Managing childhood allergies and immunodeficiencies during respiratory virus epidemics - The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic: A statement from the EAACI-section on pediatrics

Preschool Asthma Children: Navigating COVID-19's Impact on Treatment Adherence

Objective: Investigating long-term asthma treatment adherence and influencing possible factors in preschool children with persistent asthma during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, this study compared the year before and the first year of the pandemic. Materials and Methods: Preschoolers on daily inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) for at least a year before the pandemic due to persistent asthma, were surveyed to assess treatment adherence, its causes, and possible factors like respiratory infections, and preschool attendance. Medical records were used to assess exacerbations and control. Results: Out of 229 screened cases, 62 were included. During the first pandemic year, 51.6% discontinued daily inhaler treatment, with most discontinuations occurring in the first 3 months. The most common reason for discontinuation cited is the absence of asthma symptoms (90.6%). In the year before the pandemic, only ICSs dosage (P: .010) significantly impacted asthma treatment adherence. During the first pandemic year, possible factors like respiratory infections, COVID-19, preschool attendance, and smoking didn't affect adherence (P > .05). Conclusion: In preschool children with persistent asthma, adherence to ICSs treatment decreased by half during the first pandemic year. Traditionally influential possible factors on treatment adherence did not show significant differences between those who discontinued and those who continued treatment, likely due to the exceptional circumstances resulting from the pandemic.

Effectiveness of Telemedicine in Managing Health-Related Issues in the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review

Healthcare delivery is made more convenient and effective via telemedicine, which enables physicians to conduct virtual consultations and evaluations with pediatric patients. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of telemedicine as compared to physical appointments in the pediatric population. We used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to search for the available literature using pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. These databases provided 968 relevant research articles, which Endnote software screened for duplicates. Fourteen studies were considered relevant for full-text evaluation. After complete text evaluation, only 11 of these articles were found to be relevant. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used for the risk of bias assessment of all included studies. Eleven articles in all satisfied the requirements for inclusion and were added to the review. Every study was classified as either a cluster randomized trial (27%) or a randomized controlled trial (RCT) (73%). There were between 22 and 400 participants in each trial. Medical conditions evaluated included obesity (27%), mental health disorders (9%), asthma (18%), otitis media (9%), skin disorders (9%), type 1 diabetes (9%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (9%), and pancreatic insufficiency associated with cystic fibrosis (1/11). Telemedicine strategies employed included telemedicine-based screening visits (9%), smartphone-based therapies (27%), phone counseling (18%), and videoconferencing visits between patients and doctors (45%). The outcomes of the telemedicine procedures in every included study were on par with or superior to those of the control groups. Medication adherence, appointment completion rates, life satisfaction, symptom management, and disease progression were all outcomes associated with these findings. Although more research is needed, the evidence from this review suggests that telemedicine services for the general public and pediatric care are comparable to or better than in-person services. Patients, healthcare professionals, and caregivers may benefit from using both telemedicine services and traditional in-person healthcare services. To maximize the potential of telemedicine, future research should focus on improving patients' access to care, increasing the cost-effectiveness of telemedicine services, and eliminating barriers to telemedicine use.

Telemedicine with special focus on allergic diseases and asthma-Status 2022: An EAACI position paper

Efficacious, effective and efficient communication between healthcare professionals (HCP) and patients is essential to achieve a successful therapeutic alliance. Telemedicine (TM) has been used for decades but during the COVID-19 pandemic its use has become widespread. This position paper aims to describe the terminology and most important forms of TM among HCP and patients and review the existing studies on the uses of TM for asthma and allergy. Besides, the advantages and risks of TM are discussed, concluding that TM application reduces costs and time for both, HCP and patients, but cannot completely replace face-to-face visits for physical examinations and certain tests that are critical in asthma and allergy. From an ethical point of view, it is important to identify those involved in the TM process, ensure confidentiality and use communication channels that fully guarantee the security of the information. Unmet needs and directions for the future regarding implementation, data protection, privacy regulations, methodology and efficacy are described.

Socioeconomic and Health Determinants of the Prevalence of COVID-19 in a Population of Children with Respiratory Diseases and Symptoms

BACKGROUND

Most epidemiological studies indicate that bronchial asthma is not a risk factor for COVID-19, but previous analyses have not additionally focused on the socioeconomic determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with asthma, bronchitis, and respiratory symptoms.

AIMS

This research aimed to investigate the correlation between the socioeconomic status of families and the prevalence of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and respiratory symptoms in children, in addition to exploring their association with the prevalence of COVID-19. The study involved a cross-sectional epidemiological investigation conducted in 2022, encompassing 2454 students from elementary schools in Poland. The parents of the students completed a questionnaire modeled after the International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Socioeconomic status (SES) indicators were determined based on parental education, self-reported economic status, and housing conditions. To assess the impact of social factors and health on the occurrence of COVID-19, odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. The findings revealed several COVID-19 risk factors, including higher maternal (OR 2.2; 95%CI: 1.3-3.0) and paternal education (OR 1.9; 95%CI: 1.3-2.4), urban residence (OR 1.7; 95%CI: 1.3-2.1), the presence of mold in residences (OR 1.7; 95%CI: 1.0-2.3), bronchitis (OR 1.5; 95%CI: 1.2-2.0), and chronic cough (OR 1.8; 95%CI: 1.3-2.4). Further analysis, stratifying children based on their baseline health status (i.e., presence or absence of asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough), indicated that higher parental education increased the risk of COVID-19 solely for children without pre-existing conditions. The occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infections was found to be notably associated with mold exposure in children who did not have bronchial asthma. Rigorous multivariate analyses substantiated the collective impact of factors such as residential environment, the existence of mold and moisture, and a history of bronchitis. This study's conclusions highlight a higher frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infections in cases where bronchitis had been diagnosed previously and chronic cough was prevalent. Interestingly, the initially hypothesized higher prevalence of COVID-19 among children with bronchial asthma did not receive confirmation in our findings. This study highlights the importance of urban residence, exposure to mold or dampness, and higher parental education in the incidence of COVID-19. Higher parental education was a significant factor in increasing the risk of COVID-19 among children without bronchitis, chronic cough, and asthma.

[The burden of COVID-19 in a heterogeneous population of immunocompromised patients - realities of the postpandemic]

On July 3, 2023, an interdisciplinary Council of Experts "The burden of COVID-19 in a heterogeneous population of immunocompromised patients - post-pandemic realities" was held in Moscow with leading experts in pulmonology, rheumatology, hematology, oncology, nephrology, allergology-immunology, transplantation, and infectious diseases. The aim of the meeting was to discuss the current clinical and epidemiologic situation related to COVID-19, the relevance of disease prevention strategies for high-risk patients. The experts addressed the following issues: 1) the disease burden of COVID-19 in 2023 for patients with immunodeficiency in different therapeutic areas; 2) the place of passive immunization with monoclonal antibodies as a method of COVID-19 prophylaxis among immunocompromised patients; 3) prerequisites for the inclusion of passive immunization of immunocompromised patients into routine clinical practice.

A Single Center Observational Study on Clinical Manifestations and Associated Factors of Pediatric Long COVID

Children with SARS-CoV-2 are mostly mild symptomatic, but they may develop conditions, such as persisting symptoms, that may put them at greater risk of complications. Our aim was to evaluate the frequency and the presence of risk factors for persisting COVID-19 symptoms in children. We carried out a prospective observational study of the clinical manifestation of Long COVID at the Department of Maternal Infantile Science of a tertiary University hospital in Rome. We included 697 children (0-18 years), with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Children and parents were asked questions regarding persistent symptoms of COVID-19. Children with symptoms 30 days after initial diagnosis were 185/697 (26.4%). Moreover, 81/697 (11.6%) patients presented symptoms 90 days after the diagnosis. Thirty-day-persisting symptoms were mostly present in children with anosmia, atopy, asthenia, and cough in the acute phase compared with the asymptomatic children 30 days after infection. After 90 days, symptoms described were mainly neurological (47/697 children, 6.7%), and headache (19/697; 2.7%) was the most frequent manifestation. In conclusion, a relatively large proportion of the patients reported persisting symptoms that seem to be related to the symptom burden and to the atopy. Ninety days after the infection, most of the children had recovered, showing that long-term effects are not frequent. Limitations of the study include the single-center design and the lack of a control group.

Remdesivir Efficacy and Tolerability in Children with COVID-19-Associated Allergic Comorbidities such as Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, and Atopic Dermatitis

In children, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) starts as a minor illness compared to adults, but during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, distinct SARS-CoV-2 variants and subvariants have changed options for therapies in both adults and children, especially for those with comorbidities such as allergies. On 25 April 2022, Remdesivir (RDV), a viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of pediatric patients 28 days and older, weighing ≥3 kg, hospitalized or non-hospitalized, who are at high risk of progression to severe forms of COVID-19. While RDV has been shown to have favorable effects in numerous types of research conducted on adults, such as shortening hospital stays, and has shown it has antiviral effects on various RNA viruses, there is a lack of findings regarding safety, tolerability, and efficacy of RDV in allergic pediatric patients since its initial FDA approval. This study aims to assess RDV's efficacy and tolerability in treating pediatric patients with mild and severe forms of COVID-19-associated allergies such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis and how RDV affects the duration of hospitalization, especially for these comorbidities. The most recent pandemic wave among children rose due to the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant, and this study analyzed changes between July 2020 and September 2022 at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases "Prof. Dr. Matei Balș", Bucharest, Romania. Our retrospective study included 250 children <18 years old, 42 (16.8%) had allergies, 132 were males (52.8%), age group 0-5 years old (80%), with a positive viral test for SARS-CoV-2. Severity was categorized as mild (43.6%), moderate (53.2%), and severe (1.6%) COVID-19, and treatment with RDV was administered in 50.4% (126/250) of children included in the study. The presence of comorbidities, asthma (7.2%), allergic rhinitis (4.4%), and atopic dermatitis (4.4%), was associated with an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection in children, p < 0.05. We did not register deaths and severe complications; all cases evolved favorably under the instituted treatment. Laboratory abnormalities in transaminase levels 53.97% (ALT) and 61.9% (AST) were grades 1 or 2 and did not require discontinuation of the antiviral treatment, p < 0.05. RDV in children reduced the duration and evolution of COVID-19 and decreased the length of hospitalization in group-associated allergies; p < 0.05. This article summarizes RDV's efficacy among children with COVID-19 and allergies when the clinical result was improved and reports positive effects on tolerability and reduced duration of hospitalization, especially in children with asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. More studies are needed to confirm our findings.

COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases: is there a connection?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes current evidence on the potential link between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and autoimmunity.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several viral infections are potential triggers of reactive and autoimmune diseases by inducing type II and type IV hypersensitivity reactions. Recent evidence demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 infection is not an exception, triggering the production of tissue-specific autoantibodies during the acute phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and leading to autoimmune diseases development as long-term complication. The significant immune dysregulation with cytokine storm and organ damage observed in patients with severe to critical COVID-19 is considered the main mechanism explaining the high levels of autoantibodies, which are also implicated in disease severity and the need for an intensive care assessment. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is an immune-mediated disease where the recent viral infection leads to systemic inflammation, as already observed in other reactive and autoimmune diseases.

SUMMARY

Autoimmunity may be a complication of SAR-CoV-2 infection. Understanding the pathogenesis of autoimmune manifestations in COVID-19 might help prevent the incidence or exacerbation of autoimmune disorders and design better and more efficient treatment strategies in children and adult populations.

Comorbid Asthma Increased the Risk for COVID-19 Mortality in Asia: A Meta-Analysis

We aimed to explore the influence of comorbid asthma on the risk for mortality among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Asia by using a meta-analysis. Electronic databases were systematically searched for eligible studies. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated by using a random-effect model. An inconsistency index (I2) was utilized to assess the statistical heterogeneity. A total of 103 eligible studies with 198,078 COVID-19 patients were enrolled in the meta-analysis; our results demonstrated that comorbid asthma was significantly related to an increased risk for COVID-19 mortality in Asia (pooled OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.20−1.68; I2 = 70%, p < 0.01). Subgroup analyses by the proportion of males, setting, and sample sizes generated consistent findings. Meta-regression indicated that male proportion might be the possible sources of heterogeneity. A sensitivity analysis exhibited the reliability and stability of the overall results. Both Begg’s analysis (p = 0.835) and Egger’s analysis (p = 0.847) revealed that publication bias might not exist. In conclusion, COVID-19 patients with comorbid asthma might bear a higher risk for mortality in Asia, at least among non-elderly individuals.

Allergic diseases and immunodeficiencies in children, lessons learnt from COVID-19 pandemic by 2022: A statement from the EAACI-section on pediatrics

By the April 12, 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic had resulted in over half a billion people being infected worldwide. There have been 6.1 million deaths directly due to the infection, but the pandemic has had many more short- and long-term pervasive effects on the physical and mental health of the population. Allergic diseases are among the most prevalent noncommunicable chronic diseases in the pediatric population, and health-care professionals and researchers were seeking answers since the beginning of pandemic. Children are at lower risk of developing severe COVID-19 or dying from infection. Allergic diseases are not associated with a higher COVID-19 severity and mortality, apart from severe/poorly controlled asthma. The pandemic disrupted routine health care, but many mitigation strategies, including but not limited to telemedicine, were successfully implemented to continue delivery of high-standard care. Although children faced a multitude of pandemic-related issues, allergic conditions were effectively treated remotely while reduction in air pollution and lack of contact with outdoor allergens resulted in improvement, particularly respiratory allergies. There is no evidence to recommend substantial changes to usual management modalities of allergic conditions in children, including allergen immunotherapy and use of biologicals. Allergic children are not at greater risk of multisystem inflammatory syndrome development, but some associations with Long COVID were reported, although the data are limited, and further research is needed. This statement of the EAACI Section on Pediatrics provides recommendations based on the lessons learnt from the pandemic, as available evidence.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatric population before and during the Delta (B.1.617.2) and Omicron (B.1.1.529) variants era

BACKGROUND

COVID-19, the coronavirus disease that emerged in December 2019, caused drastic damage worldwide. At the beginning of the pandemic, available data suggested that the infection occurs more frequently in adults than in infants. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children before and after B.1.617.2 Delta and B.1.1.529 Omicron variants emergence in terms of prevalence, transmission dynamics, clinical manifestations, complications and risk factors.

METHODS

Our method is based on the literature search on PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. From January 2020 to July 2022, a total of 229 references, relevant for the purpose of this review, were considered.

RESULTS

The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in infants was underestimated. Up to the first half of May, most of the infected children presented asymptomatic or mild manifestations. The prevalence of COVID-19 varied from country to another: the highest was reported in the United States (22.5%). COVID-19 can progress and become more severe, especially with the presence of underlying health conditions. It can also progress into Kawasaki or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS) manifestations, as a consequence of exacerbating immune response. With the emergence of the B.1.617.2 Delta and B.1.1.529 Omicron variants, it seems that these variants affect a large proportion of the younger population with the appearance of clinical manifestations similar to those presented by adults with important hospitalization rates.

CONCLUSION

The pediatric population constitutes a vulnerable group that requires particular attention, especially with the emergence of more virulent variants. The increase of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and hospitalization rate among children highlights the need to extend vaccination to the pediatric population.

COVID-19, Anosmia, and Allergies: Is There a Relationship? A Pediatric Perspective

BACKGROUND

Between June and July 2020, we evaluated children and adolescents concerning post-infection surveillance after a COVID-19 positivity during the lockdown. We aimed to assess whether the anamnestic presence of allergies could correlate with the presence of SARS-CoV-2 symptoms, and in particular with anosmia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

For each patient, we collected anamnestic data, the presence of allergies documented by performing skin prick tests, and COVID-19 symptoms. Then, if over six years of age, each patient underwent an active anterior rhinomanometry.

RESULTS

A total of 296 patients were enrolled, of whom 105 (35.4%) reported allergies. Considering COVID-19 symptoms, 74 subjects (25%) presented an asymptomatic form, 222 (75%) reported symptoms, and anosmia recurred in 60 subjects (27.03%). A statistically significant relationship was found between allergies and symptomatic COVID-19 (p = 0.042), allergies, and anosmia (p = 0.05), and allergies and anosmia in males (p = 0.007). Moreover, anosmic patients presented a higher body mass index, older age, and a longer COVID-19 duration with statistical significance (p = 0.001, 0.001, 0.006, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Allergic subjects seem to develop symptomatic COVID-19 more frequently and allergies appear to be a protective factor from anosmia's onset in males.

Probiotics: Protecting Our Health from the Gut

The gut microbiota (GM) comprises billions of microorganisms in the human gastrointestinal tract. This microbial community exerts numerous physiological functions. Prominent among these functions is the effect on host immunity through the uptake of nutrients that strengthen intestinal cells and cells involved in the immune response. The physiological functions of the GM are not limited to the gut, but bidirectional interactions between the gut microbiota and various extraintestinal organs have been identified. These interactions have been termed interorganic axes by several authors, among which the gut-brain, gut-skin, gut-lung, gut-heart, and gut-metabolism axes stand out. It has been shown that an organism is healthy or in homeostasis when the GM is in balance. However, altered GM or dysbiosis represents a critical factor in the pathogenesis of many local and systemic diseases. Therefore, probiotics intervene in this context, which, according to various published studies, allows balance to be maintained in the GM, leading to an individual's good health.

Attitudes towards influenza and pneumococcal vaccines in parents of asthmatic children during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the differences in attitudes and views towards influenza and pneumococcal vaccines in parents of children with asthma during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Asthmatic children in the 6-18 age group who were admitted to the pediatric allergy clinic of our hospital between October 1, 2020 and February 31, 2021 were included in the study. The parents were given a questionnaire asking about their demographics and medical history. Their attitudes and thoughts towards these two vaccines, both before and during the pandemic, and their COVID-19 stories were questioned.

RESULTS

A total of 78 patients diagnosed with asthma were included in this study. While the rate of influenza vaccination before the pandemic was 29.5%, the rate of those who received or wanted to receive influenza vaccine during the pandemic was 71.8% (p = 0.001). It was observed that the rate of influenza vaccination during the pandemic increased with the regular use of asthma medication, the presence of atopy, and a history of COVID-19 infection in the family/close environment. In total, 69.2% of the parents stated that their child's pneumococcal vaccination was incomplete or they were unaware of their child's vaccination status.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that there was an increase in the rate and willingness of parents of asthmatic children to have their children vaccinated against influenza during the COVID-19 pandemic. As for the pneumococcal vaccine, the majority of the parents did not have enough information or they were unaware of the vaccination status of their children.

Coronavirus disease 2019 and pediatric asthma: friend or foe?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The interplay of asthma and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children is yet unknown. The purpose of this review is to determine the interplay of asthma and asthma therapeutics and COVID-19.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is no evidence to date that asthma is a risk factor for more severe COVID-19 outcomes, especially in children. There is actually some basis to suggest that children with atopic asthma may be at reduced risk of asthma exacerbations during COVID-19. The impact of asthma therapeutics on COVID-19 outcomes is unclear, but guidance is relatively uniform in recommending that those with asthma remain on current asthma medications. A focus on social determinants of health may be increasingly important during the pandemic and beyond.

SUMMARY

Asthma in children appears to be more friend, than foe, during COVID-19.

Therapeutic Strategies for COVID-19 Lung Disease in Children

The novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has milder presentation in children than in adults, mostly requiring only supportive therapy. The immunopathogenic course of COVID-19 can be divided in two distinct but overlapping phases: the first triggered by the virus itself and the second one by the host immune response (cytokine storm). Respiratory failure or systemic involvement as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) requiring intensive care are described only in a small portion of infected children. Less severe lung injury in children could be explained by qualitative and quantitative differences in age-related immune response. Evidence on the best therapeutic approach for COVID-19 lung disease in children is lacking. Currently, the approach is mainly conservative and based on supportive therapy. However, in hospitalized children with critical illness and worsening lung function, antiviral therapy with remdesivir and immunomodulant treatment could be considered the "therapeutic pillars."

High success rate of nocturnal enuresis treatment during the stay-home period for COVID-19

OBJECTIVES

To clarify whether enuresis treatment was more effective during the stay-home period for the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, when restrictions on activities enabled patients to concentrate on treatment.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, nonrandomized cohort study for monosymptomatic enuresis during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (March-June 2020) and a 2-year comparator period (March-June 2018 and March-June 2019). Primary outcome was treatment response, defined as a change in the number of wet nights per week within 6 months following enrollment. The time-dependent occurrence of treatment response was evaluated with the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify risk factors for treatment response. The range of appropriate sample sizes for this primary outcome was 39-48.

RESULTS

Of our 41 enrolled patients, 28 (68%) were male and mean age was 8.8 years. The complete response rate was 73% during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic period and 27% during the comparator period. Log-rank tests showed a higher cumulative incidence of complete response in the pandemic period (P = 0.020). Cox regression analysis identified treatment during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (hazard ratio 2.533; 95% confidence interval 1.069-6.006) and dinner before 19:00 (hazard ratio 4.184; 95% confidence interval 1.56-11.252) as significantly associated with treatment response.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of enuresis treatment response was uncommonly high during the stay-home period for the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Restrictions on daily life may provide opportunities to concentrate on treatments for chronic illnesses, leading to more success.

Non-Causal Effects of Asthma on COVID-19 Susceptibility and Severity

Background: Asthma is observationally associated with an increased risk of COVID-19, but the causality remains unclear. We aim to determine whether there is a casual role of asthma in susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 severity. Methods: Instrumental variables (IVs) for asthma and moderate-to-severe asthma were obtained from publicly available summary statistics from the most recent and largest genome-wide association study (GWAS), including 394 283 and 57 695 participants of European ancestry, respectively. The corresponding data for COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalization and severe-disease were derived from the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative GWAS meta-analysis of up to 1 683 768 individuals of European descent. Causality was inferred between correlated traits by Mendelian Randomization analyses. Inverse-variance weighted method was used as the primary MR estimates and multiple alternate approaches and several sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Results: Our MR analysis revealed no causal effects of asthma on COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalization or severe disease, with odds ratio (OR) of 0.994 (95% CI: 0.962-1.027), 1.020 (95% CI: 0.955-1.089), and 0.929 (95% CI: 0.836-1.032), respectively. Furthermore, using genetic variants for moderate-to-severe asthma, a similar pattern of results was observed for COVID-19 susceptibility (OR: 0.988, 95% CI: 0.946-1.031), hospitalization (OR: 0.967, 95% CI: 0.906-1.031), and severe disease (OR: 0.911, 95% CI: 0.823-1.009). The association of asthma and moderate-to-severe asthma with COVID-19 was overall robust to sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: Genetically predicted asthma was not associated with susceptibility to, or severity of, COVID-19 disease, indicating that asthma is unlikely to be a causal factor in the development of COVID-19.

Prevalence of COVID-19 in children affected by allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma: results from the second "SIAIP rhinosinusitis and conjunctivitis committee" survey

BACKGROUND

The role of allergic sensitization seems to be protective against SARS CoV2 infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate, using online surveys, the impact of COVID-19 on Italian allergic children, comparing the prevalence of AR and asthma symptoms between the first and second pandemic wave.

METHODS

Both surveys were emailed to Italian pediatricians in April 2020 (first survey) and in March 2021 (second survey). The first one was related to the impact of COVID-19 and the most frequently reported symptoms. The second one was superimposed on the previous one, taking into account some additional aspects in the management of disease.

RESULTS

A total of 99 pediatricians participated in the first survey and 267 in the second one. The first survey showed that, asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis prevalence was mostly between 0 and 20% throughout the country. The second survey showed a lower prevalence of both diseases nationwide in comparison to the first one. Comparing the two surveys, statistically significant differences were reported only in the distribution of asthma prevalence in Southern Italy while no differences were highlighted in the North and in the Center. Finally regarding allergic rhinoconjunctivitis prevalence, no differences were noticed nationwide.

CONCLUSIONS

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma, if under control, did not represent risk factors for the susceptibility to SARS CoV2. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to continue therapies during COVID-19 outbreak, according to the international guidelines. However, being COVID-19 a new disease, actual knowledge will undergo continuous improvements over time.

The Burden of Childhood Asthma by Age Group, 1990-2019: A Systematic Analysis of Global Burden of Disease 2019 Data

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a common respiratory disease in children. We aimed to update information about the incidence and mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of childhood asthma and provide evidence-based recommendations for childhood asthma prevention.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, which was conducted from 1990 to 2019 in 204 countries. First, we estimated incidence, mortality and DALY rates of childhood asthma using a Bayesian meta-regression model. Second, we analyzed the relationship between the sociodemographic index (SDI) and DALYs in different age groups. Third, we studied changes in trends of the age-standardized DALY rate between 1990 and 2019 based on age group, SDI, and risk factors.

RESULTS

Globally, the number of deaths due to childhood asthma and the incidence and DALY rates were 12.9 thousand (95% UI 10.6 to 15.7), 22 million (95% UI 15 to 31), and 5.1 million (95% UI 3.4 to 7.5) in 2019, decreasing by 65.1% (95% UI 47.6 to 72.4), 5.3% (95% UI 2.6 to 8.8) and 30% (95% UI 18 to 41) from those in 1990, respectively. With the exception of high-SDI regions, the age-standardized DALY rate in all age groups in all SDI regions declined. In 2019, the age-standardized DALY rate in 1- to 4-year-old individuals was highest in low-SDI regions and that of 5- to 19-year-old individuals was highest in high-SDI regions. In contrast to low-SDI regions, individuals in high-SDI regions had a higher risk of DALYs due to asthma, except in those aged 1 to 4 years. A high body mass index (BMI) was a stronger risk factor than occupational asthmagens for childhood asthma.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide insight into asthma prevention and treatment through the identification of key factors related to childhood asthma. Based on the data available, different risk factors according to age group and region/country suggest different prevention strategies, which is key for preventing childhood asthma.

Allergic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic-Clinical practical considerations: An European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology survey

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected health care systems unexpectedly. However, data focusing on practical considerations experienced by health care professionals (HCPs) providing care to allergic patients is scarce.

METHODS

Under the framework of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), a panel of experts in the field of immunotherapy developed a 42-question online survey, to evaluate real-life consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in allergy practice.

RESULTS

The respondents in the survey were 618. About 80% of HCPs indicated being significantly affected in their allergy practice. A face-to-face visit reduction was reported by 93% of HCPs and about a quarter completely interrupted diagnostic challenges. Patients with severe uncontrolled asthma (59%) and anaphylaxis (47%) were prioritized for in-person care. About 81% maintained an unaltered prescription of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in asthmatics. About 90% did not modify intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) in patients with allergic rhinitis. Nearly half of respondents kept biological prescriptions unmodified for asthma. About 50% of respondents kept their allergen immunotherapy (AIT) prescription patterns unchanged for respiratory allergies; 60% for insect venom allergies. Oral immunotherapy (OIT) for food allergies was initiated by 27%. About 20% kept carrying out up-dosing without modifications and 14% changed to more prolonged intervals. Telemedicine practice was increased.

CONCLUSIONS

HCPs providing care to allergic patients were affected during the pandemic in diagnostic, management, and therapeutic approaches, including AIT for respiratory, insect-venom, and food allergies. Most HCPs maintained controller treatments for both asthma, and allergic rhinitis consistent with international recommendations, as well as biological agents in asthma. Remote tools are valuable in delivering allergy care.

The effect of allergy and asthma as a comorbidity on the susceptibility and outcomes of COVID-19

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic causes an overwhelming number of hospitalization and deaths with a significant socioeconomic impact. The vast majority of studies indicate that asthma and allergic diseases do not represent a risk factor for COVID-19 susceptibility nor cause a more severe course of disease. This raises the opportunity to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the interaction between an allergic background and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The majority of patients with asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, food allergies and drug allergies exhibit an over-expression of type 2 immune and inflammatory pathways with the contribution of epithelial cells, innate lymphoid cells, dendritic cells, T cells, eosinophils, mast cells, basophils, and the type 2 cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-13, and IL-31. The potential impact of type 2 inflammation-related allergic diseases on susceptibility to COVID-19 and severity of its course have been reported. In this review, the prevalence of asthma and other common allergic diseases in COVID-19 patients is addressed. Moreover, the impact of allergic and non-allergic asthma with different severity and control status, currently available asthma treatments such as inhaled and oral corticosteroids, short- and long-acting β2 agonists, leukotriene receptor antagonists and biologicals on the outcome of COVID-19 patients is reviewed. In addition, possible protective mechanisms of asthma and type 2 inflammation on COVID-19 infection, such as the expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry receptors, antiviral activity of eosinophils and cross-reactive T-cell epitopes, are discussed. Potential interactions of other allergic diseases with COVID-19 are postulated, including recommendations for their management.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker for Chronic Inflammatory Lung Diseases

Chronic inflammatory lung diseases are characterized by uncontrolled immune response in the airways as their main pathophysiological manifestation. The lack of specific diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for many pulmonary diseases represents a major challenge for pulmonologists. The majority of the currently approved therapeutic approaches are focused on achieving disease remission, although there is no guarantee of complete recovery. It is known that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), an important counter-regulatory component of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), is expressed in the airways. It has been shown that ACE2 plays a role in systemic regulation of the cardiovascular and renal systems, lungs and liver by acting on blood pressure, electrolyte balance control mechanisms and inflammation. Its protective role in the lungs has also been presented, but the exact pathophysiological mechanism of action is still elusive. The aim of this study is to review and discuss recent findings about ACE2, including its potential role in the pathophysiology of chronic inflammatory lung diseases:, i.e., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and pulmonary hypertension. Additionally, in the light of the coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19), we will discuss the role of ACE2 in the pathophysiology of this disease, mainly represented by different grades of pulmonary problems. We believe that these insights will open up new perspectives for the future use of ACE2 as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and monitoring of chronic inflammatory lung diseases.

Does airborne pollen influence COVID-19 outbreak?

The fast spread of SARS-CoV-2 presented a worldwide challenge to public health, economy, and educational system, affecting wellbeing of human society. With high transmission rates, there are increasing evidences of COVID-19 spread via bioaerosols from an infected person. The current review was conducted to examine airborne pollen impact on COVID-19 transmission and to identify the major gaps for post-pandemic research. The study used all key terms to identify revenant literature and observation were collated for the current research. Based on existing literature, there is a potential association between pollen bioaerosols and COVID-19. There are few studies focusing the impact of airborne pollen on SARS-CoV-2, which could be useful to advance future research. Allergic rhinitis and asthma patients were found to have pre-modified immune activation, which could help to provide protection against COVID-19. However, does airborne pollen acts as a potent carrier for SARS-CoV-2 transport, dispersal and its proliferation still require multidisciplinary research. Further, a clear conclusion cannot be drawn due to limited evidence and hence more research is needed to show how pollen bioaerosols could affect virus survivals. The small but growing literature review focuses on searching for every possible answer to provide additional security layers to overcome near future corona-like infectious diseases.

129Xe MRI as a measure of clinical disease severity for pediatric asthma

BACKGROUND

Measurement of regional lung ventilation with hyperpolarized ¹²⁹Xe magnetic resonance imaging (¹²⁹Xe MRI) in pediatric asthma is poised to advance our understanding of disease mechanisms and pathophysiology in a disorder with diverse clinical phenotypes. ¹²⁹Xe MRI has not been investigated in a pediatric asthma cohort.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that ¹²⁹Xe MRI is feasible and can demonstrate ventilation defects that relate to and predict clinical severity in a pediatric asthma cohort.

METHODS

Thirty-seven children (13 with severe asthma, 8 with mild/moderate asthma, 16 age-matched healthy controls) aged 6 to 17 years old were imaged with ¹²⁹Xe MRI. Ventilation defect percentage (VDP) and image reader score were calculated and compared with clinical measures at baseline and at follow-up.

RESULTS

Children with asthma had higher VDP (P = .002) and number of defects per image slice (defects/slice) (P = .0001) than children without asthma. Children with clinically severe asthma had significantly higher VDP and number of defects/slice than healthy controls. Children with asthma who had a higher number of defects/slice had a higher rate of health care utilization (r = 0.48; P = .03) and oral corticosteroid use (r = 0.43; P = .05) at baseline. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that the VDP and number of defects/slice were predictive of increased health care utilization, asthma, and severe asthma. VDP correlated with FEV₁ (r = -0.35; P = .04) and FEV₁/forced vital capacity ratio (r = -0.41; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

¹²⁹Xe MRI correlates with asthma severity, health care utilization, and oral corticosteroid use. Because delineation of clinical severity is often difficult in children, ¹²⁹Xe MRI may be an important biomarker for severity, with potential to identify children at higher risk for exacerbations and improve outcomes.

Updates on Children with Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma during the COVID-19 Outbreak

BACKGROUND

During the lockdown period caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, we monitored via online survey the trend of allergic symptoms and the therapeutic compliance in patients followed at our center.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In June 2020, we selected children followed at the Allergy and Immunology Service of Umberto I Hospital, aged between 6 and 16 years old, diagnosed with asthma and/or rhinitis and sensitized to grass pollen or dust mite. We sent an email with 12 multiple-choice questions investigating several areas: type of disease and sensitization, recurrence of symptoms, medication use during lockdown compared to the same period of the previous year.

RESULTS

The results of 82 questionnaires showed that 17.8% of patients suffered from asthma, 24.4% from rhinitis, and 57.8% from both. Within the group of asthmatic children, most of them presented an improvement of their symptoms. Likewise, with regard to allergic rhinitis, most of them reported better clinical conditions. Regarding treatment, we observed a global decrease in the use of on-demand therapies (salbutamol, nasal corticosteroid, and antihistamine) for both pathologies. In addition, there was a reduction in the use of basal therapy for asthma and rhinitis from 2019 (23.3%) to 2020 (15.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show a general trend of clinical improvement and a reduction in the use of on-demand and basal therapy in allergic children during the lockdown.

Changes in childhood vaccination during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Japan

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly affected daily life. COVID-19 often causes asymptomatic or mild disease in children; however, delayed routine childhood immunization is a concern, as it could increase the risk of vaccine-preventable disease. No study has evaluated the status of childhood vaccinations in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This retrospective observational study evaluated the number of vaccine doses administered to children in 4 Japanese cities (2 cities in the Tokyo metropolitan area and 2 cities far from Tokyo) during the period from 2016 to 2020. Vaccine doses administered between January and September 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic were compared, by month, with those given during 2016–2019. Age-stratified demographic data were collected to determine whether factors other than change in the child population over time affected vaccination trends.

Results

In all cities the decrease in vaccine doses administered was most apparent in March and April 2020, i.e., just before or coincident with the declaration of a nationwide COVID-19 emergency on April 7, 2020. The decrease started as early as February in the Tokyo metropolitan area. As child age increased, the decrease became more apparent. Before the lift of national emergency on May 25, catch-up of the vaccination was observed in all age groups in all cities. Vaccine doses persistently increased in older age groups but not in infants. The overall vaccination trends did not differ significantly among the 4 cities.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected routine childhood immunization in Japan. Thus, a nationwide electronic surveillance system and announcements for guardians to encourage timely routine immunization are warranted.

COVID-19 and immunocompromised conditions: Ongoing challenging issue

One of the most serious complications of COVID-19 is the development of uncontrolled production of cytokines that poses a major factor contributing to COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. The exact effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on clinical and biochemical course of in patients with underlying immune compromised conditions is not well known with recent available data. The present letter aimed to draw attention to COVID-19 in immune deficiency.

Can we safely use systemic treatment in atopic dermatitis during the COVID-19 pandemic? Overview of selected conventional and biologic systemic therapies

Introduction: Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the medical community has faced major challenges that affect disease management in all areas. Dermatologists and immunologists have to choose appropriate treatment strategy taking into consideration the risk of infection and possible exacerbation of the course of the disease in patients with confirmed infection. Management of atopic dermatitis (AD) in moderate to severe cases is based on systemic therapy such as cyclosporine, azathioprine, methotrexate and dupilumab.Areas covered: A literature search in PubMed database was performed until 6 March 2021. In this review, the authors discuss non-biologic and biologic systemic medications for AD and provide an overview of therapeutic recommendations during COVID-19 pandemic.Expert opinion: In case of an active COVID-19 infection, conventional systemic treatment and biological treatment needs to be stopped until clinical recovery. Noninfected patients with systemic treatment of AD should continue their therapy via self-application. The authors can conclude that understanding of dupilumab therapy is better recognized in context AD treatment during COVID-19 pandemic in comparison to cyclosporine, azathioprine and methotrexate. However, this systemic immunosuppressants still require further investigation and literature complementation.

Asthma does not influence the severity of COVID-19: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have reported a correlation between coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and asthma. However, data on whether asthma constitutes a risk factor for COVID-19 and the prevalence of asthma in COVID-19 cases still remain scant. Here, we interrogated and analyzed the association between COVID-19 and asthma.

METHODS

In this study, we systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for studies published between January 1 and August 28, 2020. We included studies that reported the epidemiological and clinical features of COVID-19 and its prevalence in asthma patients. We excluded reviews, animal trials, single case reports, small case series and studies evaluating other coronavirus-related illnesses. Raw data from the studies were pooled into a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We analyzed findings from 18 studies, including asthma patients with COVID-19. The pooled prevalence of asthma in COVID-19 cases was 0.08 (95% CI, 0.06-0.11), with an overall I² of 99.07%, p < 0.005. The data indicated that asthma did not increase the risk of developing severe COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR] 1.04 (95% CI, 0.75-1.46) p = 0.28; I²=20%). In addition, there was no significant difference in the incidence of asthma with age in COVID-19 infections [OR] 0.77(95% CI, 0.59-1.00) p = 0.24; I²=29%).

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our data suggested that asthma is not a significant risk factor for the development of severe COVID-19.

Zoonotic coronavirus epidemics: Severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome, and coronavirus disease 2019

OBJECTIVE

To review the virology, immunology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment of the following 3 major zoonotic coronavirus epidemics: severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

DATA SOURCES

Published literature obtained through PubMed database searches and reports from national and international public health agencies.

STUDY SELECTIONS

Studies relevant to the basic science, epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment of SARS, MERS, and COVID-19, with a focus on patients with asthma, allergy, and primary immunodeficiency.

RESULTS

Although SARS and MERS each caused less than a thousand deaths, COVID-19 has caused a worldwide pandemic with nearly 1 million deaths. Diagnosing COVID-19 relies on nucleic acid amplification tests, and infection has broad clinical manifestations that can affect almost every organ system. Asthma and atopy do not seem to predispose patients to COVID-19 infection, but their effects on COVID-19 clinical outcomes remain mixed and inconclusive. It is recommended that effective therapies, including inhaled corticosteroids and biologic therapy, be continued to maintain disease control. There are no reports of COVID-19 among patients with primary innate and T-cell deficiencies. The presentation of COVID-19 among patients with primary antibody deficiencies is variable, with some experiencing mild clinical courses, whereas others experiencing a fatal disease. The landscape of treatment for COVID-19 is rapidly evolving, with both antivirals and immunomodulators demonstrating efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Further data are needed to better understand the role of asthma, allergy, and primary immunodeficiency on COVID-19 infection and outcomes.

Paediatric allergy practice in the era of coronavirus disease 2019

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of paediatric allergy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Given significant overlap in symptoms, care must be taken to differentiate routine allergic conditions from COVID-19 infection but it appears that most allergic diseases are not risk factors for a severe COVID-19 course. The full impact of restricted allergy/immunology ambulatory services will take months to years to fully understand. One benefit of having to adapt practice style is greater awareness and acceptance of shared decision-making and recognition of preference-sensitive care options in food allergy, in particular for approaches towards allergy prevention, treatment, and anaphylaxis care. Social distancing and masks have helped reduce spread of common respiratory viruses, which may be helping to lower the incidence of viral-associated wheezing episodes, enhancing evidence of the effects of preventing exposure of young children to respiratory viruses on asthma pathogenesis, as well as on allergic rhinitis. There has been a revolution in the rise of telemedicine to increase access to high-quality allergy/immunology specialty care.

SUMMARY

Although the field has adapted to remain operational in the face of a significant challenge, it is important to apply lessons learned to evolve patient care and optimize treatment in the aftermath of the pandemic.

School Attendance, Asthma Risk, and COVID-19 in Children

In the face of tremendous uncertainty during the current pandemic, there is a need for clear and consistent recommendations and an understanding of the evidence in general, and for families of children with allergic conditions. A common concern of parents of children with asthma is the risk that in-person learning poses during the pandemic. This Rostrum examines the actual risk of in-person learning among children with asthma during novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the discrepancy between perceived and actual risk, the contributing factors to this discrepancy, and possible solutions to narrow this divide. Overall, the evidence does not support that children with asthma are at an increased risk of COVID-19 morbidity or mortality compared with children without asthma. Asthma medications do not appear to contribute to incidence or severity of COVID-19 disease. However, there is a high perceived risk of in-person learning that is partially related to how it is portrayed in the media. There is little guidance regarding transitioning asthmatic children back to school and how to properly counsel on mediation of risk. There are differences regionally and locally around school reopening, exemptions, and their implementation. To narrow the divide between perceived and actual risk, clear consistent and ongoing communication will be necessary.

Telemedicine in Pediatrics: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Telemedicine modalities, such as videoconferencing, are used by health care providers to remotely deliver health care to patients. Telemedicine use in pediatrics has increased in recent years. This has resulted in improved health care access, optimized disease management, progress in the monitoring of health conditions, and fewer exposures to patients with illnesses during pandemics (eg, the COVID-19 pandemic).

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to systematically evaluate the most recent evidence on the feasibility and accessibility of telemedicine services, patients' and care providers' satisfaction with these services, and treatment outcomes related to telemedicine service use among pediatric populations with different health conditions.

METHODS

Studies were obtained from the PubMed database on May 10, 2020. We followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. In this review, we included randomized controlled trials from the last 10 years that used a telemedicine approach as a study intervention or assessed telemedicine as a subspecialty of pediatric care. Titles and abstracts were independently screened based on the eligibility criteria. Afterward, full texts were retrieved and independently screened based on the eligibility criteria. A standardized form was used to extract the following data: publication title, first author's name, publication year, participants' characteristics, study design, the technology-based approach that was used, intervention characteristics, study goals, and study findings.

RESULTS

In total, 11 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. All studies were categorized as randomized controlled trials (8/11, 73%) or cluster randomized trials (3/11, 27%). The number of participants in each study ranged from 22 to 400. The health conditions that were assessed included obesity (3/11, 27%), asthma (2/11, 18%), mental health conditions (1/11, 9%), otitis media (1/11, 9%), skin conditions (1/11, 9%), type 1 diabetes (1/11, 9%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (1/11, 9%), and cystic fibrosis-related pancreatic insufficiency (1/11). The telemedicine approaches that were used included patient and doctor videoconferencing visits (5/11, 45%), smartphone-based interventions (3/11, 27%), telephone counseling (2/11, 18%), and telemedicine-based screening visits (1/11, 9%). The telemedicine interventions in all included studies resulted in outcomes that were comparable to or better than the outcomes of control groups. These outcomes were related to symptom management, quality of life, satisfaction, medication adherence, visit completion rates, and disease progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Although more research is needed, the evidence from this review suggests that telemedicine services for the general public and pediatric care are comparable to or better than in-person services. Patients, health care professionals, and caregivers may benefit from using both telemedicine services and traditional, in-person health care services. To maximize the potential of telemedicine, future research should focus on improving patients' access to care, increasing the cost-effectiveness of telemedicine services, and eliminating barriers to telemedicine use.

Digital health interventions in children with asthma

Although healthcare providers are actively involved in offering education, information and interventions for asthmatic patients, medication and therapeutic adherence remain low in the paediatric population, with estimates suggesting that adherence rates hover below 50%. A range of available digital health interventions has been explored in paediatric asthma with promising but variable results, limiting their widespread adoption in clinical practice. They include emerging technologies that yield the advantage of tracking asthma symptoms and medications, setting drug reminders, improving inhaler technique and delivering asthma education, such as serious games (video games designed for medical- or health-related purposes), electronic monitoring devices, speech recognition calls, text messaging, mobile apps and interactive websites. Some of the proposed digital interventions have used multiple components, including educational and behavioural strategies and interactions with medical professionals. Overall, the implementation of such interventions may offer the opportunity to improve adherence and asthma control. In a state of emergency as the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine can also play a central role in supporting physicians in managing children with asthma. This review evaluates the published literature examining digital health interventions for paediatric asthma and explores the most relevant issues affecting their implementation in practice and the associated evidence gaps, research limitations and future research perspectives.

Characterising and managing paediatric SARSCoV-2 infection: Learning about the virus in a global classroom

AIM

This study is a comprehensive review with the purpose of collecting the most relevant data in several sections including current treatment guidelines in the paediatric population.

METHODS

Literature was systematically searched in different databases. Results were limited to 2019+ and English, French and Spanish language.

RESULTS

Children can exhibit mild and less severe COVID-19 disease than adults and also have asymptomatic carriage of SARS-CoV-2, while severe disease is more frequently noted during infancy (<1 year). SARS-CoV-2 binds the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor; age-, racial-, and gender-specific differences in ACE-2 expression need to be elucidated in order to explain the differential clinical profiles between children and adults. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is an important condition to recognise in children. The decision to use antiviral or immunomodulatory therapy in a child or adolescent should be individualised based on the clinical scenario. Remdesivir is the only FDA-approved therapy available for children older than 12 years old who require hospitalisation for COVID-19.

CONCLUSION

Further studies are urgently required to address prevention and treatment in at-risk and infected children, especially with underlying comorbidities. The chapter on the overall impact of COVID-19 in children has not yet been written. Nevertheless, SARS-CoV-2 has now joined a long list of human pandemics, which may forever change the world's history.

COVID-19 and Pediatric Asthma: Clinical and Management Challenges

Asthma is the most frequent chronic condition in childhood and a current concern exists about asthma in the pediatric population and its risk for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although all ages can be affected, SARS-CoV-2 infection has lower clinical impact on children and adolescents than on adults. Fever, cough and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms and signs in children; wheezing has not been frequently reported. Published studies suggest that children with asthma do not appear to be disproportionately more affected by COVID-19. This hypothesis raises two issues: is asthma (and/or atopy) an independent protective factor for COVID-19? If yes, why? Explanations for this could include the lower IFN-α production, protective role of eosinophils in the airway, and antiviral and immunomodulatory proprieties of inhaled steroids. Additionally, recent evidence supports that allergic sensitization is inversely related to ACE2 expression. Obesity is a known risk factor for COVID-19 in adults. However, in the childhood asthma-obesity phenotype, the classic atopic Th2 pattern seems to predominate, which could hypothetically be a protective factor for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with both conditions. Finally, the return to school activities raises concerns, as asymptomatic children could act as vectors for the spread of the disease. Although this is still a controversial topic, the identification and management of asymptomatic children is an important approach during the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic. Focus on asthma control, risk stratification, and medication adherence will be essential to allow children with asthma to return safely to school.

Asthma and allergic diseases are not risk factors for hospitalization in children with coronavirus disease 2019

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged as a pandemic toward the end of 2019, causing large numbers of people to become infected and die.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether allergic diseases are a risk factor for hospitalization in COVID-19.

METHODS

We conducted a study including 107 pediatric patients after COVID-19 recovery. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase 3 questionnaires were distributed together with a detailed history of environmental factors and an allergic evaluation including skin prick tests, specific immunoglobulin E tests, and spirometry. We investigated the prevalence of allergic diseases and evaluated the factors associated with hospitalization in COVID-19.

RESULTS

A total of 61 (57%) patients were hospitalized and 46 (43%) patients were followed closely in the outpatient clinic. The prevalences of allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and episodic wheezing were 10.3%, 6,5%, 4.7%, and 3.7%, respectively, within the whole study population. Although having asthma with or without allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and passive tobacco exposure were not found to be related to hospitalization because of COVID-19, having a pet at home was found to decrease the risk of hospitalization (odds ratio, 0.191; 95% confidence interval, 0.047-0.779; P = .02). Spirometry tests revealed a higher forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity ratio and a peak expiratory flow reversibility in hospitalized patients than in nonhospitalized ones (P = .02 and P = .003, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Asthma and allergic diseases do not seem to be risk factors for hospitalization in children because of COVID-19, and having a pet at home can be a protective effect. Pulmonary function testing seems to be important for monitoring lung damage after COVID-19.

Clinical management of patients with primary immunodeficiencies during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: Patients affected by Inborn Errors of Immunity (IEI) represent a potential group-at-risk in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Studies on large and small cohorts of IEI reported a huge variability clinical manifestations associated to SARS-Cov-2, ranging from asymptomatic, mild, moderate/severe to death. A great impulse to improve remote assistance programs and to switch to home-based treatment to reduce mobility and face to face contacts has been implemented.Areas covered: The authors completed a comprehensive review of the literature by searching the PubMed database for studies on large and small cohorts and case reports of IEI patients with COVID-19, with the aim to provide useful information for their clinical management during the COVID-19 pandemic.Expert opinion: Surprisingly, a low number of IEI patients affected by SARS-Cov-2 were reported with a risk to die for COVID-19 overlapping that of the general population. The low number might be explained by the choice of most physicians to inform early in the pandemic about safety measures, to switch most of the IEI patients to home therapy and to remote assistance. The guidelines issued by the scientific societies and periodically updated, represent the best tool for the clinical management of IEI patients.

The role of eHealth, telehealth, and telemedicine for chronic disease patients during COVID-19 pandemic: A rapid systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the current status of, and the current expert opinions, recommendation and evidence associated with the use and implementation of electronic health (eHealth), telemedicine, and/or telehealth to provide healthcare services for chronic disease patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched four electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science Core Collection) to identify relevant articles published between 2019 and 2020. Searches were restricted to English language articles only. Two independent reviewers screened the titles, abstracts, and keywords for relevance. The potential eligible articles, papers with no abstract, and those that fall into the uncertain category were read in full text independently. The reviewers met and discussed which articles to include in the final review and reached a consensus.

RESULTS

We identified 51 articles of which 25 articles met the inclusion criteria. All included articles indicated the promising potential of eHealth, telehealth, and/or telemedicine solutions in delivering healthcare services to patients living with chronic diseases/conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. We synthesized the main findings into ten usages and eight recommendations concerning the different activities for delivering healthcare services remotely for those living with chronic diseases/conditions in the era of COVID-19.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

There is limited evidence available about the effectiveness of such solutions. Further research is required during this pandemic to improve the credibility of evidence on telemedicine, telehealth, and/or eHealth-related outcomes for those living with chronic diseases.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Adult and Pediatric Allergy & Immunology Services in the UK National Health Service

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic imposed multiple restrictions on health care services.

Objective

To investigate the impact of the pandemic on Allergy & Immunology (A&I) services in the United Kingdom.

Methods

A national survey of all A&I services registered with the Royal College of Physicians and/or the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology was carried out. The survey covered staffing, facilities, personal protective equipment, appointments & patient review, investigations, treatments, and research activity. Weeks commencing February 3, 2020 (pre–coronavirus disease), April 6, 2020, and May 8, 2020, were used as reference points for the data set.

Results

A total of 99 services participated. There was a reduction in nursing, medical, administrative, and allied health professional staff during the pandemic; 86% and 92% of A&I services continued to accept nonurgent and urgent referrals, respectively, during the pandemic. There were changes in immunoglobulin dose and infusion regimen in 67% and 14% of adult and pediatric services, respectively; 30% discontinued immunoglobulin replacement in some patients. There was a significant (all variables, P ≤ .0001) reduction in the following: face-to-face consultations (increase in telephone consultations), initiation of venom immunotherapy, sublingual and subcutaneous injection immunotherapy, anesthetic allergy testing, and hospital procedures (food challenges, immunoglobulin and omalizumab administration); and a significant increase (P ≤ .0001) in home therapy for immunoglobulin and omalizumab. Adverse clinical outcomes were reported, but none were serious.

Conclusions

The pandemic had a significant impact on A&I services, leading to multiple unplanned pragmatic amendments in service delivery. There is an urgent need for prospective audits and strategic planning in the medium and long-term to achieve equitable, safe, and standardized health care.

An Overview of the Crystallized Structures of the SARS-CoV-2

Many research teams all over the world focus their research on the SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus that causes the so-called COVID-19 disease. Most of the studies identify the main protease or 3C-like protease (Mpro/3CLpro) as a valid target for large-spectrum inhibitors. Also, the interaction of the human receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) with the viral surface glycoprotein (S) is studied in depth. Structural studies tried to identify the residues responsible for enhancement/weaken virus-ACE2 interactions or the cross-reactivity of the neutralizing antibodies. Although the understanding of the immune system and the hyper-inflammatory process in COVID-19 are crucial for managing the immediate and the long-term consequences of the disease, not many X-ray/NMR/cryo-EM crystals are available. In addition to 3CLpro, the crystal structures of other nonstructural proteins offer valuable information for elucidating some aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, the structural analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 is currently mainly focused on three directions-finding Mpro/3CLpro inhibitors, the virus-host cell invasion, and the virus-neutralizing antibody interaction.

Pediatric asthma and COVID-19: The known, the unknown, and the controversial

The novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by the pathogen severe acute respiratory syndrome-CoV-2, is causing a global pandemic, with over 26.9 million cases and 880,000 deaths as of September 6, 2020. While there has been speculation and observational research about the impact of COVID-19 on asthma, much remains unknown. The goal of this article is to provide a scoping review on pediatric asthma and COVID-19 and summarize what we do and do not know from the first wave of the pandemic.