1.
Atopic dermatitis and its relation to food allergy.
Graham, F, Eigenmann, PA
Current opinion in allergy and clinical immunology. 2020;(3):305-310
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To present the most recent evidence on atopic dermatitis and its relation to food allergy. RECENT FINDINGS Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin characterized by impaired skin barrier because of multifactorial causes including genetic factors, immune dysregulation, and skin microbiome dysbiosis. Infants with temporary skin barrier disruption and/or persistent atopic dermatitis are particularly at risk of developing food allergy (during the so-called atopic march), with up to half of patients demonstrating positive food-specific IgE and one-third of severe cases of atopic dermatitis having positive symptoms on oral food challenge. A high proportion of children with atopic dermatitis exhibit asymptomatic sensitization to foods, and skin testing to identify potential food triggers is not recommended unless the patient has a history suggestive of food allergy and/or moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis unresponsive to optimal topical care. Indeed, indiscriminate testing can lead to a high proportion of false-positive tests and harmful dietary evictions. Promising strategies to prevent food allergy in children with atopic dermatitis include early skincare with emollients and treatment with topical steroid, and early introduction of highly allergenic foods. SUMMARY Further studies are required to identify risk factors for atopic dermatitis to help prevent the development of food allergy in this high-risk population.
2.
[Osteoporosis-frequent comorbidity in patients with rheumatism].
Gaubitz, M
Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie. 2019;(3):249-254
Abstract
Osteoporosis is one of the most frequent comorbidities in inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The immune system is substantially involved in the regulation of bone homeostasis and chronic inflammatory diseases influence this equilibrium at several levels. Besides the immunologically mediated inflammatory activity, immobility and glucocorticoid treatment are further risk factors for osteoporosis. Diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations are based on the current guidelines for osteoporosis of the Governing Body on Osteoporosis (DVO). Monitoring of the risk factors and bone mineral density testing is meaningful in each patient with a newly diagnosed rheumatic disease. In the case of a T-score ≤-1.5 a specific drug treatment with bisphosphonates, teriparatide or denosumab should be started together with optimizing preventive measures, such as reduction of glucocorticoid dosage, calcium and vitamin D intake and life style modifications. The risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in patients with osteoporosis is small; however, there appears to be a significant increase in multiple vertebral fractures after discontinuation of denosumab.
3.
Maternal steroid therapy for fetuses with second-degree immune-mediated congenital atrioventricular block: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Ciardulli, A, D'Antonio, F, Magro-Malosso, ER, Manzoli, L, Anisman, P, Saccone, G, Berghella, V
Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica. 2018;(7):787-794
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to explore the effect of maternal fluorinated steroid therapy on fetuses affected by second-degree immune-mediated congenital atrioventricular block. MATERIAL AND METHODS Studies reporting the outcome of fetuses with second-degree immune-mediated congenital atrioventricular block diagnosed on prenatal ultrasound and treated with fluorinated steroids compared with those not treated were included. The primary outcome was the overall progression of congenital atrioventricular block to either continuous or intermittent third-degree congenital atrioventricular block at birth. Meta-analyses of proportions using random effect model and meta-analyses using individual data random-effect logistic regression were used. RESULTS Five studies (71 fetuses) were included. The progression rate to congenital atrioventricular block at birth in fetuses treated with steroids was 52% (95% confidence interval 23-79) and in fetuses not receiving steroid therapy 73% (95% confidence interval 39-94). The overall rate of regression to either first-degree, intermittent first-/second-degree or sinus rhythm in fetuses treated with steroids was 25% (95% confidence interval 12-41) compared with 23% (95% confidence interval 8-44) in those not treated. Stable (constant) second-degree congenital atrioventricular block at birth was present in 11% (95% confidence interval 2-27) of cases in the treated group and in none of the newborns in the untreated group, whereas complete regression to sinus rhythm occurred in 21% (95% confidence interval 6-42) of fetuses receiving steroids vs. 9% (95% confidence interval 0-41) of those untreated. CONCLUSIONS There is still limited evidence as to the benefit of administered fluorinated steroids in terms of affecting outcome of fetuses with second-degree immune-mediated congenital atrioventricular block.