Utility of Specific IgE to Ara h 2 in Italian Allergic and Tolerant Children Sensitized to Peanut.

Emerging data suggest that measurement of serum IgE to peanut components can be clinically helpful and more accurate than IgE to whole peanut to predict peanut allergy. Not all studies have used prospective samples, multiple components and oral challenges. Currently, there are no data on this topic involving Italian children.

Sonographic diagnosis of acute cholecystitis in patients with symptomatic gallstones.

Purpose: The aim of the retrospective study was to assess the diagnostic ultrasound (US) criteria for acute cholecystitis in patients admitted for symptomatic gallbladder stones.

Methods: The medical records of 186 patients who had undergone cholecystectomy within 24 hours after an US examination were reviewed. Acute cholecystitis was defined on the basis of pathology findings.

Breast-milk characteristics protecting against allergy.

Breast milk and colostrum are the first feeding sources for a child, providing nutrients, growth factors and immunological components, which are crucial for the newborn's correct development and health. Length of exclusive breastfeeding and time of solid foods introduction is a key factor that may influence allergy development. There is an emerging evidence of a relationship between breastfeeding, milk composition and lower risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension and allergies.

Is vitamin D deficiency correlated with childhood wheezing and asthma?

There is increasing evidence that vitamin D regulates immune responses. There is also epidemiological evidence of a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and development of asthma. In addition, several epidemiological studies suggest that low levels of vitamin D during pregnancy and early life are inversely associated with the risk of developing respiratory infections and wheezing in childhood.