Dust-mite avoidance measures in patients on immunotherapy.

The compliance of dust-mite (DM) allergic patients receiving immunotherapy (IT) with environmental avoidance measures has not been reported. To investigate patient practices, a questionnaire was distributed to patients receiving IT for indoor allergens. Ninety-three of 200 patients (46%) with indoor allergies completed the questionnaire.

Paget's disease of bone in an Indian patient: genetic and environmental factors.

Epidemiologic data have shown that Paget's disease of bone is common among people of Anglo-Saxon descent, but it is believed to be rare in India and Asia. The worldwide prevalence of the disease shows pronounced geographic and ethnic heterogeneity, and can vary in populations through migration or loss of geographic isolation. The risk to an individual who changes geographic locations, however, is difficult to quantify because the specific genetic or environmental factors responsible for Paget's disease have yet to be completely determined.

Cold urticaria: an under-recognized cause of postsurgical periorbital swelling.

Purpose: To report cold urticaria as an under-recognized cause of potential periorbital and facial edema after elective oculofacial plastic surgery.

Methods: Retrospective case series of three patients with primary acquired cold urticaria with review of the clinical aspects of each of the cases.

Results: Two of the patients had significant postoperative swelling attributed to primary acquired cold urticaria after the routine use of cool compresses to their surgical sites.

Cross-reactivity between allergens in the venom of the common striped scorpion and the imported fire ant.

Background: The common striped scorpion, Centruroides vittatus, and the imported fire ant (IFA) are endemic to the south-central United States. There is evidence of venom-specific IgE in patients experiencing hypersensitivity reactions to scorpion stings. The infrequency of repeated scorpion stings and the presence of immediate reactions to an initial sting suggest prior sensitization.

Determination of the incidence of sensitization after penicillin skin testing.

Background: Concerns for sensitization after penicillin skin testing are a factor in limiting the timing and population for whom this testing is offered. The sensitizing potential of the penicillin skin test has never been studied directly.

Methods: A total of 329 volunteers underwent prick and intradermal skin testing with penicillin G, benzylpenicilloyl-polylysine, and a minor determinant mixture.

High-dose inhaled fluticasone and delayed hypersensitivity skin testing.

Introduction: Systemic steroids have been associated with anergy. Treatment with high-dose inhaled steroids has many documented systemic side effects, including adrenal suppression, reduction in growth velocity, and increased bone metabolism; however, little is known about their effect on delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH).

Study Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine if a 28-day course of high-dose inhaled fluticasone suppresses DTH to a standard panel of antigens.