Heterogeneity of sensitization profiles and clinical phenotypes among patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis in Southern European countries-The @IT.2020 multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Pollen allergy poses a significant health and economic burden in Europe. Disease patterns are relatively homogeneous within Central and Northern European countries. However, no study broadly assessed the features of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) across different Southern European countries with a standardized approach.

OBJECTIVE

To describe sensitization profiles and clinical phenotypes of pollen allergic patients in nine Southern European cities with a uniform methodological approach.

METHODS

Within the @IT.2020 multicenter observational study, pediatric and adult patients suffering from SAR were recruited in nine urban study centers located in seven countries. Clinical questionnaires, skin prick tests (SPT) and specific IgE (sIgE) tests with a customized multiplex assay (Euroimmun Labordiagnostika, Lübeck, Germany) were performed.

RESULTS

Three hundred forty-eight children (mean age 13.1 years, SD: 2.4 years) and 467 adults (mean age 35.7 years SD: 10.0 years) with a predominantly moderate to severe, persistent phenotype of SAR were recruited. Grass pollen major allergenic molecules (Phl p 1 and/or Phl p 5) ranged among the top three sensitizers in all study centers. Sensitization profiles were very heterogeneous, considering that patients in Rome were highly poly-sensitized (sIgE to 3.8 major allergenic molecules per patient), while mono-sensitization was prominent and heterogeneous in other cities, such as Marseille (sIgE to Cup a 1: n = 55/80, 68.8%) and Messina (sIgE to Par j 2: n = 47/82, 57.3%). Co-sensitization to perennial allergens, as well as allergic comorbidities also broadly varied between study centers.

CONCLUSIONS

In Southern European countries, pollen allergy is heterogeneous in terms of sensitization profiles and clinical manifestations. Despite the complexity, a unique molecular, multiplex, and customized in-vitro IgE test detected relevant sensitization in all study centers. Nevertheless, this geographical diversity in pollen allergic patients imposes localized clinical guidelines and study protocols for clinical trials of SAR in this climatically complex region.

Distinct TNF-alpha and HLA polymorphisms associate with fibrotic and non-fibrotic subtypes of hypersensitivity pneumonitis

INTRODUCTION

Since Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) categorization in fibrotic and nonfibrotic/inflammatory types seems to be more consistent with the distinctive clinical course and outcomes, recent international guidelines recommended the use of this classification. Moreover, fibrotic subtype may share immunogenetic and pathophysiological mechanisms with other fibrotic lung diseases.

AIM

To investigate HLA -A, -B, -DRB1 and TNF-α -308 gene polymorphisms among fibrotic and nonfibrotic HP patients due to avian exposure, also in comparison with asymptomatic exposed controls.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 40 HP patients, classified as fibrotic or nonfibrotic/inflammatory, and 70 exposed controls. HLA and TNF-α polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer amplification.

RESULTS

While HLA alleles were not associated to HP susceptibility, fibrotic HP patients showed increased frequencies of HLA A*02 (46.7% vs 25.7%; OR=2.53, p = 0.02) and HLA DRB1*14 (10.0% vs 0.7%; OR=15.44, p=0.02) alleles when compared with exposed controls, although not statistically significant after correction for multiple comparisons. TNF-α G/G genotype (associated with low TNF-α production) frequencies were significantly increased among the non-fibrotic/inflammatory HP patients comparatively to fibrotic presentations (88% vs 60%; RR=0.44; p=0.04) and controls (88% vs 63%, OR 4.33, p=0.037). Also, these patients had a significantly increased frequency of the G allele (94.0% vs 73.3%, RR=0.44, p=0.01), while fibrotic HP patients predominantly presented the A allele (26.7% vs 6.0%, RR=2.28, p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the hypothesis that fibrotic and non-fibrotic HP subtypes exhibit a distinct profile of TNF-α and HLA polymorphisms, which may be relevant to predict disease course and better define treatment strategies.

Latin America and the Caribbean Code Against Cancer 1st Edition: Medical interventions including hormone replacement therapy and cancer screening

Prostate, breast, colorectal, cervical, and lung cancers are the leading cause of cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) accounting for nearly 50% of cancer cases and cancer deaths in the region. Following the IARC Code Against Cancer methodology, a group of Latin American experts evaluated the evidence on several medical interventions to reduce cancer incidence and mortality considering the cancer burden in the region. A recommendation to limit the use of HRT was issued based on the risk associated to develop breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer and on growing concerns related to the over-the-counter and without prescription sales, which in turn bias estimations on current use in LAC. In alignment with WHO breast and cervical cancer initiatives, biennial screening by clinical breast examination (performed by trained health professionals) from the age of 40 years and biennial screening by mammography from the age of 50 years to 74, as well as cervical screening by HPV testing (either self-sampling or provider-sampling) every 5-10 years for women aged 30-64 years, were recommended. The steadily increasing rates of colorectal cancer in LAC also led to recommend colorectal screening by occult blood testing every two years or by endoscopic examination of the colorectum every 10 years for both men and women aged 50-74 years. After evaluating the evidence, the experts decided not to issue recommendations for prostate and lung cancer screening; while there was insufficient evidence on prostate cancer mortality reduction by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, there was evidence of mortality reduction by low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) targeting high-risk individuals (mainly heavy and/or long-term smokers) but not individuals with average risk to whom recommendations of this Code are directed. Finally, the group of experts adapted the gathered evidence to develop a competency-based online microlearning program for building cancer prevention capacity of primary care health professionals.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of grass pollen specific immunotherapy in children with allergic rhinitis compared to the standard of care symptomatic treatment in Portugal

Summary

Background. Cost-effectiveness studies evaluating allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in children are scarce. We aim to compare the cost-effectiveness of subcutaneous (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) against standard-of-care (SOC) treatment in children with grass pollen allergic rhinitis. Methods. We created a Markov model to compare the three strategies over a 10-year horizon. SOC was the reference to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were used to assess models' uncertainty. Results. We obtained an ICER of € 12,605 and € 6,318 for SLIT and SCIT, respectively. In sensitivity analysis, SCIT was more cost-effective than SLIT. Conclusions. AIT is cost-effective in children with grass pollen allergic rhinitis, especially for the subcutaneous route.

Diet quality, asthma and airway inflammation in school-aged children

Summary

Background. Asthma is a major public health problem, with increasing prevalence in most countries, particularly among children. Poor dietary quality is also increasing in children, and evidence of the overall quality of children's food patterns effects on asthma is scarce. Methods. This cross-sectional analysis (660 children: 49.1% females, aged 7-12years) evaluated the association between diet quality and asthma (n = 56) and airway inflammation among school-aged children according to body mass index (BMI). Diet quality was assessed through the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015, and categorized by tertiles. Higher scores represent a healthier diet. A questionnaire was used to enquire about self-reported medical diagnosis of asthma and asthma under medication. Lung function and airway reversibility were measured, and airway inflammation assessed measuring exhaled fractional nitric oxide (eNO). Two categories of BMI were considered: non-overweight/obese (p less than 85^th), (n = 491), and overweight/obese (p ≥ than 85^th), (n = 169). The associations between diet quality and asthma and airway inflammation were estimated using logistic regression models. Results. Non-overweight/obese children in 2^nd tertile of HEI-2015 score had decreased odds of having eNO ≥ 35ppb (OR 0.43, 95%CI 0.19-0.98), medical diagnosis of asthma (OR 0.18; 95%CI 0.04-0.84), and asthma treatment (OR 0.12; 95%CI 0.01-0.95), compared to children in the 1^st tertile. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that a higher diet quality associates with lower levels of airway inflammation and reduced prevalence of asthma among non-overweight/obese school-aged children.

Biologicals in severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: translation to clinical practice while waiting for head-to-head studies

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) affects 1.0-2.6% of the population (1) and results in relevant direct and indirect costs. Recently, several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with Type 2-targeting biologicals (anti-IL4Rα, anti-IL5R, anti-IL5 and anti-IgE) opened a new treatment field for patients refractory to first-line treatments (2,3).

The impact of sexual hormones on depressive symptoms and alcohol use in a woman with delusional disorder at the perimenopausal stage: case report and review of recent works

Introduction

The influence of sexual hormones on mental disorders have been extensively reported. In fact, recent studies suggest that sex hormones may play a relevant role in the pathophysiology of psychosis, may be a precipitant when exogenously administered or even be used as a treatment agent of psychotic disorders.

Objectives

To describe the case of a patient with a recent diagnosis of delusional disorder (DD) with an onset in the perimenopausal period.

Methods

Case report and narrative review focused on the impact of sexual hormones on depressive symptoms and alcohol use comorbidity during perimenopause in DD women by using PubMed database.

Results

Case report: A 48-year-old woman diagnosed with DD. The clinical assessment of climacteric symptoms, as well as the gonadotropins (elevated levels of follicle-stimulating hormone -FSH- and luteinizing hormone -LH-) and estrogen levels monitoring (variations on 17-β-estradiol -E2-) enabled to link the endocrine changes with the onset and course of the psychiatric disorder. During the development of the disease, the patient also presented comorbid depressive symptoms and alcohol use disorder. Review: Estrogen depletion seems to increase the risk of psychosis, while scientific literature is not conclusive in establishing a definitive relationship between depressive symptoms and hormonal imbalance in DD. Alcohol use disorder is a common comorbidity in both perimenopausal women and patients with DD.

Conclusions

Multiaxial management of the case helped clinicians to achieve clinical stabilization. Sex differences as well as hormonal pattern disturbances should receive special attention due to the seminal implications in pharmacotherapy and clinical outcomes.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Population-based screening of Uruguayan Ashkenazi Jews for recurrent BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic sequence variants

In Ashkenazi Jews (AJ) three recurring pathogenic sequence variants (PSVs) are detected in ~2.5% of the general population in the BRCA1 (c.68_69del = 185delAG, c.5266dup = 5382insC), and BRCA2 (c.5946del = 6174delT). Population‐based screening for these PSVs in AJ women is part of the health basket in Israel. To assess the feasibility and outcome of BRCA genotyping in the Jewish population of Uruguay, AJ in the greater Montevideo area were recruited using ethically approved protocol and without pretest counseling were genotyped for the three predominant AJ PSVs in the BRCA genes. Independently confirmed PSV carriers were counseled, and genetic testing was offered to additional family members. Overall, 327 participants were enrolled: 312 (95%) female, 261 (80%) had all four grandparents AJ, and 14 (4%) women were breast cancer survivors with a mean age ± standard deviation (SD) 50 ± 11.5 years. The BRCA1 c.68_69del PSV was detected in three cancer free participants (0.92%, CI 95% 0.31–2.6), all with a suggestive family history. No carriers of the other two recurrent PSVs were detected. Online oncogenetic counseling was provided for all carriers. In conclusion, the rate of the BRCA1 c.68_69del PSV was similar with the rate in other AJ communities. AJ population BRCA genotyping screens in Uruguay seem feasible and should be promoted.

Socioeconomic, Clinical, and Molecular Features of Breast Cancer Influence Overall Survival of Latin American Women

Molecular profile of breast cancer in Latin-American women was studied in five countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay. Data about socioeconomic characteristics, risk factors, prognostic factors, and molecular subtypes were described, and the 60-month overall cumulative survival probabilities (OS) were estimated. From 2011 to 2013, 1,300 eligible Latin-American women 18 years or older, with a diagnosis of breast cancer in clinical stage II or III, and performance status ≦̸1 were invited to participate in a prospective cohort study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted, and clinical and outcome data, including death, were extracted from medical records. Unadjusted associations were evaluated by Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests and the OS by Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank test was used to determine differences between cumulative probability curves. Multivariable adjustment was carried out by entering potential confounders in the Cox regression model. The OS at 60 months was 83.9%. Multivariable-adjusted death hazard differences were found for women living in Argentina (2.27), Chile (1.95), and Uruguay (2.42) compared with Mexican women, for older (≥60 years) (1.84) compared with younger (≤40 years) women, for basal-like subtype (5.8), luminal B (2.43), and HER2-enriched (2.52) compared with luminal A subtype, and for tumor clinical stages IIB (1.91), IIIA (3.54), and IIIB (3.94) compared with stage IIA women. OS was associated with country of residence, PAM50 intrinsic subtype, age, and tumor stage at diagnosis. While the latter is known to be influenced by access to care, including cancer screening, timely diagnosis and treatment, including access to more effective treatment protocols, it may also influence epigenetic changes that, potentially, impact molecular subtypes. Data derived from heretofore understudied populations with unique geographic ancestry and sociocultural experiences are critical to furthering our understanding of this complexity.

Rabdomiosarcoma orbitario en el adulto jóven: a propósito de un caso clínico

Objetivo: Describir el diagnóstico, tratamiento y la evolución de un adulto jóven rabdomiosarcoma alveolar orbitario. Caso Clínico. Hombre de 20 años, consultó por dolor retro-orbitario derecho, proptosis, cefalea, disminución de la visión y fiebre. Valorado por oftalmología se planteó absceso infraorbitario derecho. Se realizó tomografía computarizada donde se observó un tumor orbitario abscedado de 38x25mm. La estadificación fue un T2bN1M0, sitio favorable, Estadio III del IRSG, riesgo intermedio. Se decidió drenaje quirúrgico y biopsia. La anatomía patológica informó rabdomiosarcoma alveolar variante sólida. Se realizó exenteración orbitaria. Se utilizó quimioterapia con esquema: vincristina, adriamicina, ciclofosfamida alternado con irinotecan. Presentó una progresión tumoral local y encefálica por lo que inicia radioterapia con criterio paliativo hemostático, falleciendo luego por complicaciones infecciosas y neurológicas. Conclusión. El rabdomiosarcoma alveolar orbitario en adultos es poco frecuente, agresivo, con alto riesgo de diseminación, y mal pronóstico. Puede simular procesos infecciosos orbitarios, como en nuestro paciente, siendo especialmente importante el diagnóstico precoz, el manejo interdisciplinario, el tratamiento precoz y el soporte de las posibles complicaciones, todo lo cual condiciona la evolución de los pacientes con rabdomiosarcoma.

Survival and Time to Initiation of Adjuvant Chemotherapy Among Breast Cancer Patients in Uruguay

Introduction

Increases in disease-free survival and overall survival (OS) with the use of adjuvant chemotherapy in early breast cancer (BC) are widely known; however, the optimal time to initiate treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy remains controversial.

Objective

To evaluate the time elapsed between surgery and the initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy and its possible impact on OS in patients diagnosed with BC stages I–III.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included 112 patients diagnosed with BC stages I–III who received adjuvant chemotherapy at the Mastology Unit of the Hospital de Clínicas in Uruguay from 2009 to 2019. OS was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and a Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

No statistically significant association was found between the time from surgery to the initiation of chemotherapy and the described variables. OS was worse for patients initiating chemotherapy more than 90 days after breast surgery (n = 19) (HR 7.63; p = 0.004) and between 61 and 90 days after surgery (n = 46) (HR 4.58; p = 0.040) compared to those who started before 30 days (n = 23). Controlling by type of surgery and stage, the prognosis of patients who started chemotherapy between 61 and 90 days after surgery was similar to that of patients who underwent chemotherapy within the first 30 days, controlling for surgery (HR 4.10; p = 0.056) and controlling for stage (HR 3.76; p = 0.075). Prognosis was worse for patients with stage III disease (p = 0.022) who underwent a mastectomy and/or axillary lymph node dissection (p = 0.025).

Conclusion

Patients who started chemotherapy more than 90 days following surgery and those with stage III disease or underwent mastectomy and/or axillary lymph node dissection who initiated it between 61 and 90 days had a worse OS. Multiple factors are involved in the time between surgery and the initiation of chemotherapy, and further studies are needed to evaluate which of these factors influence the delay of chemotherapy in order to design strategies to avoid such delays and their negative impact on survival.

Cancer control in Latin America and the Caribbean: recent advances and opportunities to move forward

The increasing burden of cancer represents a substantial problem for Latin America and the Caribbean. Two Lancet Oncology Commissions in 2013 and 2015 highlighted potential interventions that could advance cancer care in the region by overcoming existing challenges. Areas requiring improvement included insufficient investment in cancer control, non-universal health coverage, fragmented health systems, inequitable concentration of cancer services, inadequate registries, delays in diagnosis or treatment initiation, and insufficient palliative services. Progress has been made in key areas but remains uneven across the region. An unforeseen challenge, the COVID-19 pandemic, strained all resources, and its negative effect on cancer control is expected to continue for years. In this Series paper, we summarise progress in several aspects of cancer control since 2015, and identify persistent barriers requiring commitment of additional resources to reduce the cancer burden in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Expression of spindle assembly checkpoint proteins BubR1 and Mad2 expression as potential biomarkers of malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia: an observational cohort study

Background

The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint (SAC) is a surveillance mechanism essential to ensure the accuracy of chromosome segregation during mitosis. Our aim was to evaluate the expression of SAC proteins in oral carcinogenesis, and to assess their potential in predicting malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia.

Material and Methods

We analysed the immunoexpression of BubR1, Mad2, Bub3, and Spindly proteins in 64 oral biopsies from 52 oral leukoplakias and 12 normal tissues. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to evaluate predictive factors for malignant transformation (MT).

Results

We observed that BubR1 and Mad2 were more highly expressed in high dysplasia grade lesions than in low grade or normal tissues (P<0.05). High expression of Spindly was significantly correlated with a high Ki-67 score (P=0.004). Six (11.5%) oral leukoplakias underwent malignant transformation. In univariate analysis, the binary dysplasia grade (high grade) (P<0.001) was associated with a higher risk of malignant transformation as well as high BubR1 (P<0.001) and high Mad2 (P=0.013) expression. In multivariate analysis, high expression of BubR1 and Mad2 when combined showed an increased risk for malignant transformation (P=0.013; HR of 4.6, 95% CI of 1.4-15.1).

Conclusions

Our findings reveal that BubR1 and Mad2 were associated with an increased risk for malignant transformation independently of histological grade and could be potential and useful predictive risk markers of malignant transformation in oral leukoplakias.

Key words:BubR1, Mad2, Spindly, Bub3, Oral Leukoplakia, epithelial dysplasia, Oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Comorbidity and therapeutic response of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a biological basis overlapped with obsessive compulsive disorders and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). The combination of pharmacological treatment and psychological interventions have been considered the gold-standard

Objectives

Our main objective was to present the case of a patient with ASD and comorbid BDD. As a second objective, we reviewed recent works on the common neurobiological substrate and therapeutic options for both conditions.

Methods

(1)Clinical case: Patient with ASD and BDD, treated with fluoxetine 60 mg/day and aripiprazole 30 mg/day. (2)Non-systematic narrative review focused on neurobiological substrate and treatment of ASD and BDD. The electronic search was performed by the PubMed database (1990-2020) using the following key terms: “autism spectrum disorder”, “body dysmorphic disorder”, “dysmorphophobia”, “neurobiology”, “pharmacological treatment”, “psychological treatment” and “treatment”.

Results

Our patient is a 31-year-old single male fulfilling DSM-5 criteria for ASD, diagnosed in childhood, and BDD. He received pharmacological treatment and CBT. He also verbalized having been concerned with his lips and mouth for the last 10 years. This discomfort leads to passive ideas of death. Review: All articles (n=4) supported the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and CBT in this comorbidity. None of them reported the use of antipsychotics. Oone article described the use of Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and oxytocin.

Conclusions

ASD and BDD share the basis of corticostriatal circuits. ISRS and CBT may be effective in treatment. Other options (oxytocin or rTMS) should be further investigated. Examining this comorbidity could be useful for discovering possible endophenotypes.

Prevalence of Known Risk Factors in Uruguayan Women Treated for Breast Cancer at a University Hospital

Introduction

In Uruguay, breast cancer has the highest incidence and mortality of all cancer in women. Knowledge of the distribution of risk factors related to disease development supports the implementation of prevention strategies in routine clinical practice. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological profile for breast cancer and the frequency of mammographic surveillance in the surveyed population.

Materials and Methods

A survey was conducted among Uruguayan women diagnosed with breast cancer who were assisted in the mastology unit of the oncology service of the Hospital de Clínicas in Montevideo, Uruguay, from September 1, 2018, to March 1, 2020.

Results

This study included 398 respondents, with a median (SD) age at diagnosis of 61 (34-86) years. A total of 310 respondents (78.0%) had 1 or more risk factors. Most women aged over 50 years (264 out of a total of 338 [78.1%]) underwent mammographic surveillance at least biennially.

Conclusions

Consistent with international reports, most respondents had a risk factor. Among the group of respondents aged over 50 years, most underwent mammographic and clinical surveillance at least biennially. Although it is only possible to formulate conclusions about the surveyed women because of the study design, the obtained data further our understanding of the epidemiological profile of the Uruguayan population, which can contribute to prevention practices.

The immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 immunopathology - Current perspectives

SARS-CoV-2 is a new beta coronavirus, similar to SARS-CoV-1, that emerged at the end of 2019 in the Hubei province of China. It is responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. The ability to gain quick control of the pandemic has been hampered by a lack of detailed knowledge about SARS-CoV-2-host interactions, mainly in relation to viral biology and host immune response. The rapid clinical course seen in COVID-19 indicates that infection control in asymptomatic patients or patients with mild disease is probably due to the innate immune response, as, considering that SARS-CoV-2 is new to humans, an effective adaptive response would not be expected to occur until approximately 2–3 weeks after contact with the virus. Antiviral innate immunity has humoral components (complement and coagulation-fibrinolysis systems, soluble proteins that recognize glycans on cell surface, interferons, chemokines, and naturally occurring antibodies) and cellular components (natural killer cells and other innate lymphocytes). Failure of this system would pave the way for uncontrolled viral replication in the airways and the mounting of an adaptive immune response, potentially amplified by an inflammatory cascade. Severe COVID-19 appears to be due not only to viral infection but also to a dysregulated immune and inflammatory response. In this paper, the authors review the most recent publications on the immunobiology of SARS-CoV-2, virus interactions with target cells, and host immune responses, and highlight possible associations between deficient innate and acquired immune responses and disease progression and mortality. Immunotherapeutic strategies targeting both the virus and dysfunctional immune responses are also addressed.

Impact of day hospital care on adherence to psychiatric follow-up appointments and medications in patients with delusional disorder

Introduction

Day care programs have been extensively used to treat people with acute psychiatric disorders. Day hospitals (DH) can act as an alternative to admission in patients with acute symptoms, shorten the duration of admission, be useful for rehabilitation and maintenance care or enhance treatment in patients with poor adherence to outpatient care. Few research has been conducted in delusional disorder (DD).

Objectives

To investigate whether DH care increases adherence with psychiatric appointments in patients with DD. To describe functions of partial hospitalization in DD.

Methods

Comparative study including DD patients who attended a DH (Group 1:n=12) versus patients who did not receive DH care (Group 2;n=7). Patients attending DH were classified into 3 groups according to the program function at referral. Adherence with outpatient follow-up appointments (primary outcome) and pharmacy refill data (secondary outcome) were assessed after discharge over a 6-month period (DH) and compared with group 2. For statistical analyses, non-parametric tests were performed.

Results

Program function (DH): alternative to admission (n=4); shortening of admission (n=5) and enhancing outpatient treatment (n=3). Patients receiving DH care were more frequently referred from the inpatient unit or emergency department compared to those who did not attend DH (commonly referred from primary care services). No statistically significant differences were found between both groups in adherence to psychiatric appointments. Patients who attended DH showed higher compliance with antipsychotics (89.29% vs.72.62, p<0.05).

Conclusions

DH care may be a useful alternative to increase adherence with antipsychotics in DD patients with poor awareness of illness.

Conflict of interest

AGR has received honoraria, registration for congresses and/or travel costs from Janssen, Lundbeck-Otsuka and Angelini.

Follow-up of patients with delusional disorder in a specialized outpatient clinic over a 2-year period

Introduction

In order to prevent relapse and increase medication adherence, primary care physicians and psychiatric inpatient units should consider referring patients with delusional disorder (DD) to specialized outpatient clinics for treatment and follow-up.

Objectives

This poster describes a sample of DD patients referred to a specialized unit for DD and documents rates of follow-up care.

Methods

Over a 2-year period, 29 individuals were consecutively referred to the Parc Tauli -Delusional Syndrome Working Group, which provides treatment and clinical care for patients with delusional disorders for a catchment area of nearly 450.000 inhabitants in Sabadell (Barcelona, Spain). Criteria for inclusion in the program are relatively flexible. Referred patients are evaluated at baseline and at 6 months following their first appointment. Treatment and case management are offered by a multidisciplinary team consisting of psychiatric, nursing, and social work personnel. Psychological interventions are also offered.

Results

Of the 29 persons initially referred, 27 attended at least one scheduled appointment. Twenty-one out of the 27 patients received a confirmed diagnosis of DD (14 women,7 men), 2 suffered from schizophrenia and 4 were diagnosed with other psychiatric disorders and referred to other programs: primary care (n=2), affective program (n=1) and addictions unit (n=1). A breakdown of DD subtypes follows: persecutory (n=10,47.6%), jealous (n=4,19%), somatic (n=5,23.81%), mixed (n=2,9.5%). Three patients with DD (14.3%) were lost to follow-up. Attendance rates of the 21 DD patients: 80.4% (Women:77.67%, Men:100%).

Conclusions

For a traditionally difficult-to-engage population, adherence to multidisciplinary clinic appointments was relatively high. Loss to follow-up was lower than would have been expected.

Conflict of interest

AGR has received honoraria, registration for congresses and/or travel costs from Janssen, Lundbeck-Otsuka and Angelini.

Therapeutic implications of structural and functional neuroimaging findings in delusional disorder: A case report and review of literature

Introduction

Several neuroimaging studies on psychosis spectrum have been published in the last decades, most of them based on schizophrenia. In the context of neuroanatomical dysfunctions, clinical and prognosis implications have been reported. Nevertheless, only a few studies have been focused on delusional disorder (DD).

Objectives

To present the case of a patient diagnosed with DD who suffered from two cerebrovascular events after the onset of the psychiatric disease. Our aim is to elucidate potential implications of those lesions on the course of DD. We also reviewed the literature to assess evidence for specific changes in DD on brain structures and functions.

Methods

Case report and non-systematic narrative review in PubMed (2000-2020).

Results

Case report: A 66-year-old female with DD presenting, during the course of the disease, general atrophy and consecutive ischemic lesions on parietal, occipital and cerebellar areas. Clinical stabilization was achieved 12-16 months after risperidone 1.5mg/day treatment. Review: 19 studies were included: Structural brain data (n=15), Functional data (n=13). Most of the structural neuroimaging studies reported white and gray matter abnormalities, particularly in temporal, parietal and frontal lobes, and in limbic structures. Functional neuroimaging studies pointed to temporal and parietal lobes, as well as basal ganglia and limbic related structures.

Conclusions

Temporal, parietal, frontal, basal ganglia and limbic-related structures, as well as dysfunctions in other specific brain regions, may be implicated in the core symptoms of DD. These findings might be further investigated as potential neuroimaging markers of prognosis, such as partial or delayed response to antipsychotic treatment, as presented in our case.

Are anxiety disorders a prelude to delusional disorder? A systematic review

Introduction

Prevalence rates of panic attacks have been reported to be around 24-63% in psychotic patients. Common underlying biological substrates for panic and paranoia have been proposed, suggesting that delusional disorder (DD) may be preceded by the development of anxiety disorders.

Objectives

The main objective of this study was to investigate anxiety comorbidity in DD. As a second objective, we set ourselves to know prescription rates for the use of antidepressants and benzodiazepines in anxiety disorders in the context of DD.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed (1980- September 2020) according to the PRISMA guidelines. The following search terms were used: (delusional disorder) AND (anxiety OR anxiety disorder OR anxi*). Research studies and case reports were included if they met the following criteria: DD diagnosis (DSM, ICD), publication in peer-review journal and investigations containing information on anxiety comorbidity in DD.

Results

Four studies fulfilled our criteria, including 155 patients: 65 (42%) women, mean age 42.7 years (SD:14.96). Thirty-three of the 155 patients (21.29%) presented at least one comorbid anxiety disorder: 14 specific phobias, 9 panic attacks, 5 social phobias and 2 agoraphobias. Treatment was not reported for many patients (n= 28). Four patients received fluoxetine and 1 patient benzodiazepines. All of them showed partial improvement of symptoms.

Conclusions

Less than a third of DD patients showed an anxiety disorder. The effectiveness of antidepressant and benzodiazepine treatment has been poorly described. Future studies may be focused on the investigation of preceding comorbid anxiety disorders in patients with DD.

Successful treatment of primary delusional parasitosis with paroxetine: A case report and narrative review

Introduction

Antipsychotics have been classically considered the treatment of choice for delusional disorder (DD) and antidepressant medications have been restricted to patients with comorbid depression.

Objectives

Our aim is to describe the case of a patient with DD with delusions of parasitosis, who responded to paroxetine as monotherapy. We also aimed to review the recent literature on the potential use of antidepressants as the main treatment for somatic type DD.

Methods

After the case report, we present a narrative review on the use of antidepressants in DD, somatic type (DSM-criteria) by using PubMed database from inception until 2020.

Results

Case: 74 year-old woman without previous psychiatric diagnosis who suffered from long-term cutaneous and vulvar pruritus. She was referred to psychiatry from dermatology to assess thought content and sensoperceptive disturbances. In the past, she had received unsuccessful treatment with antihistamines. The patient brought a collection of “the identified parasite” (matchbox sign) to our first appointment. On assessment, she was diagnosed with DD with delusions of parasitosis. Risperidone 1mg/day was poorly tolerated (excessive sedation). She refused further antipsychotic treatment, so we started paroxetine up to 20mg/day. The patient went into total remission of her pruritus and delusions of parasitosis. Review. In line with our case, 6 studies reported on the successful use of antidepressants as monotherapy for DD, somatic type. Most of studies report the successful use of an antipsychotic/antidepressant combination (case-series, case reports).

Conclusions

Although antipsychotics are the treatment of choice, antidepressant medications may be an effective alternative in somatic type DD when patients refuse antipsychotics.

Anaphylaxis: A Decade of a Nationwide Allergy Society Registry

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Anaphylaxis is an acute, life-threatening, multiorgan hypersensitivity reaction. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the causes of anaphylaxis in Portugal in order to improve our knowledge of epidemiology and management.

METHODS

We implemented a nationwide notification system for anaphylaxis over a 10-year period, with voluntary reporting by allergists. Data on 1783 patients with anaphylaxis were included. Etiopathogenesis, manifestations, and clinical management were characterized in detail for both children and adults.

RESULTS

The mean age was 32.7 (20.3) years, and 30% were under 18 years of age; 58% were female. The mean age at the first anaphylaxis episode was 27.5 (20.4) years (ranging from 1 month to 88 years). The main culprits of anaphylaxis were foods (48%), drugs (37%) (main trigger in adults, 48%), and hymenoptera venom (7%). The main culprit foods were shellfish (27%), fresh fruit (17%), cow's milk (16%), tree nuts (15%), fish (8%), egg (7%), and peanut (7%). The main drugs were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (43%), antibiotics (39%), and anesthetic agents (6%). Other causes included exercise (3%), latex (2%), cold-induced anaphylaxis (2%), and idiopathic anaphylaxis (2%). Most patients (80%) were admitted to the emergency department; only 43% received adrenaline. Anaphylaxis recurred in 41% of patients (21% with ≥3 anaphylactic episodes); 7% used an adrenaline autoinjector device.

CONCLUSION

Food is the leading cause of anaphylaxis in Portugal, while drugs were the main elicitors in adults. We emphasize undertreatment with adrenaline and recurrent episodes, highlighting the need to improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to anaphylaxis.

Brachial plexus tumors extending into the cervicothoracic spine: a review with operative nuances and outcomes

BACKGROUND

The rarity and anatomical complexity of brachial plexus tumors (BPTs) impose many challenges onto surgeons performing surgical resections, especially when these tumors invade the cervicothoracic spine. Treatment choices and surgery outcomes heavily depend on anatomical location and tumor type.

METHODS

The authors performed an extensive review of the published literature (PubMed) focusing on "brachial plexus tumors" that identified invasion of the cervicothoracic spine.

RESULTS

The search yielded 2774 articles pertaining to "brachial plexus tumors". Articles not in the English language or involving cervicothoracic spinal invasion were excluded.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent research has shown that the most common method used to resect tumors of the proximal roots is the dorsal subscapular approach. Despite its association with high morbidity rate, this technique offers excellent exposure to the spinal roots and intraforaminal portion of the spinal nerve. The dorsal approach is used to resect recurrent lower trunk tumors and dumbbell-shaped neurofibromas, yet it is also the least common overall approach used in brachial plexus tumor resections. The ventral or anterior technique is commonly used to resect tumors at the cord to division level, and root to trunk level. Motor complications, transient nerve palsy, and bleeding are among the most common complications of the anterior supraclavicular approach. Further controlled studies are needed to fully determine the optimal surgical approach used to obtain the best outcomes and least complications for each type of brachial plexus tumor.

Association between the density and type of trees around urban schools and exhaled nitric oxide levels in schoolchildren

Summary

Greenspaces in school's neighbourhood represent an important environment to promote healthy development. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the density and type of trees around schools and exhaled Nitric Oxide (NO) levels in schoolchildren. Data on 845 children from 20 primary schools in Porto was analysed. Airway inflammation was assessed by measuring exhaled NO level. The density and type of trees were quantified within a 500 m buffer around schools. Associations were estimated using mixed-effect models. A significant association was observed between non-tree covered areas around schools and exhaled NO levels in schoolchildren (β = - 1.42, 95% CI - 2.84, - 0.001). Our results suggested that the presence of trees in school neighbourhoods may play a role in the biological mechanisms underlying the complex links between environment and airway inflammation.

A Latin American and Spanish pediatric gastroenterology group's understanding of cow's milk protein allergy diagnosis and treatment: Results of a survey by the Food Allergy Working Group of the Sociedad Latinoamericana de Gastroenterología, Hepatología y Nutrición Pediátrica

INTRODUCTION

There are discrepancies in the diagnosis and management of cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) in Spain and Latin America. The aim of the present study was to find out how Spanish and Latin American pediatric gastroenterologists diagnose and treat CMPA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Pediatric gastroenterologists, members of the Sociedad Latinoamericana de Gastroenterología, Hepatología y Nutrición, were invited to fill out a structured survey, the results of which were then compared with the 2012 and 2014 diagnosis and treatment guidelines, respectively.

RESULTS

The survey results showed that 17% of the participants follow the diagnostic recommendations based on the published consensus and guidelines. To diagnose non-IgE-mediated CMPA, 15% of the participants utilize IgE-specific skin prick tests, 22% use IgE-specific blood tests, and 45% employ oral food challenges. To diagnose IgE-mediated CMPA the percentages for the same diagnostic methods were 57, 83 and 22%, respectively. Once diagnosis is confirmed, 98% of the participants provide dietary recommendations. In children that are not breastfed, 89% of the participants prescribe an initial extensively hydrolyzed formula, 9% an amino acid formula, 1% a soy formula, and 1% a hydrolyzed rice formula. In patients with IgE-mediated CMPA, 34% of the participants carry out an oral challenge once treatment is completed, 39% according to symptom severity, and 27% in relation to IgE-specific testing.

CONCLUSION

CMPA management is diverse and there is poor adherence to the clinical practice guidelines.

The US–Latin America Cancer Research Network

PURPOSE

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Center for Global Health promotes global oncology research to reduce cancer burden worldwide. In 2009, NCI launched the Latin American Cancer Research Network (LACRN) to support a clinical cancer research network in Latin America. LACRN was started by a coalition of research institutions through bilateral collaborative agreements between the US Department of Health and Human Services and the governments of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay. The LACRN is supported through a research contract to a study coordination center and subcontracts to 6 low- and middle-income country sites. The participating countries have a shared goal that meets the specific research needs of the regions. The overarching purpose of this endeavor is to implement high-quality standards for conducting clinical research studies and developing collaborative cancer research projects.

METHODS

NCI supported a clinical breast cancer project for LACRN, “Molecular profiling of breast cancer (MPBC) in Latin American women with stage II and III breast cancer receiving standard neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.” The molecular profiling of breast cancer study was conducted in 40 hospitals and research institutions across 5 countries with a study population of approximately 1,400 patients.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Establishing a comprehensive network in Latin America and their research institutions yielded an incredible research resource that can be used in future studies, driven by the network. Throughout the process of developing and implementing studies, LACRN helped identify key elements of the functionality of research networks, such as the pivotal role of institutional and government commitment for sustainability; the importance of building multidisciplinary teams, transparent communications, and training; the ability to combine translational, epidemiology, and clinical research to close research gaps; and the application of new technologies to standard cancer clinical care.

Airborne food and aeroallergens levels in healthcare settings. An unaccounted but potentially relevant source of exposure?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Exposure to airborne allergens of biological origin associates with the development and exacerbation of allergic asthma and rhinitis. Assessment of allergens exposure in healthcare facilities may contribute to monitor hygiene and survey specific allergens which may cause symptoms in sensitized subjects. Objective: To assess concentration of indoor and airborne food allergens across different healthcare settings.

METHODS

Dust was vacuumed from primary health care centers in Lisbon; and emergency unit, day hospital, internal medicine ward, operating room and the outpatient clinic of a university central hospital in Porto. Samples were sieved, weighed, extracted and concentrations of Nbos d 5, Cor a 9, Gal d 2, Ara h 3, Ara h 6, Der p 1, Fel d 1, Can f 1, Bla g 2, Alt a 1 and Phl p 5 were determined using a multiplex array for allergens (MARIA™).

RESULTS

All airborne food and aeroallergens were found at least in one sampled area, except for Alt a 1. Levels of Der p 1 and Fel d 1 ranged from 13.0 µg/g to 971.0 µg/g and from 7.0 µg/g to 4618.8 µg/g, respectively. The emergency unit revealed the higher levels of food allergens, namely Nbos d 5 (16034.0 µg/g) and Cor a 9 (10649.5 µg/g).

CONCLUSIONS

With the exception of the operating room, exposure levels of dust mite, cat and dog allergens in healthcare facilities were above the values associated with sensitization and occurrence of allergic asthma or rhinitis symptoms in sensitized subjects.

Prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis: A multicenter study on a pediatric population evaluated at thirty-six Latin American gastroenterology centers

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease described in case series and publications worldwide. Over the past twenty years, the authors of different studies have attempted to evaluate its incidence and prevalence. The objetive of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in a group of children seen at 36 pediatric gastroenterology centers in ten Latin American countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multicenter, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted that estimated the period prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in children seen at outpatient consultation and that underwent diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for any indication at 36 centers in 10 Latin American countries, within a 3-month time frame.

RESULTS

Between April and June 2016, 108 cases of eosinophilic esophagitis were evaluated. Likewise, an average of 29,253 outpatient consultations and 4,152 diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopies were carried out at the 36 participating centers. The period prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in the population studied (n=29,253) was 3.69 cases×1,000 (95% CI: 3.04 to 4.44), and among the children that underwent routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (n=4,152), it was 26x1,000 (95% CI: 22.6 to 29.4).

CONCLUSIONS

The general period prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in a group of children evaluated at 36 Latin American pediatric gastroenterology centers was 3.69×1,000, and in the children that underwent endoscopy, it was 26×1,000. There was important prevalence variability between the participating countries and centers. The present analysis is the first study conducted on the prevalence of pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis in Latin America.

Metabolic interactions in asthma

Summary

Metabolomics can be used to explore altered metabolic pathways in asthma, giving insights into its pathophysiology. We aimed to review how metabolomics has been used to understand asthma by describing metabolic pathways under research and discussing clinical implications. The search was performed in PubMed, and studies published since 2000 using a metabolomics approach, were included. A total of 32 studies were analysed. Pathways related with cellular energy homeostasis, lipid metabolism and oxidative stress, immune and inflammatory processes and others were altered. Initial studies focused on biomarker discovery. But, metabolomics can be used to evaluate drug effects on specific pathways, to highlight pathways that can further develop in new targeted treatments and to identify differences according to asthma severity and phenotypes.

Skin cancer healthcare impact: A nation-wide assessment of an administrative database

BACKGROUND

Skin cancer is an important health concern, with an increasing incidence worldwide.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical and economic burden of melanoma (MM) and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) at public hospitals in mainland Portugal.

METHODS

We used an administrative database containing a registration of all hospitalizations and ambulatory episodes occurred in Portuguese public hospitals between 2011 and 2015. We assessed all episodes with associated diagnoses of MM or NMSC regarding neoplasm location, metastases occurrence, length of stay, in-hospital mortality and hospital costs.

RESULTS

We assessed 15,913 MM and 72,602 NMSC episodes. 14.3% of MM episodes presented with metastases, compared to 1.9% of NMSC episodes. Patients' median age was lower for MM (66 years) than NMSC (76 years). The trunk was the most common location for MM (32.5%), followed by the lower limbs (26.5%). NMSC presented with higher length of stay than MM (median 5 versus 4 days; p < 0.001), but with lower in-hospital mortality (7.3% versus 11.9%; p < 0.001). MM episodes had higher average hospital costs than NMSC episodes (1197.7 versus 1113.5 €; p < 0.001). Overall, NMSC episodes amounted a total of 80.8 million € in hospital costs versus 19.1 million € for MM episodes.

CONCLUSION

Skin neoplasms have substantial impact on healthcare services. NMSC is an important contributor to this burden. NMSC underreporting should be tackled and it should not be downplayed in skin cancer preventative strategies.

Mechanisms of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in athletes: Current perspectives and future challenges

The evidence of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) without asthma (EIBw_A ) occurring in athletes led to speculate about different endotypes inducing respiratory symptoms within athletes. Classical postulated mechanisms for bronchial obstruction in this population include the osmotic and the thermal hypotheses. More recently, the presence of epithelial injury and inflammation in the airways of athletes was demonstrated. In addition, neuronal activation has been suggested as a potential modulator of bronchoconstriction. Investigation of these emerging mechanisms is of major importance as EIB is a significant problem for both recreational and competitive athletes and is the most common chronic condition among Olympic athletes, with obvious implications for their competing performance, health and quality of life. Hereby, we summarize the latest achievements in this area and identify the current gaps of knowledge so that future research heads toward better defining the etiologic factors and mechanisms involved in development of EIB in elite athletes as well as essential aspects to ultimately propose preventive and therapeutic measures.

Diagnostic tools in ocular allergy

Ocular allergy (OA) includes a group of common and less frequent hypersensitivity disorders frequently misdiagnosed and not properly managed. The diagnosis of OA is usually based on clinical history and signs and symptoms, with the support of in vivo and in vitro tests when identification of the specific allergen is required. To date, no specific test is available for the diagnosis of the whole spectrum of the different forms of OA. The lack of recommendations on diagnosis of OA is considered a medical need not only for allergists but also for ophthalmologists. This position paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the currently available tools for diagnosing OA to promote a common nomenclature and procedures to be used by different specialists. Questionnaires, sign and symptom grading scales, tests, and potential biomarkers for OA are reviewed. We also identified several unmet needs in the diagnostic tools to generate interest, increase understanding, and inspire further investigations. Tools, recommendations, and algorithms for the diagnosis of OA are proposed for use by both allergists and ophthalmologists. Several unmet needs in the diagnostic tools should be further improved by specific clinical research in OA.

The Vespid Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire - cultural adaptation and translation to Portuguese

A cross-cultural translation of the Vespid Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (VQLQ) to the Portuguese population (VQLQ-P) was performed, assessing its applicability in wasp and in non-beekeeper bee venom allergic patients. Additionally, we evaluated a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to estimate hymenoptera allergy interference with daily life. Methods. Cross-cultural translation was performed according to recommendations. The final VQLQ-P version, the Expectation of Outcome questionnaire (EoQ), EQ-5D and VAS were applied to wasp (n = 19) and non-beekeeper bee venom allergic patients (n = 30). Results. VQLQ-P significantly correlated with EoQ, (r = 0.76, p < 0.01), EQ-5D (usual activities and anxiety / depression dimensions) and VAS, with a good internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.88) in wasp allergic individuals. VQLQ-P and EoQ correlation was also high (r = 0.67, p < 0.01) in bee allergy. Conclusion. The VQLQ-P is a valuable tool to evaluate quality of life impairment in Portuguese hymenoptera venom allergic individuals.

Conjunctival allergen provocation test : guidelines for daily practice

Conjunctival allergen provocation test (CAPT) reproduces the events occurring by instilling an allergen on the ocular surface. This paper is the compilation of a task force focussed on practical aspects of this technique based on the analysis of 131 papers. Main mechanisms involved are reviewed. Indications are diagnosing the allergen(s)-triggering symptoms in IgE-mediated ocular allergy in seasonal, acute or perennial forms of allergic conjunctivitis, especially when the relevance of the allergen is not obvious or in polysensitized patients. Contraindications are limited to ongoing systemic severe pathology, asthma and eye diseases. CAPT should be delayed if receiving systemic steroids or antihistamines. Local treatment should be interrupted according to the half-life of each drug. Prerequisites are as follows: obtaining informed consent; evidencing of an allergen by skin prick tests and/or serum-specific IgE dosages; being able to deal with an unlikely event such as acute asthma exacerbation, urticaria or anaphylaxis, or an exacerbation of allergic conjunctivitis. Allergen extracts should be diluted locally prior to administration. Positive criteria are based on itching or quoted according to a composite score. An alternative scoring is based on itching. CAPT remains underused in daily practice, although it is a safe and simple procedure which can provide valuable clinical information.

Dietary patterns and asthma prevalence, incidence and control

BACKGROUND

The increased asthma prevalence in westernized societies has been suggested to be related to environment exposures and lifestyle changes, particularly diet. We aimed to explore the association between dietary patterns and asthma prevalence, incidence and control in a nationally representative population.

METHODS

Data from 32,644 adults, 53% female, from the 4th Portuguese National Health Survey were analysed. Prevalence of asthma was 5.3%; 'current asthma', defined by asthma symptoms within previous year, 3.5%; 'current medicated asthma' defined by use of asthma medication within previous year, 3.0%; 'current severe asthma' defined by emergency visit because of asthma within previous year, 1.4%; and 'incident asthma', 0.2%. Dietary patterns (DP) were identified by latent trait models based on dietary intake. Unconditional logistic regression models were performed to analyse association between DP and asthma. Age, gender, education, family income, proxy reporting information, smoking, body mass index and physical activity level were analysed as confounders.

RESULTS

Two of the five identified DP were associated with asthma: 'high fat, sugar and salt' DP (positively correlated with pastry, chocolate and sweet desserts, candies, salty snacks, chips, fruit juices, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages consumption at snacks) was associated with asthma prevalence (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.24) and current severe asthma (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.48), while 'fish, fruit and vegetables' DP (positively correlated with fish, vegetables and fruit intake at meals) was negatively associated with current (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.73, 0.98), and current medicated asthma (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.72, 0.98), after adjustment for confounders.

CONCLUSION & CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Our results suggest a protective association between 'fish, vegetables and fruit' DP and current asthma and current medicated asthma, and a detrimental association between 'high fat, sugar and salt' DP and severe asthma prevalence, further supporting the rational for diet and lifestyle intervention studies in asthma based on whole dietary patterns and physical activity.

Obesity increases the prevalence and the incidence of asthma and worsens asthma severity

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We aimed to explore the association between obesity and asthma prevalence, incidence and severity.

METHODS

The study included 32,644 adults, 52.6% female, from a representative sample of the 4th Portuguese National Health Survey. The following asthma definitions were used: ever asthma (ever medical doctor asthma diagnosis), current asthma (asthma within the last 12 months), current persistent asthma (required asthma medication within the last 12 months), current severe asthma (attending an emergency department because of asthma within the last 12 months), and incident asthma (asthma diagnosis within the last 12 months). Body mass index was calculated based on self-reported weight and height and categorised according to WHO classification. Logistic regression models adjusted for confounders were performed.

RESULTS

Prevalence of ever asthma was 5.3%, current asthma 3.5%, current persistent asthma 3.0%, current severe asthma 1.4%, and incident asthma 0.2%. Prevalence of obesity was 16%, overweight 37.6%, normal weight 44.6% and underweight 0.2%. Being overweight, obesity class I and II, and obesity class III were associated with an OR (95% CI) with ever asthma 1.22 (1.21-1.24), 1.39 (1.36-1.41), 3.24 (3.08-3.40) respectively; current asthma 1.16 (1.14-1.18), 1.86 (1.82-1.90), 4.73 (4.49-4.98) respectively; current persistent asthma 1.08 (1.06-1.10), 2.06 (2.01-2.10), 5.24 (4.96-5.53), and current severe asthma 1.36 (1.32-1.40), 1.50 (1.45-1.55) and 3.70 (3.46-3.95), respectively. Considering the incidence of asthma, obesity more than quadrupled the odds (OR = 4.46, 95% CI 4.30, 4.62).

CONCLUSION

Obesity is associated in a dose dependent way with an increase of prevalent and incident asthma, and it seems to increase the odds of a more persistent and severe asthma phenotype independently of socio-demographic determinants, physical activity, and dietary patterns. Our results provide rational for future lifestyle intervention studies for weight reduction in the obesity-asthma phenotype.