Cellular and Humoral Response After Induction of Protection and After Finishing Venom Immunotherapy.

venom allergy (HVA) is an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction caused by species stings (honeybee, vespid, or ant). The only effective treatment is venom immunotherapy (VIT). Our study aimed to evaluate whether humoral and cellular biomarkers measured before, during, and after honeybee VIT are associated with the success of VIT, which was assessed by the response to a sting challenge one year after finishing VIT.

Epidemiology and Risk Factor Analysis of Systemic Allergic Reaction to Bee Venom in the Slovenian Population of Beekeepers.

Objectives: To estimate the lifetime prevalence of first and recurrent systemic allergic reaction to bee venom among Slovenian beekeepers. Additionally, we aimed to elucidate the risk factors predisposing beekeepers to developing systemic allergic reaction to bee venom.

Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,080 beekeepers who are members of the Slovenian beekeeper's association, between 1 November 2021 and 31 May 2023.

Key differences between chronic inducible and spontaneous urticaria.

Introduction: The latest international EAACI/GA²LEN/EuroGuiDerm/APAAACI guideline for urticaria recommends limited laboratory testing for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and selective testing for only certain chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) subtypes, though the rationale for these recommendations is poorly explained. This study aimed to improve the understanding of CIndU subtypes by comprehensively comparing their demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics with those of the better-characterized CSU.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 567 patients (median age 41 years, 67% female) diagnosed with CSU, symptomatic dermographism (SD), cold urticaria (ColdU), cholinergic urticaria (CholU), and delayed pressure urticaria (DPU).

Autoimmune Mast Cell Activation Test as a Diagnostic Tool in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is associated with skin mast cell activation, and its triggering mechanisms are not completely elucidated. Evidence suggests an autoimmune component of CSU. Our aim was to assess the usefulness of an autoimmune mast cell activation test (aiMAT) for diagnosing and differentiating CSU into different subtypes.

Basophil Activation Test Predicts Cetuximab Anaphylaxis Severity in Alpha-Gal IgE-Positive Patients.

Upon first exposure to cetuximab, hypersensitivity reactions can occur. We aimed to assess the utility of the basophil activation test (BAT) to alpha-gal and cetuximab for predicting severe reactions. We prospectively recruited 38 patients and evaluated sIgE to alpha-gal in all patients before the first application of cetuximab.

The Prevalence of Self-Reported Systemic Allergic Reaction to Venom in Beekeepers Worldwide: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Beekeepers represent a high-allergic risk population group due to their unavoidable seasonal or persistent exposure to the elicitors of venom allergy, bees in particular. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of self-reported systemic allergic reaction to venom among beekeepers worldwide.

Methods: We rigorously reviewed and conducted meta-analysis on observational studies retrieved from seven electronic databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, Academic Search Complete, ScienceDirect, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Zoological Record), spanning data from inception to August 1, 2023.

Remission of chronic urticaria in patients treated with omalizumab.

Introduction: This study examined the remission probability and duration in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) patients resistant to second-generation H1-antihistamines (sgAHs) undergoing omalizumab treatment.

Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of 176 adult CSU patients exhibiting a significant pruritus component (≥ 8) of the weekly urticaria activity score (UAS7) despite four daily sgAH tablets and starting omalizumab treatment with 300 mg every 4 weeks. After excluding 13 nonresponders, we analyzed 163 omalizumab responders (mean age 51.

The CC2D2B is a novel genetic modifier of the clinical phenotype in patients with hereditary angioedema due to C1 inhibitor deficiency.

Hereditary angioedema due to C1 inhibitor deficiency (HAE-C1-INH) is a rare genetic disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the SERPING1 gene and characterised by swelling and a highly variable clinical phenotype. We aimed to identify novel modifying genetic factors predisposing to the clinical symptoms. We performed whole exome sequencing (WES) and comprehensive bioinformatic analysis in symptomatic and asymptomatic (three duos) family members with HAE-C1-INH.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Atopic Dermatitis and Chronic Urticaria Are Underused in Clinical Practice.

Background: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are validated and standardized tools that complement physician evaluations and guide treatment decisions. They are crucial for monitoring atopic dermatitis (AD) and chronic urticaria (CU) in clinical practice, but there are unmet needs and knowledge gaps regarding their use in clinical practice.

Objecctive: We investigated the global real-world use of AD and CU PROMs in allergology and dermatology clinics as well as their associated local and regional networks.

Prevention of Anaphylaxis Episodes in Idiopathic Anaphylaxis by Omalizumab.

Introduction: In 15-35 percent of patients with anaphylaxis, the triggering allergen cannot be found; therefore, a diagnosis of idiopathic anaphylaxis (IA) is made. We report on the outcomes in patients with IA treated with omalizumab.

Methods: We included consequent omalizumab-treated IA adult patients treated with omalizumab 300 mg every 4 weeks.

Risk Factors Associated with Severe Systemic Allergic Reaction after Wasp Sting in Subjects with a History of European Hornet Sting Allergy.

Aim: To make the treatment approach in patients suffering a European hornet sting allergy reaction more personalized, preparing them also for possible future risks.

Methods: In Slovenia an extended retrospective observational cohort epidemiological study about the natural history of Hymenoptera venom sensitivity is in progress. The study is based on data from the healthcare records of the University Clinic Golnik (UCG) and data collected by a questionnaire sent to patients from May 2019 to April 2021.

Evaluating Hymenoptera Venom Allergy Severity: A Data-Centric Comparison of Grading Instruments.

Introduction: While a consensus seems to have been reached with regard to the definition of anaphylaxis, there is no universal instrument for scoring allergic reaction severity despite more than 30 having been proposed by the time of writing. This severely hampers comparison of data between studies. While scales have been compared with regard to their utility in grading food-related reactions, no such comparisons have been made for Hymenoptera venom-associated reactions.

Predictors of Success of Inpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program in COPD Patients.

Purpose: Pulmonary rehabilitation programs (PR) are an important part of the comprehensive treatment of patients with chronic pulmonary diseases. Patients respond individually to PR. The aim of this study is to identify potential predictors of success of PR to recognise patients who benefit most and to uncover possible reasons for poor response to PR.

Fatal Venom-Triggered Anaphylaxis in Patients with Unrecognized Clonal Mast Cell Disorder-Is Mastocytosis to Blame?

venom-triggered anaphylaxis (HVA) affects up to 8.9% of the general population and is the most frequent cause of anaphylaxis in adults, accounting for approximately 20% of all fatal anaphylaxis cases. Quite often, a fatal reaction is a victim's first manifestation of HVA.

Evaluation of Serum Diamine Oxidase as a Diagnostic Test for Histamine Intolerance.

Histamine intolerance (HIT) is a clinical condition caused by decreased intestinal degradation of ingested histamine, primarily due to reduced enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) activity, leading to histamine accumulation and causing various clinical manifestations. The measurement of serum DAO is commonly used as the main diagnostic test for HIT, although its diagnostic use is still uncertain. In this retrospective study, we aimed to assess the validity of DAO determination in patients with clinically suspected HIT.

Hymenoptera Venom Immunotherapy in Dogs: Safety and Clinical Efficacy.

Hymenoptera allergens are the main triggers for anaphylaxis in susceptible dogs and humans. Hymenoptera venom specific immunotherapy (VIT), the only disease-modifying treatment, has the potential to prevent future life-threatening reactions in human patients. Prospective clinical data on VIT efficacy in dogs are currently lacking.

Urticaria exacerbations and adverse reactions in patients with chronic urticaria receiving COVID-19 vaccination: Results of the UCARE COVAC-CU study.

Background: Concern about disease exacerbations and fear of reactions after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations are common in chronic urticaria (CU) patients and may lead to vaccine hesitancy.

Objective: We assessed the frequency and risk factors of CU exacerbation and adverse reactions in CU patients after COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods: COVAC-CU is an international multicenter study of Urticaria Centers of Reference and Excellence (UCAREs) that retrospectively evaluated the effects of COVID-19 vaccination in CU patients aged ≥18 years and vaccinated with ≥1 dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.

Adverse events in children and adolescents undergoing allergen immunotherapy for respiratory allergies-Report from the Allergen Immunotherapy Adverse Events Registry (ADER), a European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology taskforce.

Background: Although it has been shown that allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is well-tolerated in children, systematic and prospective surveillance of AIT safety in real life settings is needed.

Methods: The multinational Allergen Immunotherapy Adverse Events Registry (ADER) was designed to address AIT safety in real life clinical practice. Data on children ≤18 years old with respiratory allergies undergoing AIT were retrieved.