Contact urticaria in a child from raw potato.
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Child, Preschool↗
Biomedical subjects
T Carrillo
Publications and source records attributed to T Carrillo.
Anaphylaxis to subcutaneous neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin with simultaneous sensitization to protamine and insulin.
We report an insulin-treated diabetic patient who suffered, in a 2-month period, three severe anaphylactic reactions immediately after self-administered subcutaneous injections of neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) human recombinant-DNA insulin. These reactions consisted of local and systemic symptoms, including dyspnea and hypotension. A simultaneous sensitization to human insulin and to protamine was demonstrated, both by skin tests and by the determination of serum specific IgE. Suspecting protamine allergy, we performed a test dose to human lente insulin with perfect tolerance. After a 1-year follow-up with lente-insulin treatment, no reactions have occurred, despite treatment interruptions. Therefore, protamine IgE-mediated allergy probably caused our patient's reactions. In conclusion, protamine sensitization should be ruled out in any patient with a history of reactions to subcutaneous protamine-containing insulins, even if insulin sensitization is present.
Adult↗
Prevalence of latex allergy among greenhouse workers.
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Adult↗
Reduction of house dust mite allergens after dehumidifier use.
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Allergens↗
Transbronchial fine needle aspiration in clinical practice.
We review our experience of transbronchial fine needle aspiration (TBFNA) over a 3-year period. A total of 112 TBFNAs were performed on 95 patients. Four aspirates were from peripheral lung lesions, 20 from non-ulcerated submucosal infiltrative lesions, 19 from mediastinal abnormalities close to the tracheobronchial tree, and the remaining 69 were for staging of bronchogenic carcinoma with apparent mediastinal lymph node spread, evaluated by chest computed tomography (CT). In the 20 submucosal lesions TBFNA reached a sensitivity of 82.3%, providing the only evidence of a malignant process in five cases. With respect to the 19 mediastinal lesions arising in close proximity to the central airways, TBFNA permitted a diagnosis in cases that would otherwise have required more invasive procedures, although the diagnostic sensitivity of the technique in this group of patients was poor (26%). In the mediastinal staging group, the sensitivity was 76.9%, with no false positive results. Complete sensitivity of TBFNA for the detection of disease was 65.8%. We conclude that TBFNA is a reliable and low risk procedure.
Adolescent↗
Occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and bronchial asthma due to Phoenix canariensis pollen allergy.
We report a case of occupational bronchial asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis caused by Phoenix canariensis (PC) pollen. The canary palm is a type of palm tree, belonging to the Arecaceae family, which is widely distributed in frost-free regions as an ornamental tree. Our patient was referred because he suffered symptoms of bronchial asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and contact urticaria when pruning dried leaves from PC during the pollination months. The skin prick test (SPT) with a PC pollen extract was positive, as was the specific IgE to PC pollen determined by Phadezym RAST, indicating an IgE-mediated sensitization. The nonspecific bronchial provocation test (BPT) performed with methacholine disclosed a mild bronchial hyperreactivity, and specific BPT with PC pollen elicited an immediate fall of 25% in FEV1 with respect to baseline. On RAST inhibition studies, a significant cross-reactivity was found between PC pollen and date palm (P. dactylifera) pollen. These results suggest that PC pollen could be a potential allergen in PC-growing areas.
Asthma↗
Specific skin tests in subjects with chronic bronchitis exposed to pigeons.
We have studied the diagnostic reliability of the specific skin tests done in 30 subjects who presented with chronic bronchitis (CB) as the only clinical manifestation related to exposure to pigeons and in 21 subjects with CB and known risk factors. Additionally, two control groups were included (24 asymptomatic subjects exposed and sensitized to pigeons and 10 subjects not exposed and not sensitized to pigeons). The skin prick tests with pigeon serum were negative in all the subjects tested. The intradermal skin tests showed an immediate positive reaction in 16 of the 30 CB-affected patients and in six of the control group of exposed asymptomatic subjects (chi square: 3.376) (P < 0.1; nearly significant); after 6 h, a positive reaction was recorded in 14 of the CB-affected patients and in three subjects of the control group (chi square: 5.187) (P < 0.005). A delayed reaction was seen in 10/30 CB patients and in only three of the 24 subjects of the control group (chi square: 2.218) (nonsignificant). In the group of the 21 CB patients with known risk factors and not sensitized to pigeons, only two patients showed immediate skin reactivity; the remaining readings were negative. Lastly, in the control group of 10 unexposed, nonsensitized subjects, the intradermal skin tests in the different readings were negative. Our results show that although the skin tests with pigeon serum have low sensitivity, they can be a useful supplement in distinguishing cases of CB attributable to chronic pigeon exposure from those cases attributable to another cause, especially in the consideration of immediate and late readings.
Adolescent↗
Avocado hypersensitivity.
The avocado (Av) is a fruit that belongs to the Lauraceae family. We report 17 patients with immediate hypersensitivity to avocado. Clinical manifestations in relation to avocado ingestion were as follows: systemic anaphylaxis in seven patients, angioedema/urticaria in six, vomiting in two, bronchial asthma in one, and rhinoconjunctivitis in one. Skin prick test (SPT) with fresh avocado was positive in all patients with the Strong avocado variety (SAv) and in 14 patients with the Hass avocado variety (HAv). Our patient-associated sensitizations were as follows: 10 to latex, eight to chestnut, eight to banana, four to kiwi, and four to walnut. Avocado-sensitized patients with latex allergy were typically middle-aged women, professionally exposed to latex, who also exhibited frequent associated sensitizations to chestnut, banana, and other fruits. Specific IgE against avocado was demonstrated in 11 of our patients, by both commercial CAP and RAST with avocado extract coupled to nitrocellulose disks. Despite its lower protein content, SAv seems to be more allergenic than HAv, both in vivo and in vitro. On incubating a pool of sera from our patients with avocado, latex, chestnut, and banana extracts, a progressive RAST inhibition was obtained, with SAv- and chestnut-marked disks. This suggests the existence of common antigenic determinants among these allergens.
Adolescent↗
Value of DNA analysis in addition to cytological testing in the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions.
BACKGROUND: Aneuploidy appears to be a highly specific marker for cancer, and measurement of cellular DNA content by flow cytometry is rapid and reliable. This study was undertaken to determine if the addition of DNA analysis improved the sensitivity of cytological diagnosis of malignancy in pleural fluid. METHODS: Pleural effusions from 92 patients were studied by cytological examination and flow cytometry. RESULTS: In 41 patients the final diagnosis was malignancy, there were 40 cases of benign effusions including 22 with pleural tuberculosis, and in the remaining 11 patients with biopsy proven cancer the presence of malignant cells was not found by cytological and histological means in the pleural fluid. Aneuploidy and cytological malignancy were found in 14 samples. There were seven cases with abnormal flow cytometry and negative cytological results. In 12 patients the cytological test results were positive but DNA analysis was normal. Thirty six samples of fluid were both diploid and cytologically negative. Of the 22 tuberculous effusions seven contained aneuploid cells. The sensitivity of DNA and cytological analysis was 51.2% and 63.4%, respectively. The specificity of DNA analysis was 74.5%. CONCLUSIONS: DNA analysis of cells in malignant pleural effusions is both less sensitive and specific than the cytological diagnosis. Flow cytometric analysis is not recommended for routine use in the diagnosis of pleural effusions.
Adolescent↗
Value of ELISA using A60 antigen in the serodiagnosis of tuberculosis.
This study was set in a general, university hospital in the Canary Islands, with the objective to evaluate an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using A60 in the serodiagnosis of tuberculosis. IgG antibody to A60 was determined in 205 patients with active disease [149 culture-positive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (positive sputum smear 94, negative sputum smear 55) and 56 patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis], 20 patients with inactive disease, 22 patients with lepromatous leprosy, and 51 controls. The mean levels of anti-A60 antibodies were significantly higher in patients with active disease as compared with controls or patients with inactive disease. Differences were also found between tuberculous patients with pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease. In patients with pulmonary disease, significant differences were detected between smear-positive and smear-negative patients. The overall sensitivity of the test (cutoff 240 ELISA units) was 52.2%. The highest sensitivity was found among smear-positive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (67%) and the lowest among those with extrapulmonary tuberculosis (32.1%). We conclude that ELISA for the measurement of IgG antibody to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen A60 could be of interest, specially in smear-negative cases and extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Adult↗
Latex allergy: clinical features and cross-reactivity with fruits.
BACKGROUND: Latex IgE-mediated allergy is an important medical problem, but its clinical characteristics and association with food allergies are not well defined. OBJECTIVE: Our objectives were to determine the clinical features of latex-allergic patients, and latex-associated food hypersensitivities. METHODS: A prospective study was performed in our outpatient clinic. It consisted of a clinical questionnaire, skin prick tests with aeroallergens and foods, skin test with a latex extract, determination of total and specific IgE by CAP/RAST methods, and RAST inhibition. Latex and food allergies were diagnosed on the basis of a suggestive clinical history and a positive skin test with the corresponding allergen. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were diagnosed as having latex allergy. Their mean age was 33 +/- 9.0 years, with female predominance (23:2). There were nine greenhouse and six hospital workers. Latex-induced reactions included systemic anaphylaxis in nine patients (36%). Average total IgE was 161 kU/L, and it was within normal limits in 16 cases. Latex skin prick tests had excellent diagnostic precision with no adverse reactions, and CAP for latex diagnostic sensitivity was 80%. Forty-two food allergies were diagnosed in 13 of our patients (52%), and 23 of these consisted of systemic anaphylaxis. The most frequent food hypersensitivities were to avocado (9), chestnut (9), banana (7), kiwi (5) and papaya (3). Through RAST-inhibition, cross-reactivity among latex, avocado, chestnut, and banana was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, latex allergy affects middle-aged women in certain professions at increased risk. Our data suggest the existence of a "latex-fruit syndrome," because 52% of our latex allergic patients had allergies to certain fruits.
Adolescent↗
Anaphylaxis due to limpet ingestion.
BACKGROUND: The limpet, phylum Mollusca, is one of the most frequent sea mollusks in the Canary Islands. Limpet IgE hypersensitivity reactions have been described. OBJECTIVE: To describe six patients with anaphylactic reactions due to limpet ingestion and to demonstrate by in vivo methods and by in vitro techniques specific IgE responses. METHODS: Six subjects who developed severe bronchospasm 30 to 120 minutes after eating limpets were included in the present study. The antigenic material for the in vivo and in vitro studies was an extract of cooked limpet prepared in our laboratory. Skin prick tests were performed in all patients using commercially available aeroallergens, mollusk, and crustacean extracts; the same skin tests were performed using the extracts prepared in our laboratory. Specific IgE by CAP and RAST and CAP inhibition studies were also performed. Limpet contamination by mites was excluded through a commercial ELISA using monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: All patients had positive skin prick tests to D. pteronyssinus and cooked limpet extract and weak reactivity to cockroach and raw limpet extract. Specific IgE to mites and cooked limpet extract was also found using CAP and RAST techniques, respectively. The possible existence of common epitopes between limpet and D. pteronyssinus was excluded by CAP inhibition studies. Finally, no significant mite concentration was detected in the cooked limpet extract analyzed by a commercially available ELISA. CONCLUSIONS: Limpet is a potentially dangerous allergen specially in patients sensitized to D. pteronyssinus.
Adolescent↗
Diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis by detection of specific IgG anti-antigen 60 in serum and pleural fluid.
The objective of this study was the prospective evaluation of the IgG antibody levels to mycobacterial antigen 60 (A60) in serum and pleural fluid and their role in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleuritis. The level of IgG was measured by Elisa in 30 patients with tuberculous pleuritis and 48 control subjects with pleural effusion (24 with carcinoma, 10 with transudative pleural effusion, 11 with empyema or parapneumonic effusion, 1 with pulmonary embolism and 2 due to systemic lupus erythematosus). The median titers of IgG against A60 of both serum and pleural fluid from tuberculous patients [445.6 +/- 133.56 and 263 +/- 72.58 Elisa units (EU) respectively] were significantly higher than those of corresponding median values (97.3 +/- 8.35 and 41.3 +/- 4.93 EU) of the control group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). Considering 240 units as cutoff point for a positive test in serum, the sensitivity was 53.3% and the specificity 100%. In the pleural fluid the cutoff point value was established at 150 units, with a sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 100%. We concluded that Elisa using A60 is a reliable and rapid test with an acceptable sensitivity and magnificent specificity.
Antibodies, Bacterial↗
Relationships between characteristics of exposure to pigeon antigens. Clinical manifestations and humoral immune response.
An extensive clinical study has been performed on pigeon breeders in the Canary Islands. Three hundred forty-three subjects have participated in this study through the filling of a clinical and epidemiologic questionnaire. A venous blood sample was also taken from each fancier for a further serologic analysis. Detection of specific IgG antibodies was made by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using pigeon serum as antigenic material. Twenty-nine (8 percent) breeders fulfilled the "classic" pigeon breeders' disease (PBD) criteria. One hundred six (31 percent) had rhinitis, 62 (19 percent) had immediate bronchial symptoms, and 51 (15 percent) suffered from chronic bronchitis. A significant level of specific IgG was detected in 139 (40 percent) cases. Rates were correlated with pneumonitis symptomatology (p < 0.001) and with chronic bronchitis (p < 0.05). There was a significant association between the number of pigeons and the level of sensitization (p < 0.001). Finally, a statistical relationship between the intensity of exposure and specific IgG response was also found (p < 0.001). Titers of specific IgE could not be related either to the reported symptomatology in the questionnaire or to any of the exposure parameters analyzed.
Adolescent↗
Squid hypersensitivity: a clinical and immunologic study.
Hypersensitivity to mollusk has rarely been described in the literature. Among the mollusks, the cephalopods are a group of great importance as a food source. We report seven patients who had had symptoms highly suggestive of IgE-mediated reactions after ingesting squid or inhaling vapors from cooking squid. All had previously suffered from persistent rhinitis or asthma for years. In addition, six of the seven patients had had symptoms after ingesting shrimp. Skin prick tests were strongly positive for boiled squid extract and for various commercial crustacean extracts. Specific IgE antibodies against boiled extract and several crustacean extracts were demonstrated in all patients by RAST and reverse enzyme immunoassay. Cross reactivity between squid and shrimp and other crustaceans was demonstrated by reverse immunoassay inhibition studies. Cross reactivity could not be demonstrated between squid and octopus, which are both cephalopods, nor between squid and other mollusks.
Adult↗
[Epidemiology of tuberculosis in the Gran Canary Island].
BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to obtain information about tuberculosis (TB) in our area that might contribute to assess the status in Spain. METHODS: A meticulous case finding was carried out during 1988 in all the hospitals of the Gran Canaria island. RESULTS: 214 cases were found (rate 32.2) and 77% were admitted to hospitals. In 160 (74%) the involvement was pulmonary and in 82 (37%) it was extrapulmonary. Mean age was 34 years (range 1-84) and 62% were younger than 40 years. 69% were males. Complete data were obtained in 183 cases (85%). 56% were smokers, 34% alcoholic abusers, 15% drug abusers (35% parenteral) and 4% homosexuals. 26% had some risk factor for TB; 14 of them had been infected by the HIV (8 had AIDS). In 64% there was a diagnostic delay longer than one month. Out of the 214 cases, the diagnosis was made by direct microscopy and/or culture in 110 (51%), by consistent pathological findings in 41 (19%), with some of these studies but with negative results in 35 (16%) and only with clinical and radiological criteria in 28 (13%). 96 (60%) of the pulmonary cases had cavitation. The most common therapeutic schedule (84%) was the recommended 9-month regimen. In 54% no recommendation for the investigation of contacts was made. CONCLUSIONS: In the authors' area, the prevalence of TB is higher than in developed countries. It is more common in middle aged individuals, many diagnoses are still made without bacteriologic studies and in a high number of cases investigation of contacts is not carried out.
Adolescent↗
Effect of cigarette smoking on the humoral immune response in pigeon fanciers.
Tobacco smoking is associated with increased prevalence of various diseases. In this study, we have used an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to investigate the specific IgG response to pigeon serum and its relationship to tobacco smoking. In a large group of pigeon fanciers the development of pigeon breeder's disease and some of the clinical features were also investigated. We found a sensitization rate of 31.9%, a lower degree than that found by other authors, in spite of using a less specific antigen. We also found that fanciers who are current cigarette smokers had significantly lower levels of IgG antibody to pigeon serum (P less than 0.001). Finally, 11.9% of the population had chronic bronchitis as their only manifestation of possible pigeon-related disease. 19.6% of the sensitized fanciers had chronic bronchitis, were non-smokers and had no other risk factor for developing chronic bronchitis.
Adolescent↗
Allergy to limpet.
Allergy to mollusk has rarely been described. The limpet, belonging to Phylum mollusca, is one of the most frequent mollusks in the Canary Islands, as in all warm maritime regions. We report two cases of atopic patients who developed anaphylactic reactions after ingestion of this mollusk. Type I hypersensitivity to limpet antigens was demonstrated by means of immediate skin test reactivity, specific IgE determination by RAST, and histamine release test to cooked limpet extract. The controls did not react to any of these tests. Allergic activity was only found with a cooked limpet extract; this suggests that the offending antigen/s may have been released by cooking this food.
Adult↗