[The diagnosis of allergic diseases].

The diagnosis of allergic diseases IgE mediated is based on 4 criteria: questionnary on the circumstances of appearance suggesting an allergic mechanism and defining an potential allergen; confirmation through cutaneous tests (prick test, IDR); measuring out of specific IgE (check results with clinical tests); provocation tests directed on the organ-target (nasal, bronchial or oral challenges) with the offending allergen. Recent tests, like cellulary tests, have shown the release of mediators in the presence of the allergen. The dosage of tryptase gives valuable information in cases of anaphylaxisis.

[Latex allergy].

Immediate hypersensitivity to natural rubber latex has increased since the early 1980s. High prevalence of latex sensitization and allergy are observed among healthcare workers, atopic individuals and children who had undergone multiple surgical operations (spina bifida, congenital anomalies). Presenting symptoms are polymorphous: contact urticaria, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma, and anaphylaxis.

[The "self-inflammatory syndrome"].

The "self-inflammatory syndrome" gathers diseases all characterized by a recurrent inflammatory syndrome with fever, in the absence of infection or neoplasia. It is based on a genetic support characterized by mutations in genes implied in the inflammatory response and in the activation of the cytokine network. The diseases associated with this syndrome are familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), TRAPS (tumor necrosis factor receptor super family 1 A-associated periodic syndrome), familial cold urticaria, the Muckle-Wells syndrome, the hyper IgD syndrome and CINCA.

[The return of the prodigal child or allergy to ficus].

Ficus benjamina (FB), the weeping fig, belonging to the Moracea family, is now widely used as an indoor ornamental plant in houses and offices. Its latex can be responsible of IgE allergies : rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, angiooedema, pruritus, anaphylactic shock. In some occupations such as gardeners, caretakers of plants, it can induce a contact urticaria.

[Macrophage activation syndrome, hemophagocytic syndrome].

Macrophage activation syndrome MAS describes the clinical, biological and histological symptoms related to a probably T lymphocytes/NK cell driven stimulation of macrophages with the consequence of a hemophagocytosis involving numerous organs, preferentially bone marrow, explaining the other term of "hemophagocytic syndrome". Clinical symptoms include cytopenia, multiple organ dysfunction, fever unresponsive to antibiotics, fatigue and rash. Infections (bacteria, virus or parasites), lymphoproliferative disorders, cancers, systemic diseases are the most prevalent triggers or etiologies of M.

[Systemic urticaria induced by hops].

The authors report a patient who presented 4 times a systemic urticaria with arthralgias and fever treated by corticosteroids with efficacy. Wild hop (Humulus lupulus) was finally proved to be the causal factor. H.

Latex allergy: review of recent advances.

Latex allergy is an IgE-dependent immediate hypersensitivity reaction to latex proteins. Risk factors for latex allergy are contact with latex products and atopy. Children who undergo multiple surgical procedures and healthcare workers are the major groups at risk.

Cetirizine inhibits bradykinin-induced cutaneous wheal and flare in atopic and healthy subjects.

Background: Kinins are vasoactive mediators involved in allergic reactions. When applied on the skin or in the nose, bradykinin (BK) elicits inflammation that is poorly affected by previous H1-blockade. The aim of this study was to compare the possible effect of cetirizine (an H1-antagonist) on wheal and flare responses to BK, histamine, and compound 48/80 in atopic and healthy subjects.

Specific immunotherapy with a standardized latex extract versus placebo in allergic healthcare workers.

Background: The prevalence of allergy to natural rubber latex proteins has increased over recent years among healthcare professionals but also in children undergoing multiple operations. Exposure to the antigen mainly occurs through the respiratory mucosa and the percutaneous route. Clinical manifestations range from urticaria to angioedema, rhinoconjunctivitis, bronchial asthma, or anaphylactic shock.

Cetirizine inhibits bradykinin-induced cutaneous wheal and flare in atopic and healthy subjects.

Background: Kinins are vasoactive mediators involved in allergic reactions. When applied on the skin or in the nose, bradykinin (BK) elicits inflammation that is poorly affected by previous H1-blockade. The aim of this study was to compare the possible effect of cetirizine (an H1-antagonist) on wheal and flare responses to BK, histamine, and compound 48/80 in atopic and healthy subjects.

[Aspirin: allergy or intolerance].

Purpose: The paper describes the clinical characteristics of patients with aspirin-induced asthma and/or urticaria, angioedema, shock, the results of the challenge tests and the evolution of this disease.

Main Point: The authors present the different arguments supporting the physiopathological mechanisms from genetics to the inhibition of cyclooxugenase or the leukotriene hypothesis.

Prospectives: Finally, they recall the methodology to be used for a good clinical practice on this controversial field of research.

Competitive immunoassay for antigenic latex protein measurement: rabbit antiserum-based assay compared to modified Lowry and human IgE-inhibition methods.

A new rabbit antiserum-based assay was designed and evaluated for the assessment of the allergen potency of latex medical gloves, since total protein measurement by modified Lowry method remains unsatisfactory and the human IgE-inhibition method is limited by the use of sera from type I allergic patients. Four rabbit sera against a nonammoniated latex extract were shown by immunoblotting to have similar binding patterns to those obtained by human IgE. One rabbit serum was used to develop a competitive immunoassay for antigenic latex proteins (CIALP).

Allergic sensitization and clinical reactions to latex, food and pollen in adult patients.

Background: Many latex-allergic patients are sensitized to one or more foods. Patients allergic to tree and/or grass pollens are also often sensitized to plant-derived foods. Atopy, defined in most studies as sensitivity to an aeroallergen, is a risk factor for latex allergy.

[Rare hyperimmunoglobulinemia E syndromes].

Total immunoglobulin E levels are very frequently measured, particularly for allergy. Their high levels are ordinarily found in atopy and parasitosis. This article subject is to determine rare diseases where high levels of total immunoglobulin E are found except in classic diseases.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux prevalence and relationship with bronchial reactivity in asthma.

The relationship between asthma and gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER) is controversial. In an allergy department, GER prevalence was evaluated in asthmatics, with a view to judging the potential influence of GER on asthma. One hundred and five asthmatics were recruited and co-investigated for GER and lung function.