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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Anxiety and depression in adult patients with asthma: the role of asthma control, obesity and allergic sensitization.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of anxiety and depression in adult patients with asthma and to identify factors associated with them. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 164 consecutively recruited patients with asthma aged ≥ 18 years. Participants were clinically assessed and the mental state was analyzed through of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II); the Asthma Control Test (ACT) was measured, and allergic sensitization and respiratory function were also evaluated. Binary logistic regression models to identify the factors related to anxiety or depression were carried out. Complementary, 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. RESULTS: Anxiety was present in 54.3% of patients (95% CI: 46.6%-61.7%) while depression was found in 50.6% (95% CI: 43.0%-58.2%). Depression increased the odds of anxiety in patients with asthma (OR: 26.00, p < 0.0001), whereas an ACT score ≥ 20 points and allergic asthma were associated with a lower odds than the reference group (OR: 0.29; p = 0.007 and OR: 0.29; p = 0.024, respectively). Depression was associated with anxiety and obesity (OR: 25.33, p < 0.0001 and OR: 3.66; p = 0.014, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, more than half of all asthmatic patients suffer from anxiety and depression. Well-controlled asthma and allergic sensitization decreased the likelihood of anxiety, while depression was associated with both obesity and anxiety.

Low prevalence of asthma in Mexican children and adults with a positive rtRT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2: a cross-sectional study during the 2020 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: It has recently been argued that asthma does not increase the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. If so, the prevalence of asthma in subjects diagnosed with COVID-19 should be lower than in the general population. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of asthma in Mexican children and adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: A public database of the Epidemiological Surveillance System for Viral Respiratory Disease in Mexico was analyzed. Those who underwent the real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction-SARS-CoV-2 (rtRT-PCR-SARS-CoV-2) test from February 27 to June 21, 2020, were included. In addition to the prevalence of asthma, some factors associated with it were investigated. RESULTS: Data from 417,366 subjects were analyzed. Asthma prevalence in children, adults, and global were 3.7%, 3.3%, and 3.3%, respectively. Although the asthma prevalence was lower in SARS-CoV-2 positive over negative patients, significant differences were only found in adults (2.8% vs. 3.7% respectively; odds ratio (OR) = 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71-0.77); but not in children (3.5% vs. 3.8%, respectively; OR = 0.91; 95%CI: 0.76-1.10). Multivariate analysis showed in younger than 18 years that girls and immunosuppression were factors associated with a decrease in the odds to develop asthma. In adults, asthma was positively associated with females, obesity, smoking, immunosuppression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arterial hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of asthma in child and adult were lower than those previously reported. Our study seems to support the hypothesis that asthma patients have a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further studies are required to demonstrate the consistency of our findings.

Asthma prevalence, but not allergic rhinitis nor atopic dermatitis, is associated to exposure to dogs in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to pets can be a predisposing factor in the development of certain diseases, including allergic diseases. OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the role that exposure to indoor dogs and cats plays in the prevalence of allergic diseases. METHODS: We examined the cross-sectional data of 1056 women and 936 men aged 15 to 18 years; these individuals were selected through stratified and cluster random sampling. We asked all participants about their exposure to indoor dogs and cats during the year that preceded our study. The prevalence of allergic diseases was determined through core questions taken from The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence was 12.7% (95% CI: 11.3%-14.2%) for asthma, 9.0% (95% CI: 7.8%-10.4%) for allergic rhinitis, and 5.2% (95% CI: 4.3%-6.2%) for atopic dermatitis. The multivariate analyses showed that exposure to indoor dogs, but not indoor cats, was associated with asthma prevalence (aOR 1.37; 95% CI: 1.03-1.83), as was male sex (aOR=1.42; 95% CI: 1.08-1.86), a personal history of allergic rhinitis (aOR=3.24; 95% CI: 2.25-4.66), and a maternal history of asthma (aOR=3.06; 95% CI: 1.89-4.98). The population attributable risk for exposure to indoor dogs was 18%. Notably, neither allergic rhinitis nor atopic dermatitis was found to be associated with dog or cat exposure (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: Exposure to dogs in late adolescence is a factor associated with asthma, although its contribution to the development of asthma should be investigated in new studies.

The characterization of asthma with blood eosinophilia in adults in Latin America.

Objective: To identify and characterize asthma with blood eosinophilia in adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of 164 asthma patients, aged 18 years or older. Multivariate analyses by logistic regression were performed to identify clinical characteristics and biomarkers associated with asthma with blood eosinophilia (defined as asthma and a peripheral blood eosinophil count ≥400 cells/mm3). To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these biomarkers, the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated. Additionally, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was estimated for each biomarker. Results: Overall, 37.8% (95%CI: 30.7-45.4%) of asthma patients had blood eosinophilia. The following factors were associated with this characteristic: patient age <50 years (OR 3.25; 95% CI: 1.33-7.94), a serum level of IgE ≥300 UI/mL (OR 2.32; 95%CI: 1.14-4.75), and an Asthma Control Test (ACT) score <20 points (OR 3.10; 95%CI: 1.35-4.75); asthma with blood eosinophilia was also associated with a baseline FEV1/FVC <70% (OR 2.68; 95%CI: 1.28-5.59). On the other hand, age <50 years and ACT score <20 showed the highest sensitivity (above 80% each). Serum IgE level ≥300 UI/mL had the highest specificity (almost 68%). Finally, those with an ACT score <20 had the highest AUC (68%). Conclusions: In our study population, one-third of asthmatic adults had asthma with blood eosinophilia. Furthermore, the prevalence was greater in those ≤50 years of age; these patients experienced more severe, more poorly controlled asthma and had higher total serum IgE levels.

Epidural pneumorrhachis, a rare complication of asthma exacerbation.

Introduction: An association between pneumorrhachis and asthma exacerbation is uncommon. However, we present a clinical case involving a patient with exacerbated asthma, subcutaneous emphysema, spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM), and pneumorrhachis. Case study: The patient was an 18-year-old male with asthma since childhood who only relied on salbutamol to control his asthma symptoms. Results: The patient suddenly experienced dyspnea, chest tightness, and paroxysmal coughing, which prompted him to visit the emergency department. Upon arrival, subcutaneous emphysema was detected on the face, neck, thorax, and left forearm. Chest X-ray showed air in the mediastinum, neck, left supraclavicular region, and chest, all of which were verified by a computed tomography scan that also revealed air in the epidural region. At the hospital, his treatment focused on preventing asthma exacerbation and managing associated symptoms. Conclusion: When a patient has asthma exacerbation that is accompanied by SPM and extensive emphysema, the presence of epidural pneumorrhachis should not be overlooked.

Enfermedad periodontal como factor de riesgo adicional asociado con nacimiento pretérmino en México: un estudio de casos y controles.

INTRODUCTION: Substances related to microorganisms involved in periodontal disease can reach the maternal-fetal interface via the hematogenous route and stimulate uterine contractility. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between periodontal disease and preterm birth. METHOD: Case-control study in 343 preterm and 686 full-term pregnant women. Gestational age was calculated based on the date of the last menstrual period and confirmed with Capurro and Ballard methods. Periodontal disease was diagnosed according to the depth of the space between the tooth root and the gum. The association was measured with logistic regression. RESULTS: Maternal age of the cases was 23.8 ± 6.7 years, and 23.2 ± 6.7 in the controls. Periodontal disease was present in 66.8% of cases and 40.5% of controls. The factors associated with preterm birth were periodontal disease (Odds ratio [OR] = 2.26), history of preterm birth (OR = 4.96), unplanned pregnancy (OR = 2.15) poor prenatal control (OR = 2.53), urinary tract infection (OR = 2.22), preeclampsia (OR = 4.49), premature rupture of membranes (OR = 2.59) and caesarean section delivery (OR = 9.15). CONCLUSION: Periodontal disease in pregnancy was an independent risk factor for preterm birth.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las sustancias relacionadas con los microorganismos involucrados en la enfermedad periodontal puedan llegar a la interfaz materno-fetal por vía hematógena y estimular la contractilidad uterina. OBJETIVO: Determinar la asociación entre enfermedad periodontal con nacimiento pretérmino. MÉTODO: Estudio de casos y controles de 343 embarazadas pretérmino y 686 de término. Se calculó la edad gestacional por fecha de último periodo menstrual y se confirmó con los métodos de Capurro y Ballard. La enfermedad periodontal se diagnosticó por la profundidad del espacio entre la raíz dental y la encía. La asociación fue medida con regresión logística. RESULTADOS: La edad de las madres en los casos fue de 23.8 ± 6.7 años y en los controles de 23.2 ± 6.7 años. La enfermedad periodontal estuvo presente en 66.8 % de los casos y 40.5 % de los controles. Los factores asociados con nacimiento pretérmino fueron enfermedad periodontal (RM = 2.26), antecedente de nacimiento pretérmino (RM = 4.96), embarazo no planeado (RM = 2.15), control prenatal deficiente (RM = 2.53), infección de vías urinarias (RM = 2.22), preeclampsia (RM = 4.49), ruptura prematura de membranas amnióticas (RM = 2.59) y nacer por cesárea (RM = 9.15). CONCLUSIÓN: La enfermedad periodontal en el embarazo constituyó un factor de riesgo independiente para nacimiento pretérmino.

Pediatric asthma treatment: What to do when international guideline recommendations do not agree.

BACKGROUND: There was a need for a solid asthma guideline in Mexico to update and unify asthma management. Because high-quality asthma guidelines exist worldwide, in which the latest evidence on asthma management is summarized, the ADAPTE approach allows for the development of a national asthma guideline based on evidence from already existing guidelines, adapted to national needs. OBJECTIVE: To fuse evidence from the best asthma guidelines and adapt it to local needs with the ADAPTE approach. METHODS: The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II asthma guidelines were evaluated by a core group to select 3 primary guidelines. For each step of asthma management, clinical questions were formulated and replied according to (1) evidence in the primary guidelines, (2) safety, (3) Cost, and (4) patient preference. The Guidelines Development Group, composed of a broad range of experts from medical specialties, primary care physicians, and methodologists, adjusted the draft questions and replies in several rounds of a Delphi process and 3 face-to-face meetings, taking into account the reality of the situation in Mexico. We present the results of the pediatric asthma treatment part. RESULTS: Selected primary guidelines are from the British Thoracic Society and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (BTS/SIGN), Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), and Spanish Guidelines on the Management of Asthma (GEMA) 2015, with 2016 updates. Recommendations or suggestions were made for asthma treatment in Mexico. In this article, the detailed analysis of the evidence present in the BTS/SIGN, GINA, and GEMA sections on the (non) pharmacologic treatment of pediatric asthma, education, and devices are presented for 2 age groups: children 5 years or younger and children 6 to 11 years old with asthma. CONCLUSION: For the pediatric treatment and patient education sections, applying the AGREE II and Delphi methods is useful to develop a scientifically sustained document, adjusted to the Mexican situation, as is the Mexican Guideline on Asthma.

Prevalence of respiratory viruses in wheezing children not older than 24 months of age.

INTRODUCTION: Wheezing in children not older than 24 months of age is a frequent event, and viruses are usually the causative agents. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of respiratory viruses in wheezing children who were not older than 24 months of age and who had no history of asthma. METHODS: Fifty-five Mexican children were included in an analytical cross-sectional study. Nasal secretions were obtained by using sterile rayon-tipped applicators to identify the virus by polymerase chain reaction or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction: adenovirus, bocavirus, human rhinovirus, influenza virus type A, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. The prevalence of viral etiology was estimated by dividing the frequency of the identified virus by the number of participants. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals for proportions were calculated. RESULTS: Most of the patients were male (35/55, 63.6%). The average time of evolution of wheezing episode was 3 days. The third part of enrolled population were receiving antibiotics. Respiratory viruses were detected in 33 (60%; 95% CI: 46.8-71.9%) out of 55 cases, and viral coinfection was detected in five cases (9.1%; 95% CI: 3.5-19.9%). Human metapneumovirus was the most frequently identified virus (23.6%), followed by bocavirus (14.5%), respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus (12.7% each), and to a lesser extent influenza virus type A and parainfluenza. Rhinovirus was the predominant virus in outpatient children (28.6%). In the inpatient emergency room and inhalotherapy room, human metapneumovirus predominated (41.2 and 16.1%, respectively). CONCLUSION: bocavirus and human metapneumovirus were the most frequently identified viruses in Mexican children who were < 2 years of age, suffered from wheezing, and had no history of asthma.

Self-reported prevalence and risk factors associated with food hypersensitivity in Mexican young adults.

BACKGROUND: Food hypersensitivity (FH) is defined as any unfavorable reaction after the ingestion, contact, or inhalation of a food. Few FH prevalence studies have been performed in the Mexican adult population. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of self-reported FH and probable food allergy (FA) among a sample of Mexican young adults and to determine the most commonly involved foods, associated symptoms, and risk factors. METHODS: We designed an observational, cross-sectional study in which 1,253 young adults (aged 18-25 years) born in the State of Mexico answered a questionnaire concerning FH. We obtained information on personal and familial histories of allergic diseases, the involved foods, and the subsequent adverse reactions to their consumption. RESULTS: The prevalence of FH was 30.1% and was significantly higher in women than in men (P < .001). The prevalence of probable FA was 5.9% and was also higher in women (P = .02). Gastrointestinal symptoms were reported in 83.1% of FH cases, whereas cutaneous symptoms and oral allergy syndrome were reported in FA cases. The food groups most associated with FH were dairy products (13.2%), vegetables (10.0%), and fruits (8.0%). The food groups most associated with FA were fruits (3.0%) and seafood (1.8%). Female sex, personal history of allergic diseases, maternal history of atopic dermatitis, and parental history of urticaria were significantly associated (P < .05) with the presence of FH. CONCLUSION: FH in young adults might be more common than previously thought, especially in women. However, further studies are needed to confirm this situation in the Mexican population.

Prevalence of Peanut, Tree Nut, Sesame, and Seafood Allergy in Mexican Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of perceived and probable allergic reactions to peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seed, or seafood and its association with the personal history of allergic disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in four cities of the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, located in western Mexico. Through sampling by gender and age, 1,126 subjects were included. Using a structured questionnaire, we investigated: (i) history of atopic disease, (ii) perception of allergic reaction after food intake, and (iii) probable allergic reaction to peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, or seafood. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. A multivariate analysis of factors associated to perceived and probable allergic reactions to food was performed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Men were 49.8%; mean age was 28.1 years; personal history of atopic disease included: allergic rhinitis (6.9%), asthma (6.8%), and atopic dermatitis (3.8%). Prevalence of perceived and probable food allergy was, respectively: pecan 0.4 and 0.3%; peanut 0.6 and 0.6%; sesame 0.1 and 0.1%; shellfish 4.2 and 4.0% (mainly shrimp); mollusk 0.8 and 0.7%; fish 1.4 and 1.2%. Asthma was significantly associated with perceived and probable allergy to pecans, peanuts, fish, or seafood. Atopic dermatitis was associated with perceived and probable allergic reaction to sea snail, seafood, shellfish, or mollusks. Finally, allergic rhinitis was associated with allergy to shrimp and crustaceans. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the prevalence of peanut, tree nut, sesame seed, and seafood allergy in this Mexican population is similar to that reported in developed countries.

[Postpartum spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema]. / Neumomediastino y enfisema subcutáneo espontaneos postparto: informe de un caso.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is the presence of free air contained within the mediastinum, frequently associated with subcutaneous emphysema and of atraumatic origin. Frequency during childbirth is 1 in 100,000. We report the case of a 19 year old woman without respiratory disease history, in her first pregnancy with 39.5 weeks of gestation patient had, prolonged latent phase and sudden postpartum onset of dyspnea, thoracic pain and subcutaneous emphysema. Simple X ray film and thoracic tomography revealed the presence of free air in the mediastinum. The association of pneumomediastinum during delivery is an uncommon event.

Nonelective cesarean section is associated with the prevalence of asthma among Mexican children who attended childcare centers.

Background: The cesarean section (CS) mode of delivery can influence the prevalence of bronchial asthma (BA), allergic rhinitis (AR), or atopic dermatitis (AD) by promoting modifications in the infantile microbiome. Objective: To analyze the prevalence of asthma in children who were born through CS and attended childcare centers. Methods: The data were obtained through an online survey that was answered anonymously by one of the parents; the survey inquired about the route of delivery of the child and the prevalence of BA, AR, and AD. Results: A total of 525 children were included. The frequency of births by vaginal, elective CS, or nonelective CS was 34.1%, 37.9%, and 28.0%, respectively, and the prevalence of BA, AR, and AD was 4.8%, 19.8%, and 12.4%, respectively. Multivariate analyses identified nonelective CS as a factor associated with the prevalence of BA (odds ratio: 3.51, P = 0.026). Conclusion: Our study shows that being born through nonelective CS can increase the probability of BA in children who attended daycare centers.

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.