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Heffler E, Landi M, Caruso C, Fichera S, Gani F, Guida G, Liuzzo MT, Pistorio MP, Pizzimenti S, Riccio AM, Seccia V, Ferrando M, Malvezzi L, Passalacqua G, Gelardi M. Nasal cytology: Methodology with application to clinical practice and research. Clin Exp Allergy 2018; 48:1092-1106. [PMID: 29904978 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nasal cytology is an easy, cheap, non-invasive and point-of-care method to assess nasal inflammation and disease-specific cellular features. By means of nasal cytology, it is possible to distinguish between different inflammatory patterns that are typically associated with specific diseases (ie, allergic and non-allergic rhinitis). Its use is particularly relevant when other clinical information, such as signs, symptoms, time-course and allergic sensitizations, is not enough to recognize which of the different rhinitis phenotypes is involved; for example, it is only by means of nasal cytology that it is possible to distinguish, among the non-allergic rhinitis, those characterized by eosinophilic (NARES), mast cellular (NARMA), mixed eosinophilic-mast cellular (NARESMA) or neutrophilic (NARNE) inflammation. Despite its clinical usefulness, cheapness, non-invasiveness and easiness, nasal cytology is still underused and this is at least partially due to the fact that, as far as now, there is not a consensus or an official recommendation on its methodological issues. We here review the scientific literature about nasal cytology, giving recommendations on how to perform and interpret nasal cytology.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Heffler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milano, Italy.,Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Humanitas University, Milano, Italy
| | - M Landi
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy.,Paediatric National Healthcare System, Torino, Italy
| | - C Caruso
- Allergy Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli, Presidio Columbus, Rome, Italy
| | - S Fichera
- Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - F Gani
- Respiratory Allergy, A.O.U. San Luigi, Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - G Guida
- Allergy and Lung Physiology, AO Santa Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - M T Liuzzo
- Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - M P Pistorio
- Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - S Pizzimenti
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, National Health System, ASL Città di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - A M Riccio
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - V Seccia
- 1st Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Pathology, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Ferrando
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milano, Italy.,Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - L Malvezzi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milano, Italy
| | - G Passalacqua
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - M Gelardi
- Section of Otolaryngology, Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Abstract
Allergic diseases constitute a significant health problem in Turkey. According to a recent multicenter study, which used the ISAAC questionnaire, the mean prevalence of wheezing, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema in 10-yr-old school children during the past year was 15.8%, 23.5%, and 8.1%, respectively. A healthcare level system, regulated by Ministry of Health, is available in Turkey. Pediatric allergists and pediatric immunologists provide patient care at the tertiary level. Currently, 48 centers deliver care for allergic and immunologic diseases in children. There are 136 pediatric and 61 adult allergists/immunologists. Although the number of allergy/clinical immunology specialists is limited, these centers are capable of delivering many of the procedures required for the proper management and diagnosis of allergy/immunology. Pediatric allergy and/or immunology is a subspecialty lasting 3 yr and follows a 4-yr pediatric specialist training. Fellow training involves gaining knowledge in basic and clinical allergy and immunology as well as the performance and interpretation of laboratory procedures in the field of allergy and clinical immunology. The Turkish National Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (TNSACI) was officially established in 1989 and currently has 356 members. The society organizes a national congress annually and winter schools for fellowship training as well as training courses for patients and their relatives. TNSACI also has a strong representation in European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID) through its participation in the executive committee, consensus reports, and initiatives in the diagnosis of allergic and immunologic diseases of children. The 30th Congress of the EAACI is also due to be held in Istanbul, Turkey, between June 11 and 15, 2011.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülfem Celik
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
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