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Biomedical subjects

F Rancé

Publications and source records attributed to F Rancé.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Lung abscess due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae in an adolescent].

UNLABELLED: Pulmonary abscess is an uncommon complication of pneumonia in children. Pyogenes, in particular Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae are the principal responsible bacteria. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is rarely the cause. CASE REPORT: A 14-year-old child was hospitalized with right thoracic pain. The patient was non-febrile and had a recent history of moderate infection. He was receiving antibiotic (macrolide) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy. CT scan confirmed a mid-lobe abscess in the right lung. Interruption of therapy resulted in fever and increase in C-reactive level with hyperleucocytosis, suggesting that the abscess was caused by a bacterial infection. The child's general condition and the radiographic picture improved with combined antibiotic therapy with amoxycillin and clavulanic acid, aminoglycosides and macrolides. The suspected diagnostic of M. pneumoniae was confirmed by increased IgM antibodies for M. pneumoniae. Recovery was complete two months later without sequelae. COMMENT: Pulmonary abscess is a rare complication of M. pneumoniae infection in children. This complication should be considered when the general condition does not improve despite appropriate early treatment of a pneumonia, as in the case of our patient.

Adolescent↗

[Asthma and food allergy: report of 163 pediatric cases].

The prevalence of food as a cause for asthma is not well known. The aim of this study was to define with standardized tests the incidence of food-induced asthma, the distribution of foods allergens in asthmatic children with food allergy. The study was carried on 163 asthmatic children with food allergy followed during average of 5.5 years. Asthma has been identified with pulmonary function tests (reversibility of FEV1 to bronchodilators) and food allergy has been documented by double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC). Familial atopic disease was found in 148 children (90.7%). Inhalant sensitization was documented in 132 children (81%). Positive DBPCFC were observed in 250 of 385 challenges (65%) carried on these 163 children. The most frequent offending foods were, sometimes in association, peanut (30.6%), egg (23.1%), cow's milk (9.3%), mustard (6.9%), codfish (6%), shrimp (4.5%), kiwi fruit (3.6%), hazelnut (2.7%), cashew nut (2.1%), almond (1.5%), garlic (1.2%). Symptoms occurring during DBPCFC were cutaneous (143 cases, 59%), respiratory symptoms (58 cases, 23.9%), gastrointestinal symptoms (28 cases, 11.5%) and 15 anaphylactic shock (6.1%). Respiratory symptoms were oral allergy syndrome in 13 cases (5.3%), rhinoconjunctivitis in 15 cases (6.1%), asthma in 23 cases (9.5%). Only seven of these children had asthma only (2.8% of cases). The prevalence of asthma induced by food allergy is low. In our study, asthma induced by food allergy concerned 9.5% of cases and asthma alone was identified in only 2.8% of cases. We observed new food allergens associated with respiratory symptoms such as kiwi fruit, tree-nuts (hazelnut, cashew) and spices. Diagnosis relied upon data obtained from history, skin prick-tests and specific IgE. Oral food challenge is the corner stone of the diagnosis. Asthma induced by food allergens is potentially severe leading to prescribe to these patients a first aid kit with bronchodilators and epinephrine auto-injectors.

Asthma↗

Use of prick-tests in the screening of immediate allergy to protein: 16 cases.

BACKGROUND: Allergy to protein hydrolysates seem to be on the rise but screening is difficult because of the wide range of symptoms. The goal of our study was to improve the screening process by skin prick testing infants with an anaphylactic form of allergy to cow's milk. METHODS: We studied 92 infants who were allergic to cow's milk. The diagnosis was based on the results of skin prick tests, specific IgE assays, and oral food challenges. The skin prick tests were performed using a number of protein hydrolysate formulae and a synthetic amino acid-based formula available in France. RESULTS: We detected sensitisation to the hydrolysates in 16 infants (17.3%), 15 by positive skin prick tests and one due to persistent symptoms on protein hydrolysate formulae (gastrointestinal manifestations, atopic dermatitis, and multiple food allergies), which completely receded when the synthetic amino acid formula was used as a substitute. Two infants had a positive hydrolysate oral food challenge test. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of age, sex, breastfeeding, clinical manifestations, family history, skin reaction size, or associated allergies. The infants who were sensitised to the hydrolysates had significantly higher specific IgE levels (whole milk,(_)-lactalbumin, and casein; median = 25.6 kU/L for cow's milk, p = 0.03) than those who were allergic to cow's milk but not sensitised to the hydrolysates. CONCLUSIONS: Skin prick tests can be used to screen for sensitisation to hydrolysates in infants with IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy. They can also be used to determine the most suitable hydrolysate formula for individual infants.

Administration, Oral↗

[Chronic cough in children: etiology and decision trees].

Recurrent or chronic cough can be the symptom of a worrying condition which must be diagnosed without delay (cystic fibrosis, asthma, bronchial foreign body, bronchiectasis). Investigation of recurrent or chronic cough is based on simple principles: careful history-taking concerning the characteristics of the cough, full clinical examination to look for any associated symptoms, and auxological assessment to detect any interruption in weight increase. Only when this initial evaluation has been carried out can complementary investigations be sought. Ordinary respiratory infections that are part of the building up of immunity are predominant in coughs of children aged under 6 years and are aggravated by deleterious factors such as passive exposure to tobacco, early introduction to communal life, and urban pollution. We describe the most frequent causes of cough and their frequency according to the age of the child.

Age Factors↗

[Relationship between respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis and asthma].

Data of the literature over the last 20 years indicate that infantile asthma, although heterogeneous, often appears following RSV bronchiotitis, especially when sufficiently severe to justify hospitalisation. The risk of developing episodes of wheezing (bronchial obstruction syndrome) over the following 2 to 3 years is higher than 50%, but estimations vary according to the authors. Functional disturbances (pulmonary distension, nonspecific bronchial hypperreactivity, hypoxia), with or without associated clinical symptoms, may be observed several months to several years after hospitalisation for bronchiolitis. On the other hand, mild bronchiolitis, and most of the recurrent expiratory obstructive syndromes with asymptomatic free intervals between episodes do not appear to carry a risk of functional sequelae. Children suffering from severe bronchiolitis usually develop a severe bronchial obstruction syndrome. In asthma, the percentage of IgE-dependent sensitization is less than 20% before the age of 4 years. The presence of positive skin tests and/or specific serum IgE directed against the usual allergens are associated with the persistence of asthma during the childhood. Similarly, the appearance of wheezing after the age of 3 years (or recurrence after this age) is associated with the persistence of asthma. Prospective studies of cohorts followed since birth show that pre-existing functional abnormalities can promote the appearance of bronchiolitis and bronchial obstruction syndrome. Asthma in infants comprises several phenotypes with very different prognoses.

Asthma↗

Mustard allergy in children.

BACKGROUND: Mustard allergy is not well known. This study aimed to assess its clinical features and other associated allergies, and to define skin prick tests (SPT), specific IgE, and dose response by oral food challenge. METHODS: Our study investigated 36 children with positive mustard SPT. The diagnosis of mustard allergy was based on open or single-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge (SBPCFC). We compared the subjects to 22 controls. RESULTS: The initial clinical features were atopic dermatitis (51.8%), and urticaria and/or angioedema (37%). Fifteen children were allergic (positive SBPCFC) and 21 children were nonallergic (negative SBPCFC). Symptoms after mustard ingestion started under 3 years of age in 53.3% of the subjects. There was no significant difference in the food allergies and associated inhalant allergen sensitizations between the two groups. In the allergic group, the mean wheal diameter for mustard SPT was 8.8 mm and the median concentration of mustard serum (s) IgE 14.8 kU/l. The mean cumulative reactive dose were 153 mg. CONCLUSIONS: Allergic reactions to mustard started early in life. Clinical symptoms were not severe in children. Mustard should be included in screening tests of food allergy in children.

Adolescent↗

[Current childhood food allergies].

Changes of dietary habits, new food technology, international meals and increasing consumption of exotic food has changed the repartition of food allergens. Some food allergens are worrisome and symptoms severe (peanut and nut butters). Others are new and increase strongly: exotic fruits, sesame, mustard and lupin. Primary prevention include avoidance of such food in high risk infants. Product labeling must be improved.

Adolescent↗

[Prognosis of asthmatic adolescents in adulthood].

Little is known about the long-term outcome of asthmatic adolescents. According to the literature, 20 to 50% of asthmatic adolescents become symptom-free when they become adults. We report 50 cases of asthmatic adolescents, 25 girls and 25 boys, with a mean follow of 4.4 years (range 1-12 years). Only 4 patients (8%) became symptom-free, all 4 were stage I and II patients. One death occurred subsequent to penicillin allergy, but was not related to status asthmaticus. Nor remission was observed in stage III and IV patients, whereas 5.8% and 12% of stage II and II patients respectively grew out of their asthma. The factors predictive of persistent asthma in adulthood were severe asthma at the age of 13 years, female gender, onset of asthma before the age of 7 years, no periodic rhinitis, and exercise induced asthma.

Adolescent↗

[New food allergies].

RISING INCIDENCE OF FOOD ALLERGIES: Food allergies are becoming more and more common, concerning 3 to 4% of the general population. One out of four persons allergic to nuts, the most frequent food allergen, have severe signs and symptoms. A CLASSICAL DIAGNOSIS: Certain diagnosis of food allergy is established on the basis of labial and oral tests. The dose required to induce a reaction is established by the oral test, giving information about the severity of the allergy and its progression. OTHER ALLERGENS: "Emerging" food allergens include spices and condiments, exotic fruits (kiwi, avocado, cashew and pecan nuts, Brazil nuts), sesame seeds, psyllium, sunflower seeds. Endurance exercise following ingestion of a food allergen can lead to severe anaphylactic reactions. Allergen associations "food-pollen", "latex-food", "mitessnails" have been described. INDISPENSABLE PREVENTION: Avoiding contact is essential. Many allergens are "masked" within prepared foods. Precise labeling, with particular attention to nut content, must be reinforced. Individualized counseling on food allergies should be available for school children. Persons with severe allergies should keep at hand an emergency kit with antihistamines, injectable rapid action corticoids and adrenalin (1 mg/ml).

Arachis↗

[Allergy to hymenoptera venoms in children].

Incidence of hymenoptera venom allergy in children is about 0.4 to 0.8%. Clinical features usually range from urticaria to anaphylaxis. Fatal reactions can occur but with less frequency than in adults. Allergologic investigations must be performed in children with systemic or generalized reactions after hymenoptera stings, which may lead to venom immunotherapy. Venom immunotherapy is well reported, but protocols differ according to the authors: ultra-rush in 3 h, accelerated in 3 to 5 days and semi-rush in 2 to 8 weeks. Results are always excellent (90 to 100%). We report our experience with 91 children receiving venom immunotherapy. Clinical history and positivity of skin tests indicated immunotherapy. Clinical symptoms were anaphylaxis (15.3%), serious reaction (37.3%) strong reaction (34%), and mild reaction (7.6%). Changes in immunological parameters revealed wide individual variations, not differing from data in the literature, with no correlation with evolution of immunotherapy. Venom immunotherapy appeared with good tolerability in children, whatever the protocol used.

Adolescent↗

[Food allergens in children].

Food hypersensitivity is increasing, with clinical indications and allergens multiplying and evolving. We report our experience with clinical indications and distribution of allergens in children with food hypersensitivity. Data were established in a prospective study at medical centres in Nancy and Toulouse (France). We studied 378 children with food hypersensitivity indicated by food challenge, which account for 74.2% of food hypersensitivity. Clinical features were: atopic dermatitis (46.5%), urticaria (17.9%), oedema (14.2%), asthma (8.4%), anaphylaxis (5.2%), gastro-intestinal symptoms (2.1%), oral syndrome (1.8%) and rhino-conjunctivitis (0.5%). Five allergens accounted for 82% of confirmed food hypersensitivity: egg (51.8%), peanut (34.3%), milk (11.6%), mustard (8.9%) and codfish (7.1%). Allergens according to the symptoms showed that peanut allergies were more serious than other food allergy. Allergens according to age showed that peanut allergy is the first food allergy occurring after the age of three. There exists a modification in children's allergen distribution. Peanut allergy is increasing seriously, and diagnosis with food challenge is a necessity.

Adolescent↗

[Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in children].

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) associates the development of aspergillus in bronchus and a predominant immediate hypersensitivity for aspergillus antigens. It complicates an old and severe allergic asthma or cystic fibrosis. Its prevalence is not well known. In children, ABPA prevalence is rare, except in cystic fibrosis where 0.6% to 11% of patients can be affected by the disease. Acute exacerbation of the disease favours the development of bronchiectasis and fibrosis. The diagnosis is suggested by an unexplained aggravation of asthma or, in cystic fibrosis, by wheezing, an unsuccessful antibiotherapy, and a recent modification of the chest X-ray. The diagnosis is based upon the presence of seven major criteria or six major criteria and one minor. The follow-up of biological parameters is important for early diagnosis of exacerbations. Some parameters are very sensitive, ie, precipitins and total serum IgE. Systemic corticotherapy is the usual treatment of exacerbation. The association with inhaled corticotherapy could reduce the duration of systemic treatment. The use of Itraconazole is logical, mainly in cystic fibrosis.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Food hypersensitivity in children: clinical aspects and distribution of allergens.

The aims of this work were to investigate, in children and adolescents, the clinical aspects of food hypersensitivity and the distribution of allergens, in a prospective and descriptive study. Five hundred and forty-four pediatric cases from a series of 703 patients with food allergies, confirmed by food challenge, were studied. Their clinical characteristics and the distribution according to allergen were investigated. There was a family history of atopic disease in 70.5% of patients. Atopic dermatitis was the main symptom (275/544; 50.5% of patients), followed by urticaria and angio-edema (165/544; 30%). There was asthma in 8.6% of patients (47 children) and anaphylaxis in 4.5% (27 patients). The rarest signs were rhinitis (n=2; 0.3%), oral allergy syndrome (n=8; 1.4%), and gastrointestinal signs (n=11; 2%). Five allergens accounted for 78% of food hypersensitivity. These allergens were: eggs (36%), peanuts (24%), cow's milk (8%), mustard (6%), and cod (4%). Peanut was the most common allergen for children over the age of 3 yr. In this selected population, sensitivity of individuals to more than three foods was unusual (5%). Atopic dermatitis was the main symptom of food allergy in children. The symptoms changed over time, with respiratory disorders, oral allergy syndrome and ocular problems occuring later. Anaphylaxis also occured mostly in older children. Five allergens were responsible for more than three-quarters of food allergies in children. However, the number of allergens implicated was higher for the group of children over the age of 6 yr than for younger children.

Adolescent↗