Nasal ventilation is an important factor in evaluating the diagnostic value of nasal nitric oxide in allergic rhinitis

Background

The role of nasal nitric oxide (NO) in the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (AR) is controversial. The aim of this study was to identify factors that may affect levels of nasal NO in AR patients and evaluate the role of nasal NO in the diagnosis of AR.

Methods

Seventy‐five AR patients and 31 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. AR symptom scores were assessed using the visual analog scale. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) was detected by enzyme‐linked immunoassay, nasal NO was measured using a chemiluminescence analyzer, and nasal airway resistance (NAR) was assessed by active anterior rhinomanometry.

Results

Nasal obstruction score, ECP, and NAR were found to be independently associated with nasal NO. Nasal NO level in patients with nasal obstruction score <7 (mild‐to‐moderate obstruction) was significantly increased compared with healthy subjects (282.1 ± 122.6 vs 150.7 ± 48.4 ppb; p < 0.001), and significantly decreased in patients with nasal obstruction score ≥7 (severe obstruction) (97.2 ± 52.2 vs 150.7 ± 48.4 ppb; p < 0.001). Nasal NO and ECP in secretion were positively correlated in patients with mild‐to‐moderate nasal obstruction (r = 0.678), but not in patients with severe nasal obstruction (r = 0.077). In patients with NAR <0.65 Pa/cm³/s, the correlation coefficient was highest between NO and ECP (r = 0.685). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for nasal NO level were 0.878 and 0.939 in patients with nasal obstruction scores <7 and NAR <0.65 Pa/cm³/s, respectively.

Conclusion

Nasal patency affects nasal NO level significantly, and may reflect the severity of nasal inflammation in AR patients with mild‐to‐moderate nasal obstruction, but not in patients with severe nasal obstruction.

     

屋尘螨鼻激发在变应性鼻炎研究中的应用价值

屋尘螨鼻激发是人为将一定剂量的屋尘螨变应原接触鼻黏膜从而激发相应的鼻炎症状,以观察屋尘螨变应原与变应性鼻炎相关性的试验方法,通过观察屋尘螨鼻激发前后气道黏膜的细胞学、免疫炎症介质以及气道反应性等变化来探讨上下气道的相互联系.因此它在变应性鼻炎的病理生理、免疫学等发病机制以及疗效评估等研究中很有价值.本文就屋尘螨鼻激发在...     

屋尘螨鼻激发在变应性鼻炎研究中的应用价值

屋尘螨鼻激发是人为将一定剂量的屋尘螨变应原接触鼻黏膜从而激发相应的鼻炎症状,以观察屋尘螨变应原与变应性鼻炎相关性的试验方法,通过观察屋尘螨鼻激发前后气道黏膜的细胞学、免疫炎症介质以及气道反应性等变化来探讨上下气道的相互联系。因此它在变应性鼻炎的病理生理、免疫学等发病机制以及疗效评估等研究中很有价值。本文就屋尘螨鼻激发在变应性鼻炎中的研究进展进行综述。     

Direct intranasal application of the solid phase of ImmunoCAP® increases nasal specific immunoglobulin E detection in local allergic rhinitis patients

Background

The measurement of nasal specific IgE (NsIgE) in local allergic rhinitis (LAR) patients is challenging and shows variability. The objective of this work was to evaluate a minimally‐invasive method of direct detection of NsIgE in patients with LAR to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) using an automated immunoassay.

Methods

Fifty patients participated (LAR, n = 14; allergic rhinitis (AR), n = 20; healthy controls [HC], n = 16). Detection of NsIgE was performed by direct application of the solid phase of a commercial DP ImmunoCAP® test 24 hours after DP nasal provocation.

Results

There was no difference in the median volume of secretion absorbed by the solid phase of the ImmunoCAP test in the 3 studied groups (p = 0.17). According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, NsIgE ≥0.1450 was the optimal cutoff point, obtaining in LAR patients 42.86% sensitivity with the highest specificity (100%), and 75% sensitivity and 100% specificity for AR.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the detection of NsIgE to DP in LAR by using a simple, commercial device with high specificity.     

Update of prevalence of self-reported allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms among adults in Sweden

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common immunologic disease, and it renders a considerable burden on both sufferers and society. The prevalence of AR has been increasing worldwide over the past century. The aim of this study was to assess the present prevalence, risk factor patterns and comorbidity of self‐reported AR and chronic nasal symptoms in different age groups in Stockholm, Sweden. Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent on two occasions, in 2006 to a population aged 30–80 years, randomly selected 10 years previously, and in 2007 to a randomly selected sample of subjects aged 20–69 years. The response rates were 83% and 68%, respectively, and in total, 9792 subjects participated. The questionnaire included questions on self‐reported AR, asthma, respiratory and nasal symptoms and possible determinants. Results: The prevalence of self‐reported AR was 28.0% (men 26.6%, women 29.1%, P < 0.01) similar to 10 years previously and 33.6% in ages 30–40 years. Allergic heredity [odds ratio (OR) 4.76, confidence interval (CI) 95% 4.25–5.33], physician‐diagnosed asthma (OR 5.29, CI 95% 4.49–6.24) and occupational exposure to dust, gases and fumes (OR 1.49, CI 95% 1.30–1.72) were determinants for AR. Prevalence of chronic nasal congestion was 16.1% and of chronic rhinorrhea 14.1%. Conclusions: As a basis for understanding the disease, as well as in planning and prioritising health‐care resources, the study provides information about the current prevalence and determinants of self‐reported AR and chronic nasal symptoms. Further, comparing with previous studies, the present study suggests that a plateau in the prevalence of AR may have been reached in Sweden. Please cite this paper as: Eriksson J, Ekerljung L, Rönmark E, Dahlén B, Ahlstedt S, Dahlén S‐E and Lundbäck B. Update of prevalence of self‐reported allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms among adults in Sweden. Clin Respir J 2012; 6: 159–168.     

Effects of anti-allergic drugs on T cell-mediated nasal hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of allergic rhinitis

Background

We have recently demonstrated that T cell-mediated nasal hyperresponsiveness (NHR) is a representative pathophysiological feature of allergic rhinitis (AR). Although several anti-allergic drugs are used for the treatment of AR, the efficacy of these drugs on T cell-mediated NHR have not been elucidated. In these studies we investigated the effects of dexamethasone (Dex), montelukast (Mk), and chlorpheniramine (Chl) on NHR in antigen-immunized and antigen-specific Th2 cell-transferred mice.

Effects of occupational exposure to noise and dust on blood pressure in Chinese industrial workers

Along with the rapid development of economy and urbanization, noise and air pollution are becoming major occupational health hazards in the process of industrial production. In this study, we collected data from 7293 industrial workers in China. The association between occupational exposure of noise and dust and blood pressure was investigated. Controlling for demographic variables, including sex, age, and length of service, a stepwise regression model with backward elimination was constructed. The results showed that both noise and dust decreased the level of systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001). This finding prompted the manufacturing industry to reduce noise and dust hazards and protect the occupational health of workers. Prospective studies in different populations are still required to verify the net contribution of noise and dust to the decrease in blood pressure.     

Evidence for neutrophil activation in occupational asthma

In order to evaluate the role of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of occupational asthma (OA), 15 toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-asthma and six grain dust-asthma patients were recruited. Controls were the same number of subjects showing negative bronchoprovocation test (BPT) and six house dust mite-sensitive asthma. Bronchoscopic biopsy specimens were stained with monoclonal antibodies to mast cell (AA1), eosinophil (EG2), pan T cell (CD3) and neutrophil (NE). Serum neutrophil chemotactic activity (NCA) was measured before and 10-420 min after BPT. Sputum interleukin-8 (IL-8) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were also measured. There was a significant increase of NE+ cells as well as AA1+ and EG2+ cells in grain dust- and TDI-asthma compared with house dust-sensitive asthma (P < 0.05). Neutrophil+ cells and AA1+ cells showed a significant correlation in TDI-asthma (r = 0.73, P = 0.02). Serum NCA was significantly increased at 10 min after BPT and decreased at 60 min in subjects with TDI-asthma. In grain dust-asthma, serum NCA increased at 30 min and decreased at 240 min after BPT (P < 0.05). Sputum IL-8 and MPO were significantly increased after BPT in both TDI- and grain dust-asthma (P < 0.05). These findings suggested that neutrophils in the lungs might contribute to bronchoconstriction induced by either TDI or grain dust. The possible involvement of IL-8 in activation of neutrophils was also suggested.     

Occupational Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in a Danish Population-Based Study

The aim was to explore the impact of occupation on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a cross-sectional population-based study among subjects aged 45 to 84 years. In a stratified sampling 89 general practitioners practices (GPP) in Denmark recruited 3106 males and 1636 females through the Danish Civil Registration System. COPD was defined by spirometry by the 2.5^th-centile Lower Limit of Normal of FEV₁ and FEV₁/FVC. Information about smoking, occupational exposure and the respective occupations were obtained from questionnaires. Occupations followed the Danish adaptation of The International Standard Classification of Occupations, revision 1988 (DISCO-88). Exposure to vapour, gas, dust (organic and inorganic), and fume (VGDF) in each occupation (yes/no) was evaluated by two independent specialist in occupational medicine. Exposures were divided in no, low, medium, and high exposure as 0, <5, 5–14, and ≥ 15 years in the job, respectively. Data was analysed by a mixed random effect logistic regression model. The age-standardised COPD study prevalence was 5.0%. Of 372 DISCO-88 codes 72 were identified with relevant exposure to VGDF. 46% of the participants reported at least one occupation with VGDF exposure. Adjusted for smoking, age, sex, and GPP a dose-dependent association of COPD was found among workers in jobs with high organic dust exposure, with OR 1.56 (95% CI 1.09–2.24). Restricted to agriculture the OR was 1.59 (95% CI: 1.08–2.33). No association was observed for workers in jobs with inorganic dust, fume/gas, or vapour exposures. In summary, occupational organic dust exposure was associated to the prevalence of COPD.     

HIV感染者骨科手术过程中职业暴露防护流程分析

目的对HIV感染者手术时防护流程进行分析,总结经验,避免职业暴露。方法回顾性分析2010年11月—2015年5月北京地坛医院骨科在对78例HIV感染者实施手术过程中的职业暴露防护流程,总结职业暴露发生原因,修正防护流程。结果 78例患者均顺利完成手术治疗,术中发生职业暴露17例(21.8%)。三级职业暴露4次,其中3次发生于急诊手术,1次发生于择期手术。暴露后按规定立即进行抗病毒药物预防,17名暴露者均未发生职业暴露感染。结论外科医护人员应提高防范意识,加强防护教育,严格遵守防护流程,做好术前准备,术中仔细操作,尽最大可能避免HIV职业暴露的发生。     

Predictors for snoring in children with rhinitis at age 5

Snoring is often found in allergic diseases and may be an early manifestation of more serious sleep-disordered breathing. We aimed to investigate whether the risk factors for snoring among pre-school children with rhinitis are similar to those for allergic diseases in a birth cohort. The study cohort was drawn from participants in the Childhood Asthma Prevention Study (CAPS). This is a randomized controlled trial of dietary intervention and house dust mite avoidance during the first 5 years of life, aimed at reducing the risk of acquiring asthma and other allergic conditions in children at high-risk for allergic diseases. Parents of children with symptoms of rhinitis at age 5 years (n = 219 out of 516 cohort members) were asked if their child snored: 127 (60%) reported some snoring and 56 (26%) snored more than three times per week. Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that children who were first-born (adjusted odds ratio, 2.50, 95% CI 1.20-5.21), were exposed to maternal tobacco smoke during the first year of life (2.40, 1.1-5.25), or who had asthma (2.51, 1.14-5.55) and/or eczema (2.29, 1.02-5.13) at age 5 years were more likely to snore. Birth-weight, body mass index at age 4.5, spirometry, and breastfeeding were not related to snoring. Risk factors for snoring are similar to risk factors for allergic disorders. Snoring may be part of the allergic spectrum of diseases. Our data may contribute to clinician's ability to effectively screen for snoring in preschool children.     

Efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy in children with asthma and rhinitis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

To evaluate the efficacy of specific sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), we enrolled 15 children with asthma and rhinitis (7 girls, 8 boys, mean +/- SD age of 11.7 +/- 3.3) allergic to house dust mite (HDM) into a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. After a run-in period, patients were randomized to receive either placebo (n = 7) or SLIT (n = 8) with a standardized Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D. pteronyssinus) + Dermatophagoides farinea (D. farinea) 50/50 extract. They received increasing doses up to 100 index units of reactivity (IR) every day for 4 weeks, then 100 IR/day for another 4 weeks, followed by maintenance therapy consisting of 20 drops 2 times a week for 4 months. Efficacy was assessed at the end of 6 months of therapy according to symptom and medication scores, serum total IgE levels, results of lung function tests, methacholine provocation tests, and skin prick tests. Daily means for the asthma score and use of inhaled beta-2-mimetics decreased significantly in the SLIT group (P = 0.05, P = 0.028, respectively), whereas no such difference was observed in the placebo group. At the end of follow-up, mean daily doses of intranasal steroids needed for control of rhinitis symptoms decreased significantly in the SLIT group (P = 0.04). Baseline skin sensitivity to D. pteronyssinus and D. farinea was not significantly different between in the two groups, whereas end-point wheal diameter obtained with D. pteronyssinus extract was significantly less in the SLIT vs. the placebo group (P = 0.026). At the end of 6 months, peak expiratory flow (PEF) values in the placebo group was significantly lower than in the SLIT group (P = 0.049). Throughout the treatment period, the SLIT group was found to have less asthma exacerbations than the placebo group (P = 0.007). The provocation concentration causing a 20% drop in forced expired volume in 1 sec did not change throughout the treatment period in either groups. None of the patients reported local or systemic side effects from SLIT. Results of this study suggests that SLIT may be a useful alternative or additional therapy in the treatment of children with asthma/rhinitis due to HDM.