statistical difference, the group of patients with CholU and atopy had higher total serum IgE values and a higher frequency of association with other induced urticaria. Conclusions: In this study, the frequency of atopy was high and associated with high levels of total serum IgE. Angioedema was reported in more than a quarter of patients, regardless of the association with ECU , favoring greater severity of ChoIU. Twelve patients (40%) did not respond to antihistamines, despite the quadrupled dose, requiring other therapeutic regimens.

Guia prático de atualização: medicamentos biológicos no tratamento da asma, doenças alérgicas e imunodeficiências / Practical update guide: biological drugs in the treatment of asthma, allergic diseases and immunodeficiencies

O presente guia apresenta revisão extensa sobre imunobiológicos utilizados, liberados e ainda sob estudo, para o tratamento da asma, doenças alérgicas e imunodeficiências. Além das características físico-químicas de alguns desses fármacos, são revisadas as indicações e os resultados de estudos clínicos realizados para avaliar eficácia e segurança. Separados por doença específica, são apresentados os principais agentes disponíveis e aprovados para utilização segundo as normas regulatórias nacionais.

This guide presents an extensive review of immunobiological drugs used, approved and/or under investigation for the treatment of asthma, allergic diseases and immunodeficiencies. In addition to the physicochemical characteristics of some of these drugs, their indications and results of clinical studies evaluating efficacy and safety are reviewed. The main agents available and approved for use in each specific disease according to national regulatory standards are presented.

Mepolizumabe na doença respiratória exacerbada por aspirina - DREA / Mepolizumab in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease - AERD

Relato de caso que ilustra a eficácia e a segurança do uso do mepolizumabe na doença respiratória exacerbada por aspirina (DREA). A utilização de anticorpo monoclonal no tratamento desta doença respiratória de difícil tratamento tem possibilitado o controle da inflamação crônica e o maior conhecimento sobre a fisiopatogenia da doença.

This case report shows the efficacy and safety of mepolizumab in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). The use of monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of this severe disease has provided improved control of chronic inflammation and greater understanding about the pathophysiology of the disease.

Anaphylaxis triggered by prick test with latex extract: a case report

ABSTRACT CONTEXT: Adverse reactions associated with prick tests are rare but may be present as serious systemic reactions. CASE REPORT: A 38-year-old female nursing technician complained of three episodes of anaphylaxis in one year, all in the workplace. To investigate latex allergy, the patient underwent the prick test with latex, and immediately developed a rash, itchy skin, hoarseness, dyspnea and dry cough. Her condition improved promptly after appropriate measures were established for controlling her anaphylaxis. CONCLUSION: The skin test must be performed under medical supervision, since complications that can lead to life-threatening reactions, if support measures are not readily implemented, have been attributed to this test.

Anafilaxia relacionada à vacina sarampo, caxumba e rubéola, Santa Catarina, Brasil, 2014 e 2015 / Anaphylaxis related to measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine in Santa Catarina State, Brazil, 2014 and 2015 / Anafilaxia relacionada a la vacuna sarampión, paperas y rubeola, Santa Catarina, Brasil, 2014 y 2015

Resumo: Os objetivos consistiram em descrever os casos e verificar a frequência de anafilaxia relacionada à vacina sarampo, caxumba e rubéola (SCR) do produtor A, bem como avaliar os possíveis fatores de risco associados. Estudo de caso-controle (1:4), em Santa Catarina, Brasil, de 14 de julho de 2014 a 12 de janeiro de 2015, em crianças de um a menores de cinco anos, vacinadas com SCR e notificadas com anafilaxia, sendo os controles sem anafilaxia. Utilizou-se, como medida de associação, odds ratio (OR) com intervalo de 95% de confiança (IC95%) e os testes qui-quadrado e exato de Fisher. Calcularam-se taxas de anafilaxia por doses distribuídas/aplicadas. Entrevistaram-se 15 casos e 60 controles, em 12 municípios. As taxas de anafilaxia foram 2,46 e 5,05 por doses distribuídas e aplicadas, respectivamente. Dentre os casos de anafilaxia, oito (53,4%) eram do sexo masculino, e dentre os controles, 36 (60%), com p = 0,64. Na análise bivariada referente à anafilaxia e alergia à proteína do leite de vaca (APLV), verificou-se OR = 51,62, com p = 0,00002 e IC95%: 5,59-476,11. As variáveis alergia alimentar familiar, aleitamento materno, evento adverso pós-vacinação (EAPV) anterior e vacinação simultânea não foram estatisticamente significativas (p = 0,48; p = 1,00; p = 0,49; p = 0,61). Taxas de anafilaxia por doses distribuídas/aplicadas ficaram acima de 1/100 mil doses aplicadas (taxa esperada). Anafilaxia e APLV apresentaram associação estatisticamente significativa. Não foram encontradas associações estatísticas referentes à vacinação simultânea, aleitamento materno, alergia alimentar familiar e EAPV anterior. Recomendou-se ao produtor informar na bula todos os componentes do produto e que crianças com história pregressa de APLV não sejam vacinadas com essa vacina.

Abstract: The study aimed to describe cases and verify the frequency of anaphylaxis related to measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine produced by manufacturer A and to assess associated risk factors. This was a case-control study (1:4) in Santa Catarina State, Brazil, from July 14, 2014, to January 12, 2015, in children from one year to less than five years of age, vaccinated with MMR and reported with anaphylaxis, while the controls were without anaphylaxis. The measure of association was odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI), using the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Anaphylaxis rates were calculated per doses distributed/administered. Fifteen cases and 60 controls were interviewed in 12 municipalities (counties). Anaphylaxis rates were 2.46 and 5.05 cases per 100,000 doses distributed and administered, respectively. Among the cases of anaphylaxis, eight (53.4%) were males, and among the controls, 36 (60%), with p = 0.64. The bivariate analysis of anaphylaxis and cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) showed OR = 51.62, with p = 0.00002 and 95%CI: 5.59-476.11. The variables family food allergy, breastfeeding, previous post-vaccine adverse event (PVAE), and simultaneous vaccination were not statistically significant (p = 0.48; p = 1.00; p = 0.49; p = 0.61). Anaphylaxis rates per doses distributed/administered exceeded 1/100,000 doses administered (expected rate). Anaphylaxis and CMPA showed a statistically significant association. No statistically significant associations were found with simultaneous vaccination, breastfeeding, family food allergy, or history of PVAE. Recommendations: the manufacturer should specify the product's components in the package insert, and children with a history of CMPA should not be vaccinated with this vaccine.

Resumen: Los objetivos consistieron en describir los casos y verificar la frecuencia de anafilaxia, relacionada con la vacuna del sarampión, paperas y rubeola (SCR) del productor A, así como evaluar los posibles factores de riesgo asociados. Estudio de caso-control (1:4), en Santa Catarina, Brasil, de 14 de julio de 2014 a 12 de enero de 2015, en niños de uno a menores de cinco años, vacunadas con SCR y notificadas con anafilaxia, siendo los controles sin anafilaxia. Se utilizó, como medida de asociación, odds ratio (OR) con un intervalo de 95% de confianza (IC95%) y los testes chi-cuadrado y exacto de Fisher. Se calcularon las tasas de anafilaxia por dosis distribuidas/aplicadas. Se entrevistaron 15 casos y 60 controles, en 12 municipios. Las tasas de anafilaxia fueron 2,46 y 5,05 por dosis distribuidas y aplicadas, respectivamente. Entre los casos de anafilaxia, ocho (53,4%) eran del sexo masculino, y entre los controles, 36 (60%), con p = 0,64. En el análisis bivariado referente a la anafilaxia y alergia a la proteína de leche de vaca (APLV), se verificó OR = 51,62, con p = 0,00002 e IC95%: 5,59-476,11. Las variables alergia alimentaria familiar, lactancia materna , evento adverso pos-vacunación (EAPV) anterior y vacunación simultánea no fueron estadísticamente significativas (p = 0,48; p = 1,00; p = 0,49; p = 0,61). Tasas de anafilaxia por dosis distribuidas/aplicadas se situaron encima de 1/100.000 dosis aplicadas (tasa esperada). Anafilaxia y APLV presentaron una asociación estadísticamente significativa. No fueron encontradas asociaciones estadísticas referentes a la vacunación simultánea, lactancia materna, alergia alimentaria familiar y EAPV anterior. Se recomendó al productor informar en el prospecto sobre todos los componentes del producto, y que los niños con historial anterior de APLV no sean vacunados con esa vacuna.

EPIDEMIOLOGÍA DE ANAFILAXIA EN UN SISTEMA DE SALUD PREPAGO DE LA CIUDAD DE BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA / Epidemiology of anaphylaxis in a medical care program in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Fundamentos. Anafilaxia es una reacción alérgica seria y que puede causar la muerte. Existen pocos datos sobre la incidencia y las características de anafilaxia en Argentina. Objetivos. Estimar la incidencia de anafilaxia en un sistema de salud prepago de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Describir el conocimiento de los pacientes con diagnóstico de anafilaxia sobre medidas de prevención y tratamiento. Marco de referencia. Hospital Italiano de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Diseño. Cohorte retrospectiva Población. Padrón del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires con diagnóstico de anafilaxia desde enero de 2006 a abril de 2014. Método. Se revisaron las historias clínicas electrónicas de 211 pacientes. La evaluación comprendió tanto el ámbito ambulatorio como internación y central de emergencias. Se realizó una encuesta telefónica para conocer el comportamiento y conocimiento de los pacientes que presentaron un episodio de anafilaxia. Se utilizó el software estadístico SPSS 19.0. Resultados. La densidad de incidencia calculada por cada 100.000 personasaño fue de 9,03 (IC95%: 7,53-10,84) para todas las causas de anafilaxia. Las causas más comunes reportadas fueron medicamentos 49,5% y alimentos 19,79%. El 63,4% no recibió prescripción de adrenalina autoinyectable, sólo el 30,9% tienen un plan de acción ante un nuevo evento. Conclusión. La anafilaxia es un problema de salud importante y común. Este estudio demuestra posibles deficiencias en la atención de los episodios de anafilaxia, no sólo en el tratamiento de episodios pasados, sino también por la falta de preparación adecuada para futuros episodios. (AU)

Background. Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can cause death. There are few data of the incidence and characteristics of anaphylaxis in the population of Argentina. Objectives. estimate the incidence of anaphylaxis in medical care program of Buenos Aires city. Describe the knowledge of patients with diagnosis of anaphylaxis about prevention and treatment. Setting. Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Design. Retrospective cohort. Population. Census of the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires with a diagnosis of anaphylaxis in electronic health records from January 2006 to April 2014. Method. Electronic medical records of 211 patients were reviewed, the evaluation included both inpatient and outpatient setting and emergency center. A telephone survey was conducted to understand the behavior and knowledge of the patients who had an episode of anaphylaxis. SPSS 19.0 statistical software was used. Results. The density of incidence calculated per 100,000 person-years was 9.03 (95% CI: 7.53-10.84) for all causes of anaphylaxis. The most commonly reported causes were drugs 49.5% and food 19.79%. The 63.4% of patients had never received the prescription of self-injectable epinephrine; only 30.9% have a plan of action before a new event. Conclusion. Anaphylaxis is an important and common health problem. This study demonstrates the potential gaps in care episodes of anaphylaxis, not only in the treatment of past episodes, also by the lack of adequate preparation for future episodes(AU)

Anafilaxia e urticárias físicas / Anaphylaxis and physical urticarias

As urticárias físicas são condições clínicas associadas a disfunção mastocitária, com diminuição do limiar para liberação de substâncias vasoativas por exposição a estímulos físicos externos. Fatores físicos desencadeantes incluem: fatores mecânicos, térmicos, os relacionados aos exercícios,à exposição ao sol, ou aquagênicos. Extremos de temperatura (frio e calor), pressão, trauma,vibração, contato com a água, com a luz solar, e exercícios aeróbicos (com e sem dependência alimentar), constituem desencadeantes para estas alergias físicas. Vários tipos de urticárias físicas podem coexistir em um mesmo paciente. As urticárias físicas ocorrem em cerca de 1/5 dos pacientes com urticária crônica espontânea. Podem causar anafilaxia potencialmente fatal. São aqui discutidos o diagnóstico diferencial, os testes confirmatórios e a terapia atual disponível para urticárias físicas.

Physical urticarias are skin conditions associated with mast cell dysfunction, with decreased threshold for release of vasoactive substances upon exposure to external physical stimuli. Physical factors may include mechanical, thermal, exercise related, solar or aquagenic factors. Extreme temperatures (cold and hot), pressure, trauma, vibration, contact with water, sun exposure,and aerobic exercises (with and without food dependence) may trigger these physical allergies.Several types of physical urticarias can coexist in the same patient. One fifth of the patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria have associated physical urticaria. Physical urticarias can cause potentially fatal anaphylaxis. In this paper, we discuss differential diagnosis, confirmatory tests and therapeutic strategies currently available for physical urticarias.

Manejo analgésico y anestésico en la mastocitosis sistémica: a propósito de un caso / Analgesic and anesthetic management in systemic mastocytosis: a case report

Las mastocitosis son un grupo heterogéneo de enfermedades que se caracterizan por la proliferación de mastocitos en uno o más órganos o tejidos. Se denomina mastocitosis sistémica (MS) cuando hay afectación de un tejido distinto a la piel. La MS es una enfermedad poco frecuente, cuya incidencia y prevalencia se desconocen. El manejo anestésico de estos pacientes debe considerar que muchos de los fármacos empleados pueden causar una liberación masiva de mediadores químicos mastocitarios. Se presenta el caso de una mujer con MS programada para una histerectomía total, valorando la importancia del correcto estudio preoperatorio así como la técnica anestésica y el tipo de analgesia elegida en este caso. Se presenta nuestro protocolo de actuación de cara a la cirugía en estos pacientes.

Mastocytoses are a heterogeneous group of entities characterized by mast cell proliferation in one or more organs or tissues. When tissues other than the skin are involved, the disease is called systemic mastocytosis (SM). SM is a highly infrequent disease, whose incidence and prevalence are unknown. The anesthetic management of these patients must consider the fact that many drugs can trigger massive release of chemical mediators of mast cells. We report the case of a patient diagnosed with SM who underwent total hysterectomy and discuss the importance of thorough preoperative study, as well as the anesthetic technique and type of analgesia chosen. We also report our protocol for anesthetic management in this disease.

Anaphylaxis in Latin America: a report of the online Latin American survey on anaphylaxis (OLASA)

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the Online Latin American Survey of Anaphylaxis (OLASA) were to identify the main clinical manifestations, triggers, and treatments of severe allergic reactions in patients who were seen by allergists from July 2008 to June 2010 in 15 Latin American countries and Portugal (n =634). RESULTS: Of all patients, 68.5 percent were older than 18 years, 41.6 percent were male, and 65.4 percent experienced the allergic reaction at home. The etiologic agent was identified in 87.4 percent of cases and predominantly consisted of drugs (31.2 percent), foods (23.3 percent), and insect stings (14.9 percent). The main symptom categories observed during the acute episodes were cutaneous (94.0 percent) and respiratory (79.0 percent). The majority of patients (71.6 percent) were treated initially by a physician (office/emergency room) within the first hour after the reaction occurred (60.2 percent), and 43.5 percent recovered in the first hour after treatment. Most patients were treated in an emergency setting, but only 37.3 percent received parenteral epinephrine alone or associated with other medication. However, 80.5 percent and 70.2 percent were treated with corticosteroids or antihistamines (alone or in association), respectively. A total of 12.9 percent of the patients underwent reanimation maneuvers, and 15.2 percent were hospitalized. Only 5.8 percent of the patients returned to the emergency room after discharge, with 21.7 percent returning in the first 6 hours after initial treatment. CONCLUSION: The main clinical manifestations of severe allergic reactions were cutaneous. The etiologic agents that were identified as causing these acute episodes differed according to age group. Following in order: drugs (31.2 percent), foods (23.3 percent and insect stings (14.9 percent) in adults with foods predominance in children. Treatment provided for acute anaphylactic reactions was not appropriate. It is necessary to improve educational programs in order to enhance the knowledge on this potentially fatal emergency.

Caracterização da hipersensibilidade a luvas de látex em profissionais da odontologia / Rubber latex gloves hypersensitivities in dental workers

As reações alérgicas ao látex vêm aumentando em profissionais da saúde e se manifestam como um incômodo local ou sintomatologia sistêmica. Para conhecer a freqüência das manifestações alérgicas nos usuários de luvas de látex foi realizada busca entre os profissionais da odontologia via aplicação de questionários. Foram aplicados 450 questionários e, dentre os respondedores (140), 19% relataram manifestar reações locais ao contato com as luvas de látex e 5% reações sistêmicas a outros produtos de látex. Cerca de 2,5% declararam dermatite de contato e reações sistêmicas (anafiláticas), 1,5% apenas dermatite de contato e 1% sintomas de anafilaxia ao uso das luvas. Vinte por cento dos profissionais atenderam pacientes com alergia ao látex e 29% declararam questionar, durante a anamnese, a respeito de alergia ao látex. As reações alérgicas a luvas de látex foram freqüentes e é objeto de preocupação entre os profissionais da odontologia.

Allergic reactions to natural rubber latex have increased in dental practice affecting both the professional and the patients. Allergic reactions may range from skin disease to asthma and anaphylaxis. This study aimed at determining the incidence of latex gloves allergy among dental care workers. 450 allergy questionnaires were used to collect information on latex gloves reactions and 140 dental works answered them. Latex gloves reaction occurred in 19% of them and 5% reported allergic reactions to other latex products. 2.5% reported symptoms suggesting contact dermatitis and anaphylaxis hypersensitivities, 1.5% contact dermatitis, and 1% reported anaphylaxis symptoms when wearing them. 20% of them had patients who presented symptoms suggestive of anaphylaxis hypersensitivity to rubber gloves latex. Our study confirms that rubber latex gloves reactions are frequent among dental care workers, and dentists must be aware of the latex allergy in dental practice.