Performance of EAST in diagnosing inhalant allergens in children with allergic rhinitis

The performance of enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (EAST) for identifying six indoor allergens was evaluated using skin prick test (SPT) as reference tests in 154 children with allergic rhinitis. Sensitivity of EAST ranged from 9% (cat) to 54% (HDM) with specificity of 74%(cockroach) to 100% (cat) with an agreement ranged from 58 to 86%. Cut off values ?> ?0.35 kU/L showed best sensitivity and specificity. Our findings agree with extant literature which suggests that the ability of EAST to determine the precipitating allergen is moderate. Assays for definitively identifying the inhalant allergen are currently not available.     

Filiform needle acupuncture for allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundFiliform needle acupuncture (FNA), the most classical and widely applied acupuncture method based on traditional Chinese medicine theory, has shown a promising effect in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR).ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy, safety, cost-effectiveness, and patient preference of FNA in the treatment of AR by comparing FNA with sham acupuncture, no treatment, and conventional medication.Search strategyEight electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to October 14, 2021. Additional studies were acquired from clinical trial registration platforms and reference lists.Inclusion criteriaRandomized controlled trials were included if they compared FNA with either sham acupuncture, no treatment or conventional medication for AR.Data extraction and analysisTwo researchers extracted data independently of each other using a predesigned data acquisition form, and results were cross-checked after completion. The primary outcome was symptom score (Total Nasal Symptom Score or Visual Analogue Scale), and the secondary outcomes were the AR control questionnaire, quality of life (QoL) score (Different versions of Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire), medication score (use of rescue medication), mental health score, total IgE, adverse event rate, clinical economic indicators, and patient satisfaction score. Standardized mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval was used to calculate the effect size for continuous data, while risk ratio with 95% CI was used for dichotomous data.ResultsThirty studies were included in this review. Compared with sham acupuncture, FNA significantly reduced the symptom score (SMD: ?0.29 [?0.43, ?0.15]), AR’s impact on QoL (SMD: ?0.23 [?0.37, ?0.08]) and medication score (SMD: ?0.3 [?0.49, ?0.11]). Compared with no treatment, FNA dramatically reduced the symptom score (SMD: ?0.8 [?1.2, ?0.39]) and AR’s impact on QoL (SMD: ?0.82 [?1.13, ?0.52]). There were no increased rates of adverse events with FNA compared to sham acupuncture and no treatment. FNA increased patient satisfaction and may be cost-effective. Most pieces of evidence from the above two comparisons were of high confidence. Moreover, FNA significantly outperformed conventional medication in reducing the symptom score (SMD: ?0.48 [?0.85, ?0.1]) and displayed a lower rate of adverse events, but the quality of evidence was very low.ConclusionFNA is an effective and safe intervention for AR and can help with symptom relief, QoL improvement, reducing medication usage, and increasing patient satisfaction. Further studies are needed to verify its cost-effectiveness and superiority over conventional medication and the best therapeutic strategies.     

ECFS standards of care on CFTR-related disorders: Updated diagnostic criteria

This paper is the first in a series providing updated guidance on the definition, evaluation and management of people with a Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR)-Related Disorder (CFTR-RD). The need for this update relates to more precise characterisation of CFTR gene variants and improved assessment of CFTR protein dysfunction. The exercise is co-ordinated by the European CF Society Standards of Care Committee and Diagnostic Network Working Group and involves stakeholder engagement. This first paper was produced by a core group using an extensive literature review and papers graded for their quality. Subsequent wider stakeholder agreement was achieved.The definition of a CFTR-RD remains “a clinical condition with evidence of CFTR protein dysfunction that does not fulfil the diagnostic criteria for CF”. Clearer guidance on CFTR dysfunction and relevant CFTR variants will be provided. Thresholds for clinical presentations are presented and the paradigm that pathobiological processes may be evident in more than one organ is agreed. In this paper we reflect on the early patient journey, highlighting that CF specialists as well as other relevant specialists should be involved in the care of people with a CFTR-RD.     

基于针法组合优化研究针刺蝶腭穴结合谢氏“温督祛霾”针法治疗变应性鼻炎的疗效与机制

摘要: 目的 观察针刺蝶腭穴结合谢氏“温督祛霾”针法治疗变应性鼻炎的临床疗效，评估该疗法的有效性、安全性及治疗机制，并形成规范化治疗方案。方法 将120例经中医辨证为虚寒型的变应性鼻炎患者随机分为两组各60例，治疗组选用针刺蝶腭穴结合谢氏“温督祛霾”针法，对照组选用针刺蝶腭穴的方法，4周为1疗程。结果 治疗4 周后治疗组显效率为86.67%,对照组显效率为61.67%，差异有统计学意义；治疗组与对照组在疗程结束及显效以上随访的症状体征积分比较差异有统计学意义；治疗组与对照组疗后实验室指标外周血 EOS、血清IgE对比差异有统计学意义。结论 针刺蝶腭穴结合谢氏“温督祛霾”针法的二者组合，优势互补，优于单一疗法单刺蝶腭穴，且能明显降低患者血清中EOS、IgE计数。     

纤维支气管镜灌洗联合常规药物治疗变应性支气管肺曲霉病患者的效果

目的:观察纤维支气管镜灌洗联合常规药物治疗变应性支气管肺曲霉病(ABPA)患者的效果。方法:选取94例ABPA患者作为研究对象,按照随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组各47例。对照组采取常规药物治疗,观察组在对照组的基础上联合纤维支气管镜灌洗治疗。比较两组临床疗效和不良反应发生率。结果:观察组治疗总有效率为89.36%(42/47),明显高于对照组的72.34%(34/47),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);两组不良反应发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:纤维支气管镜灌洗联合常规药物治疗ABPA患者的效果优于单纯常规药物治疗,且安全性好。     

针刺治疗过敏性鼻炎研究概述

综述近五年针刺治疗过敏性鼻炎(Allergic Rhinitis,AR)的文献,发现针刺治疗包括单纯针刺法;局部取穴、局部+远端取穴、透刺;针刺配合药物;针刺蝶腭神经节。通过临床研究发现针刺治疗过敏鼻炎可以提高过敏性鼻炎患者近期及远期生活质量。对于针刺治疗过敏鼻炎的机制有待进一步研究。     

Current therapeutical strategies for allergic rhinitis

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis is a common condition with increasing prevalence and is associated with several comorbid disorders such as bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis. If allergen avoidance is not possible, allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only causal treatment option.

Areas covered: This review focuses on current treatments and the future outlook for allergic rhinitis. Pharmacotherapy includes mast cell stabilizers, antihistamines, glucocorticosteroids (GCSs), leukotriene receptor antagonists, and nasal decongestants. Nasal GCSs are currently regarded as the most effective treatment and are considered first-line therapy together with non-sedating antihistamines. The new formulation MP29-02 combines the nasal GCS fluticasone propionate with azelastine in one single spray and has achieved greater improvements than those under monotherapy with modern GCSs or antihistamines. Furthermore, this review discusses allergen immunotherapy alone and in combination with modern monoclonal antibodies.

Expert opinion: Despite the variety of medications for allergic rhinitis, ranging from general symptomatic agents like GCSs or decongestants, to more specific ones like histamine receptor or leukotriene blockers, to causal therapy like immunotherapy, many patients still experience treatment failures or unsatisfactory results. The ultimate goal may be to endotype every downstream pathway separately in order to offer patients individualized, targeted therapy with specific antibodies against the respective pathway.