Lessons from peculiar cases of anaphylaxis: why allergists should be prepared for the unexpected.

Summary: Anaphylaxis is the most severe systemic hypersensitivity reaction, it can be caused by a number of well identified triggers such as foods, drugs, stinging insects and facilitated by predisposing clinical conditions. However, sometimes anaphylaxis shows up with uncommon or peculiar characteristics which could delay diagnosis and therapeutic treatment. In this report we aimed to describe less accounted / difficult-to-approach shapes of anaphylaxis to facilitate clinicians to suspect these severe reactions even in uncommon conditions. We choose to present data on anaphylaxis regarding simulation, mode of exposure to sensitizing agents, pregnancy, exposure to animals, intimate behaviour, psychological stress and other situations.

Allergy in adolescent population (14-18 years) living in Campania region (Southern Italy). A multicenter study.

Summary: Adolescents (Ad) constitute a difficult to manage population among individuals suffering from asthma. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence, clinical characteristics and age of onset of allergic sensitization and clinical symptoms in a sample of atopic Ad living in the Campania region (Southern Italy). Sixteen Allergy units or Centers belonging to the Italian Association of Hospital and Territorial Allergologists (AAIITO, Campania region) participated in this cross-sectional study. A case report form (CRF) was specifically designed for this study and commercial allergen extracts used for screening SPTs were provided by ALK-Abelló Group (Milan, Italy). A total of 443 patients were examined (females, f 220, 49.6 %; males, m 223, 50.3%). Dust mites represent the most common sensitizing agents in allergic Ad living in Campania region (Dermatoph. pteronyssinus 67.4% and Dermatoph. farinae 66.5%), followed by Parietaria (58.9%), grasses (45.8%), Artemisia vulgaris (16.7%), Olea Europaea (32.2%), dog dander (17.1%), cat dander (20.0%), Alternaria alternata (8.1%), Cupressus sempervirens (4.9%), Betula pendula (4.7%), other allergens (19.4%). An interesting comparison has been made between clinical data of our Ad with data of elderly patients (E). The role of allergic sensitization is significantly higher in Ad compared to E. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is the first sensitizing allergen in Ad and the last in E. Parietaria constitutes the first sensitizing pollen both in Ad and E, the percentage of sensitization is higher in Ad. Another important difference is the higher prevalence of As, as only symptom, in E compared to Ad (19.7% versus 7.6%). In conclusion, our findings confirm the high prevalence and clinical significance of airway allergic sensitization in the adolescents living in Campania region.

Allergic sensitization to common pets (cats/dogs) according to different possible modalities of exposure: an Italian Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: The query "are there animals at home?" is usually administered for collecting information on anamnesis. This modality to consider exposure to pet allergens constitutes a potential bias in epidemiological studies and in clinical practice. The aim of our study was to evaluate/quantify different modalities of exposure to cat/dog in inducing allergic sensitization. METHODS: Thirty Italian Allergy units participated in this study. Each centre was required to collect the data of at least 20 consecutive outpatients sensitized to cat/dog allergens. A standardized form reported all demographic data and a particular attention was paid in relieving possible modalities of exposure to cat/dog. RESULTS: A total 723 patients sensitized to cat/dog were recorded, 359 (49.65%) reported direct pet contact, 213 patients (29.46%) were pet owners, and 146 subjects (20.19%) were exposed to pets in other settings. Other patients were sensitized by previous pet ownership (150-20.75%) or indirect contact (103-14.25%), in 111 subjects (15.35%) any contact was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Only 213 patients (29.46%) would be classified as "exposed to animals" and 510 (70.54%) as "not exposed" according to usual query. Our classification has shown that many "not-exposed" subjects (399-55.19%) were "really exposed". The magnitude of exposure to pet allergens at home is not related exclusively to pet ownership. These considerations should be taken into account during the planning of epidemiological studies and in clinical practice for the management of pet allergic individuals.

Allergy in urban elderly population living in Campania region (Southern Italy). A multicenter study.

Given the increasing life expectancy observed in Western countries, there is a marked interest to know more about how aging could influence respiratory health. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence, clinical characteristics and age of onset of allergic sensitization and clinical symptoms in a sample of atopic elders living in Campania region area (Southern Italy). Fourteen Allergy units or Centres examined a total of 462 patients. In this context 215 (46.53%) had positive skin prick tests (SPTs) to at least one allergen and were diagnosed with respiratory allergy. Parietaria represents the most common sensitizing agent in elders living in Campania region, followed by dust mites, grass pollen and Olea europaea. A relatively high percentage of atopic subjects suffered from respiratory symptoms at a fairly advanced age, namely 8.3% at 60-64 years, 10.2% at 65-70 and 5.7% at > 70 years. In conclusion, the prevalence and clinical significance of airway allergic sensitization in the elderly living in Campania region is more significant than expected in latter stages of life. Physicians should not neglect the role of atopy as a risk factor for the onset of allergic respiratory symptoms even in elderly patients.

Sensitization to cockroach allergens in the urban atopic populations living in Campania district (southern Italy). A multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Although cockroach (CR) is an important cause of allergic sensitization worldwide, only a few data are available in Italy and in a previous study we have observed, in Naples area, a low prevalence of CR sensitization. OBJECTIVES: We sought to perform a prospective study for assessing the prevalence of allergic sensitization to CR in a sample of atopic population living in Campania district area (Southern Italy). METHODS: Ten Allergy Units or Centres of Campania district participated in this cross-sectional study. Each centre was required to collect the results of at least 100 allergy consultations in consecutive outpatients referred for actual or suspected respiratory allergy. We registered demographic data, type and duration of respiratory symptoms, pets ownership, possible exposure to CR allergens, results of the skin prick tests (SPTs). RESULTS: A total of 1477 patients were examined, 985 (66.68%) had a SPTs positivity to at least one allergen. In this context, ninety were sensitized to CR, thus the overall sensitization prevalence in subjects with respiratory allergy was 6.09% ranging between 0-11% and only five patients were mono-sensitized. Thirteen patients reported rhinitis (R) + bronchial asthma (A), twenty-one R + A + conjunctivitis (C), thirty-seven R + C, five only A and eleven individuals only R. Sixty-seven patients exhibited persistent and twenty-three intermittent symptoms. Dust mite constituted the first cause of associated sensitization to CR. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of allergic sensitization to CR is not negligible in population living in Campania district and shows a higher trend in comparison to that found recently and some years ago in Naples area. Finally, we suggest atopic individuals and especially those highly sensitized to mite allergens or those living in low-income areas to be tested by SPTs / evaluation of serum specific IgE to CR allergens to exclude the occurrence of CR allergic sensitization.

Contributi scientifici in memoria di Antonio Fusco.

Come si leggerà nell'Introduzione della sezione propriamente scientifica del Volume, il presente testo nasce dalla volontà e, soprattutto, dall'esigenza culturale di omaggiare il fu Prof. Antonio Fusco. Un debito scientifico ed umano che trova il suo locus naturale in questa prima parte del testo stesso, cui farà poi seguito la parte propriamente scientifica. In siffatta parentesi dovuta per le ragioni appena menzionate, il lettore, l'amico o l'allievo dell'opera del Prof. Fusco potranno trovare un suo sintetico Curriculum Vitae, correlato da una specifica ed accurata prosa, svolta dal già Magnifico Rettore Carlo Cipolli; il quale, oltre che evidenziare, ricordando, i meriti del collega oramai scomparso, aggiunge alsuo scritto un elemento che sarebbe imprescindibile a non trasformare lo stesso in una mera sequenza di parole: l'amicizia e l'affetto per un amico che, oramai, non c'è più. A fine lettura, evidente risuonerà il fatto che la vita di ognuno, se mossa dalla passione per ciò per cui si è predisposti cognitivamente e psicologicamente, può essere ricca di riconoscimenti, riconoscenze e soddisfazioni che, lungi dal divenire un cuscino di allori su cui adagiarsi, per una mente creativa come quella del Prof. Fusco hanno funto solo da motivazioni ad agire instancabilmente guardando sempre al futuro. Il lavoro di una vita che, materialmente, è sancito da un supporto poco più di cm 25x15: una targa. Una materialità evidente che, con grande commozione e riconoscenza, è stata affissa il 25 ottobre 2019 sull'aula fronte l'Aula Magna del Campus "La Folcara", a testimonianza che quello spirito creativo in continua evoluzione non si ferma; non si arresta neppure con la fine biologica di chi lo ha "posseduto". Rimangono le opere ed il pensiero del Prof. Fusco e restano gli affetti. A tal proposito, il lettore troverà una breve e sentita sezione su Testimonianze; coloro i quali hanno avuto modo, nell'arco della vita accademica ed umana, personale, di Fusco di conoscerlo. Ecco, allora, che i ricordi saranno i veri protagonisti di questa parentesi. Dopo di ciò, prima dei contributi prettamente scientifici dei lavori, tenutisi in occasione del Convegno Internazionale Psicologia, Arte, Letteratura. Antiche e Nuove Tendenze, seguiranno i saluti delle autorità che in quei due giorni si sono succedute a rappresentare non solo l'istituzione affiliata, ma anche la relazione di stima e di affetto che le legava al compianto Professore. Si passerà, infine, al volume tradizionalmente inteso.

The effect of reperfusion pressure on early outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting. A randomized trial.

Among 60 patients randomly assigned to a reperfusion pressure of 50 mm Hg or one of 75 mm Hg (30 mm Hg during the first 2 minutes in both groups) during initially hyperkalemic, controlled aortic root reperfusion after coronary artery bypass grafting, no in-hospital deaths occurred, no patient received an intraaortic balloon pump, no patient had new Q waves, and creatine kinase MB release was similar in the two groups. Median interval between the beginning of reperfusion and the return of rhythmic cardiac contractions in the 50 mm Hg group was 7 minutes; in the 75 mm Hg group, it was 5 minutes (P = 0.1). The initial reactive hyperemic response was greater in the 75 mm Hg group. There were no believable differences (P < 0.1) between the two groups in postoperative cardiac output, left and right atrial pressure, arterial blood pressure, and prevalence of catecholamine administration.

Echocardiographic demonstration of rupture of intraseptal hydatid cyst.

We report a case of an intracardiac hydatid cyst observed before and after rupture complicated by a pulmonary embolus. The echocardiographic findings are analyzed and discussed. This dramatic course underscores the surgical emergency of cardiac hydatidosis.

Collapse and massive pulmonary edema secondary to thrombosis of a mitral mechanical heart valve prosthesis during low-molecular weight heparin therapy.

Mechanical heart valves (MHV) are particularly exposed to thrombosis if anticoagulation becomes ineffective. Thromboembolic complications may be avoided by oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists or derivatives of unfractionated heparin. A few cases of low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) as sole anticoagulant in patients with MHV have been published, though with contradictory results. We report a case of a massive thrombosis of a St. Jude Medical mitral valve after the patient had been treated for one month with calcium nadroparin (Fraxiparine).

Long-term evaluation of direct repair of traumatic isthmic aortic transection.

Direct repair of traumatic aortic isthmic transection eliminates the late complications of prosthetic graft repair. This study evaluates the long-term fate of direct aortic repair to which little attention has been paid. Among 32 patients operated upon from 1965 to 1987, 27 (84%) underwent direct repair. The tear was circumferential in 15 patients and partial in 12. Multiple traumatic lesions were present in 26 patients, including intracranial injury in 19. Partial cardiopulmonary bypass was used in 15 patients and simple aortic cross-clamping in 12. No paraplegia was observed. There were 4 deaths from associated lesions among the 14 patients operated upon for acute traumatic isthmic transection and no deaths in the others. Among the 23 survivors, 4 were lost to follow-up; the other 19 patients have excellent clinical results. Intravenous digital aortic angiography performed in 14 patients at a mean delay of 5 years 3 months showed excellent aortic reconstruction in all cases. Technically more demanding and faster than a graft interposition, direct repair is recommended as the procedure of choice in the surgical treatment of traumatic isthmic transection, particularly in young patients, the group most at risk from this lesion.

Surgery of post-infarction ventricular septal defect: risk factors for hospital death and long-term results.

From December 1971 to December 1989, 62 patients (pts) 42 males, 20 females, mean age 66 years (yr) 6 months (mth) (range 52-80) were operated upon for post-infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD), (anterior 34, inferior 28). Eight pts (13%), group (G) 1 presented with cardiogenic shock, 19 pts (30.5%), G2 with severe congestive heart failure (CHF); 31 pts (50%), G3 were stable with mild CHF and 4 pts (6.5%), G4 without CHF. Preoperative intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) was used in 49 pts (79%). One transplanted pt was excluded from this study. The VSD was closed from 1 day (d) to 5 mth (mean 13 d) after its occurrence. Hospital death (HD) occurred in 23 pts (37.7% +/- 6%). Of 44 incremental risk factors (RF) for HD studied, the preoperative status (PS) was the most significant (P less than 0.01). G1: 87% +/- 12%, G2: 42% +/- 12%, G3: 25.8% +/- 8%, G4: 0%. [table: see text] Non-survivors had a shorter mean delay between VSD occurrence and surgery than survivors: 5.6 +/- 3.7 d vs 18.2 +/- 30 d (P less than 0.05), but this delay was correlated to PS. The follow-up of the 38 early survivors ranges from 2 mth to 14 yr (mean 3 yr, 11 mth); 11 pts died between 45 d and 14 yr. No RF was identified for premature late death. HD included, the actuarial survival rate at 1, 5, 10 yr is: 57% (+/- 7%), 44% (+/- 8%), 30% (+/- 10%), respectively.

Modifying myocardial management in cardiac surgery: a randomized trial.

Among the 160 patients randomly assigned to one of eight protocols of myocardial management, all of which included controlled aortic root reperfusion, no important differences were found between protocols as to the prevalence of death (0 instances), use of an intra-aortic balloon pump (no instances), use of catecholamines, elaboration of CK-MB isoenzymes, new Q-waves, abnormal wall motion scores, or postoperative atrial fibrillation. Ventricular defibrillation was required more often in patients in the protocol with noncardioplegic blood reperfusate. Cardiac index was highest in the operating room in the group receiving hyperkalemic cold cardioplegia and initial hyperkalemic reperfusion. The reperfusion flow at the controlled pressures had initially a low flow rate (pressure 30 mmHg for 2 min; thereafter 50 mmHg), which increased to reach a peak flow rate at about 3 min after the start of reperfusion, followed by a declining flow rate reflecting changes in coronary resistance. Comparison of the overall randomly assigned group with a historical control group of 100 patients operated upon prior to the randomized trial showed no differences except for a higher rate of postoperative atrial fibrillation (25%) in the historical control group than in the randomized protocols with initial cardioplegic reperfusion (14%). The controlled reperfusion technique was found to be easy to use and is now used routinely.

Early and long term results of coronary artery bypass grafts in patients with dialysis dependent renal failure.

OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery disease is the main cause of mortality and morbidity in patients on renal therapy replacement. The aim of this study was to define peri-operative risk and long term results of coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG) in dialysis patients. METHODS: this retrospective study included 82 patients in chronic dialysis who underwent CABG between 1978 and 1997. The mean age was 61+/-10 years (range 28-81 years), 84% of the patients were male and the average duration of dialysis was 57 months (range 1-148 months). Combined procedures were carotid endarterectomy in one case, left ventricular aneurysm resection in one and valvular replacement in 10 (nine aortic and one mitral replacements). The operation was elective in 42 patients (51 %) and urgent in the others. Previous myocardial infarction was found in 37 patients (45%) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at less than 45% in 15 patients (18%); 23 patients (28%) were in NYHA class III or IV and regarding angina functional status, 77% in CCS class 3 or 4. Follow-up was complete. Statistical analysis included 30 and pre and peri-operative data. Statistical analysis used Chi-square analysis or Fisher's exact test, and the Mann-Whitney test when appropriate. The estimated probability of survival, including postoperative mortality, was calculated by the method of Kaplan-Meyer, and the Log-Rank test used to compare the results. RESULTS: the hospital mortality was 14.6 % (n = 12). Ischemic time and ECC time were significantly lengthened in dead patients (P = 0.01). Moreover, use of internal mammary artery was directly related to lower hospital mortality (P = 0.02). For previous myocardial infarction, LVEF at less than 45%, diabetes and combined procedure, a P-value of < or = 0.1 was calculated. The follow-up ranged from 1 to 140 months (mean 36 months). There were 39 late deaths. The survival rates (included hospital mortality) were 71+/-5%, 56+/-6% and 39+/-6% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. All surviving patients improved their functional status and had symptomatic relief. Statistical analysis showed significant difference in favor of long term survival for patients younger than 60 years, LVEF > 45% and NYHA class I or II. CONCLUSION: these data confirm that CABG in patients with renal replacement therapy is associated with an high operative and long term mortality. However it allows an improvement of functional status, and so, let possible duration of dialysis. It may be expected that more active prevention and detection of coronary disease might improve these results.

Surgery for post infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD): risk factors for hospital death and long term results.

OBJECTIVE: Repair of post infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) is still a challenging procedure with a high risk of recurrence of the VSD and subsequent mortality. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess if technical change in the surgical procedure was followed by an improvement in recurrence of the VSD and operative results. METHOD: This retrospective study from 1971 to 2001 included 85 patients operated on early (<15 days) after the occurrence of a post infarction VSD. Double patch technique was introduced in 1986. A total of 44 variables were studied by a uni- and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Hospital death occurred in 36 patients. Significant factors for hospital mortality included: preoperative and evolution of the clinical status, right ventricular function and type of repair (one or two patches). Moreover, no recurrence was observed in patients repaired with the double patch technique (P=0.09). None of the studied variables were significant for long term survival. Concomitant CABG was not associated with higher hospital mortality and long-term survival rate was similar in patients with or without concomitant CABG. CONCLUSION: The use of the double patch technique and glue by avoiding recurrence of the VSD played a role in the reduction of the hospital mortality. This technique has to be recommended in the early repair of post infarction VSD. Concomitant CABG can be done safely to control the added risk of an associated coronary artery lesion.

[Description of a case of type I left ventricular rupture with formation of a false aneurysm following mitral and aortic valve replacement]. / Descrizione di un caso di rottura del I tipo del ventricolo sinistro con formazione di un falso aneurisma dopo intervento di sostituzione valvolare mitralica ed aortica.

A 65 year old patient underwent surgery for mitral and aortic valves replacement. Four months later, a type I left ventricular rupture with pseudoaneurysm was discovered. The formation and surgical reparation are described.

[Surgical repair of postinfarction left ventricular lesion type I]. / Riparazione chirurgica della lesione postinfartuale di I tipo del ventricolo sinistro.

Left ventricular rupture is the most frequent cause of death following myocardial infarction after ventricular arrhytmias and cardiogenic shock. Under these circumstances, only a prompt diagnosis and urgent surgical treatment can be lifesaving. A review of the literature is made and a simple surgical technique with GRF glue application is presented.