Clinical manifestation variability of bullous pemphigoid.

Background: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a rare autoimmune blistering disease predominantly affecting the elderly population.

Objectives: The present study aims to identify clinical factors that may influence outcomes of BP, including skin phenotype, serology, mucosal involvement, pruritus, and triggers.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 cases with BP registered from January 2019 to December 2022.

Basophil activation test in the diagnostics of hymenoptera venom allergy.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyse the diagnostic performance of the basophil activation test (BAT), to compare the diagnostic reliability of BATs performed with different types of allergens, which are available in Slovakia and to verify the correlation between the symptom severity and the sensitivity and specificity of the BAT in 114 patients with suspected hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA).

Background: Diagnosis of the HVA and the identification of the appropriate venom for immunotherapy are in Slovakia based on detailed patient'medical history, skin tests and detection of sIgE. In unclear cases, where the clinical decision regarding the relevant insect species for immunotherapy is difficult, the cellular tests are recommended in several countries, such as Sweden, Spain, Germany, Denmark and Italy.