Sensitization profiles in polysensitized patients from a restricted geographical area: further lessons from multiplexed component resolved diagnosis.

Background: The micro-array techniques for the detection of specific IgE has improved the diagnostic procedures for allergic diseases. This method also allows to define sensitisation profiles from an epidemiological point of view. We studied the sensitisation pattern in a population of polysensitized patients with respiratory allergy, living in a restricted geographical area in the north-west Italy.

The biological potency of different extracts for sublingual immunotherapy assessed by skin prick tests.

The standardization of allergen extracts is of primary relevance to the clinical efficacy. Biological standardization procedures are widely used in the commercial production of vaccines. We tested, in grass-allergic patients, the potency of three different grass extracts for sublingual immunotherapy by means of skin prick tests.

Lack of neo-sensitization to Pen a 1 in patients treated with mite sublingual immunotherapy.

Background: Some studies reported the possible induction of food allergy, caused by neo-sensitization to cross-reacting allergens, during immunotherapy with aeroallergens, while other studies ruled out such possibility.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the development of neo-sensitization to Pen a 1 (tropomyosin) as well as the appearance of reactions after ingestion of foods containing tropomyosin as a consequence of sublingual mite immunization.

Materials And Methods: Specific IgE to Tropomyosin (rPen a 1) before and after mite sublingual immunotherapy in 134 subjects were measured.

Male sexual and urinary function after laparoscopic total mesorectal excision.

Background: Urinary and sexual dysfunction are potential complications of rectal surgery for cancer. This study retrospectively evaluated the frequency of such complications after laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LTME) with autonomic nerve preservation.

Methods: For this study, 50 men younger than 75 years who underwent radical LTME for mid and low rectal cancer were followed up for at least 12 months, interviewed, and administered a standardized questionnaire about postoperative functional outcomes and quality of life.