Targeted Gene Sanger Sequencing Should Remain the First-Tier Genetic Test for Children Suspected to Have the Five Common X-Linked Inborn Errors of Immunity.

To address inborn errors of immunity (IEI) which were underdiagnosed in resource-limited regions, our centre developed and offered free genetic testing for the most common IEI by Sanger sequencing (SS) since 2001. With the establishment of The Asian Primary Immunodeficiency (APID) Network in 2009, the awareness and definitive diagnosis of IEI were further improved with collaboration among centres caring for IEI patients from East and Southeast Asia. We also started to use whole exome sequencing (WES) for undiagnosed cases and further extended our collaboration with centres from South Asia and Africa.

Anaphylaxis diagnosis and management in the Emergency Department of a tertiary hospital in the Philippines.

Background: In the Emergency Department (ED), diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis are challenging with at least 50% of anaphylaxis episodes misdiagnosed when the diagnostic criteria of current guidelines are not used.

Objective: Objective of our study was to assess anaphylaxis diagnosis and management in patients presenting to the ED.

Methods: Retrospective chart review conducted on patients presenting to The Medical City Hospital ED, the Philippines from 2013-2015 was done.

Association of obesity and severity of acute asthma exacerbations in Filipino children.

Background: Increased body mass index (BMI) may be a risk factor for the development and severity of asthma. However, the effect of obesity on asthma exacerbations is unclear.

Objective: To examine the association of obesity and the severity of acute asthma exacerbations.

Assessing thymopoiesis in patients with common variable immunodeficiency as measured by T-cell receptor excision circles.

Background: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is one of the most common primary immune deficiencies. The immunologic hallmark of CVID is failure of B-cell differentiation and impaired secretion of immunoglobulins. However, there is mounting evidence of accompanying T-cell dysregulation, which could be due to abnormal thymic function because the thymus plays a crucial role in T-cell development.

Association of recurrent wheezing with sensitivity to cockroach allergen in inner-city children.

Background: There are numerous data that show a strong relationship between early exposure and sensitization to indoor allergens and the development of asthma and persistent wheezing in children. Most studies, however, have only examined the prevalence of allergy in children who have been identified as having asthma.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of positive skin test results to common inhaled allergens and possible association with wheezing in inner-city children being seen in a general pediatric clinic.