Stinging insect allergy: state of the art 2015.

Stinging insect allergy is responsible for more than 10% of all cases of anaphylaxis. The potential culprit insects are diverse and vary with geography. The incidence of insect allergy is declining in some areas and increasing in others, possibly due to effects of climate change, introduction of species into new areas, outdoor recreational activities, and movement of human populations that brings insects into contact with a greater number of people.

Fatal Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis from Exposure to Fusarium vasinfectum in a Home Environment: A Case Report.

Background: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a rare, non-IgE-mediated inflammatory lung disease caused by inhalational exposure to various antigens found in occupational, avocational and home environments. The prognosis is favorable with early detection and prompt removal of the causative agent, and fatalities are unusual. We present a fatal case of HP caused by chronic exposure to Fusarium vasinfectum mold in the home.

A 1-day imported fire ant rush immunotherapy schedule with and without premedication.

Background: Rush immunotherapy (RIT) schedules can expedite protection in individuals sensitive to imported fire ant (IFA) stings.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 1-day RIT with IFA whole body extract (WBE) and determine the benefit of premedication with antihistamines and prednisone.

Methods: Patients with systemic reactions to IFAs and evidence of specific IgE by skin test or serologic test started a 1-day RIT protocol without premedication.

Perception and practice of sublingual immunotherapy among practicing allergists in the United States: a follow-up survey.

Background: Limited information regarding current trends of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) use, perception, and prescribing patterns among allergists in the United States is available.

Objective: To obtain information about current allergist perception and practice of SLIT compared with 2007.

Methods: On behalf of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Immunotherapy and Diagnostics Committee, an electronic survey was sent to all practicing allergists of the ACAAI in August 2011.

The sting of the honeybee: an allergic perspective.

Objective: To provide a focused understanding of the uniqueness and special considerations of honeybee allergy.

Data Sources: A PubMed search using the keywords honeybee, allergy, and hypersensitivity yielded the initial relevant articles. Additional significant sources cited in the reference lists of the initial articles were also used.

HIV: practical implications for the practicing allergist-immunologist.

Objectives: To review the effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) on allergic diseases and discuss the clinical, pathophysiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic challenges unique to HIV-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Data Sources: The MEDLINE and OVID databases were searched to identify pertinent articles using the following keywords: HIV, AIDS, IgE, allergic rhinitis, adverse drug reaction, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, food allergy, and immunization. References from the chosen articles were also examined.

Sentinel case of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus causing constrictive pericarditis presenting as hypogammaglobulinemia.

This is a unique case of a previously healthy 7-year-old boy, which highlights the importance of considering immunodeficiency when a rare infection occurs. In the following case report, the patient develops constrictive pericarditis secondary to group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection. As a result of this infection, we speculate that he develops hypogammaglobulinemia secondary to the documented association between constrictive pericarditis and intestinal lymphangiectasia because an extensive work-up for a primary immunodeficiency was negative.

The REPEAT study: recognizing and evaluating periodic local reactions in allergen immunotherapy and associated systemic reactions.

Background: prior studies have demonstrated that large local reactions (LLRs) to subcutaneous immunotherapy do not predict systemic reactions (SRs). However, a recent study demonstrated an increase in LLRs among systemic reactors in practices using routine local reaction dose adjustments.

Objective: to investigate the association between LLRs and SRs within a practice that does not dose adjust for LLRs.

How should allergists deal with local reactions to allergen immunotherapy?

Despite the well-known benefits of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), adverse reactions include both local reactions (LRs) and systemic reactions. An LR is a well-known adverse event associated with SCIT injections and is defined as any swelling located at or near the injection site following allergen injection. Concerns that LRs might predict systemic reactions have historically motivated allergists to dose adjust for LRs.

Smoking cessation toolbox for allergists.

Objectives: To review nicotine addiction, to examine how tobacco use has a direct negative impact on common disorders seen in allergy practice, and to provide a summary of the national guidelines for treating tobacco use and dependence.

Data Sources: OVID searches were performed cross-referencing the keywords tobacco cessation, tobacco use, environmental tobacco exposure, and smoking with multiple disorders commonly seen in allergy practice. References of the chosen articles were also examined.

The LOCAL Study: Local reactions do not predict local reactions in allergen immunotherapy.

Background: Although previous immunotherapy studies have demonstrated that a local reaction does not predict a systemic reaction, no study has investigated whether a local reaction predicts a local reaction.

Objective: To determine whether a local reaction predicts a local reaction at the next immunotherapy injection.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of an electronic immunotherapy database over a 12-month period was performed at a single site that did not dose-adjust for local reactions.