bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical investigation of agents with prophylactic anti‐allergic effects in bronchial asthma*
Authors: CRAPS L. , GREENWOOD C. , RADIELOVIC P.
Published: April 2006

To determine the efficacy of ketotifen as an oral anti‐asthmatic agent, experimental and therapeutic long‐term trials were carried out. Four models were used in the experimental therapeutic trials and the antihislaminic agent clemastine and disodium cromoglycate were used as comparative substances. It was demonstrated that ketotifen provides protection against bronchospasm induced by allergens, histamine and exercise, but not against that induced by acetylcholine.

In the therapeutic long‐term trials, the efficacy and tolerance of ketotifen were compared with that of clemastine and disodium cromoglycate for a period of 6 months. In another study ketotifen was administered for 1 year, Ketotifen proved very effective in decreasing the frequency and duration of asthmatic attacks, concomitant medication could be reduced and the patients improved subjectively. From these trials it can be concluded that ketotifen is a safe and effective oral anti‐anaphylactic agent for use in the long‐term treatment of bronchial asthma.
Effects of orally administered sodium cromoglycate in asthma and urticaria due to foods
Authors: HARRIES M. G. , O'BRIEN I. M. , BURGE P. S. , PEPYS J.
Published: April 2006

Out of twenty patients with a history of asthma or urticaria attributed to food substances, ten reacted on oral challenge: seven with asthma, one with asthma and urticaria and two with urticaria alone. In five of the eight asthmatic reactors, the symptoms developed within a few sec and there was no associated rise in free venous plasma histamine. In those remaining, two with asthma, two with urticaria and one with both, the symptoms developed only after 20–30 min. A rise in free plasma histamine occurred only in the two subjects with urticaria alone. The third with urticaria and asthma did not have blood estimations performed.

Sodium cromoglycate in a dosage of 800 mg a day for 1 week, or a single dose of 1.0 g by mouth, did not block any of the reactions. By inhalation it blocked the asthmatic reactions which developed within a few sec of challenge.
Treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria with combined HI and H2 blockers
Authors: PHANUPHAK P. , SCHOCKET A. , KOHLER P. F.
Published: April 2006

Combined H1 (cyproheptadine) and H2 antihistamines (cimetidine) were tried in eight patients with chronic urticaria who were previously unresponsive to conventional anti‐urticarial regimens, including type I antihistamines, hydroxyzine, ephedrine and corticosteroids. 50 % of the patients responded with 90 % or greater improvement within 10 days. The remaining 50% showed no benefit. Side effects of the medications were minimal. These results indicate that a 10 day trial of both H1 and H2 antihistamines may be useful in patients with chronic urticaria resistant to all other standard treatment modalities.
Humidifier fever and endotoxin exposure
Authors: RYLANDER R. , HAGLIND P. , LUNDHOLM M. , MATTSBY I. , STENQVIST K.
Published: April 2006

Three cases of humidifier fever were detected in an office environment. Flavobacteria were found in the contaminated water in a humidifier. After an experimental exposure, the three persons with previous symptoms suffered from fever and slight respiratory symptoms. A leucocytosis and an increase in the number of segmented white blood cells were found the day following the exposure. General immuno‐globulins as well as antibodies to Flavobacterium and endotoxin were slightly elevated in the exposed group. The possibility that endotoxins may be the causative agent by means of an indirect complement activation is discussed.
Immunological mechanisms in pulmonary diseases
Authors: SALVAGGIO J. E.
Published: April 2006

Although the subject of this symposium, IgE and Mechanisms in Immediate Hypersensitivity, is applicable to most of the common atopic respiratory diseases, there are many other respiratory diseases that are not necessarily IgE mediated. In this talk I shall briefly touch on the immunological mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of some of these diseases including allergic alveolitis (hypersensitivity pneumonitis), the eosinophilic pneumonias and pulmonary fibrosis associated with certain connective tissue, inorganic dust, and occupational diseases.
Flunisolide—a new intranasal steroid for the treatment of allergic rhinitis
Authors: SAHAY J. N. , CHATTERJEE S. S. , ENGLER C.
Published: April 2006

A double‐blind, cross‐over comparison of flunisolide nasal spray and its inactive aqueous vehicle has been carried out in fifty patients suffering from perennial allergic rhinitis. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups; the first group (group I) received flunisolide for 3 weeks and then placebo for 3 weeks while the regimes were given in the reverse order to the second group (group II). Patients used two insufflations of 0.1 ml in each nostril twice daily. As the active spray was presented as a 0.025% solution of flunisolide, the total daily dosage was 200 μg. Patients were assessed on admission and at the end of each 3 week period. The results show flunisolide to be significantly superior to placebo in relieving sneezing, nasal obstruction and postnasal drip, as well as improving the quality of sleep and everyday life. At the end of the trial the preferences for treatment recorded by both doctors and patients were significantly in favour of the flunisolide spray. Side effects were minor and occurred during both placebo and active phases of the trial. A short Synacthen test performed at each visit showed no evidence of adrenal suppression.
The nature of asthma in Brisbane
Authors: CLARKE C. W. , ALDONS P. M.
Published: April 2006

Clinical details and skin prick test reactions are described for 183 asthmatic patients who attended an asthma clinic at the Royal Brisbane Hospital in 1976. These features were compared with similar studies reported from London, Sydney, Tristan da Cunha and New Guinea. Asthma in Brisbane was shown to be similar in many ways to asthma in those centres; however, a higher frequency of positive immediate skin test reactions to antigens of A. fumigatus, a larger percentage of skin test‐negative patients developing symptoms before the age of 10 years, and a lack of association between the age of onset of symptoms and number of positive skin tests was noted. A difference in mean weal diameter (in mm) on skin testing with house dust mite antigens was not found between patients giving a history of sensitivity to these antigens and those that did not. A seasonal increase in symptoms was only described by 27% of patients.
Atopic disease and month of birth
Authors: SMITH J. MORRISON , SPRINGETT V. H.
Published: April 2006

Analysis of the month of birth of 1715 children with asthma shows clear evidence of a higher proportion of the group having been born between May and October (54.8%) than would be expected by comparison with the population of England and Wales (50.2%). Inspection of the distribution of month of birth for patients with hay fever and for patients with positive skin reactions to mixed grass pollen does not account for this seasonal variation but children with positive skin reactions to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus show a high proportion (56.2%) born in the period May to October.

Although the reasons for the variation of pattern of month of birth in asthmatic children are uncertain, further study of sensitization in early life might clarify them.
A placebo‐controlled trial of ketotifen (HC 20‐511, Sandoz) in allergen induced asthma and comparison with disodium cromoglycate
Authors: WELLS ATHOL , TAYLOR BRENT
Published: April 2006

Ketotifen failed to protect against cat fur allergen induced asthma in a double blind placebo‐controlled trial in ten asthmatic children. Disodium cromoglycate gave effective protection against the immediate and the late asthmatic reactions but there were no significant differences between the effects of ketotifen and a placebo.
Serum IgE in healthy infants fed breast milk or cow's milk‐based formulas
Authors: SAARINEN U. M. , BJÖRKSTÉN F. , KNEKT P. , SIIMES M. A.
Published: April 2006

A group of ninety‐five infants was followed from birth to one year of age, and the total serum IgE concentration was studied. The infants were fed on breast milk, home‐prepared cow's milk formula, or proprietary infant milk formula. Solid foods were introduced at 3.5 months of age. The breast milk group had lower IgE than the cow's milk group up to 4 months of age, i.e. until the end of exclusive milk feeding. The formula group had intermediate IgE values. The difference was not due to the presence of IgE antibodies to cow's milk in the bottle‐fed infants, since no such antibodies could be detected. After the introduction of solid foods the differences between the groups disappeared. Our data suggest that exclusive breast milk feeding can reduce total serum IgE concentration in early infancy. Reference values for unselected infants and for infants with no atopic manifestations are reported.
Antigens which detect IgE antibodies in workers sensitive to toluene diisocyanate
Authors: KAROL MERYL H. , ALARIE YVES
Published: April 2006

Two antigens, both containing tolyl groups, were compared for ability to detect IgE antibodies in workers hypersensitive to toluene diisocyanate. One antigen, formed by reaction of p‐tolyl isocyanate with human serum albumin, detected antibodies in each of ten hypersensitive workers. A second tolyl antigen, formed by reaction of p‐toluoyl chloride and human serum albumin, and therefore lacking isocyanate linkages, detected antibodies in seven of the ten workers. In RAST assays, sera from toluene diisocyanate‐sensitive workers demonstrated higher binding to human serum albumin‐coated control discs than did sera from non‐sensitive workers. The significance of this binding in calculating tolyl‐reactive antibody titres is discussed.
Occupational asthma due to stainless steel welding fumes
Authors: KESKINEN HELENA , KALLIOMÄKI P.‐L. , ALANKO K.
Published: April 2006

Seven patients with respiratory symptoms after welding were examined. Five had occupational asthma caused by fumes from manual metal are stainless steel welding. The detailed clinical results of two patients with repeated challenge tests are reported.

One patient was nonatopic and had earlier had contact dermatitis due to chromium. He experienced a non‐immediate type of asthmatic reaction after welding stainless steel. The other patient was atopic and showed an immediate‐type reaction. Both reactions were repeated in the second provocation lest after about 2 years. In addition both disodium cromoglycate and beclomethasone pretreatments inhibited the reaction of the two patients, but a placebo medication did not. A remarkable amount of chromium and nickel are detected in the fumes released during stainless steel welding but not in the fumes from mild steel welding, with which all provocation tests were negative. The chromium or the nickel in welding fumes might be the aetiological factor of the reaction.
City spore concentrations in the European Economic Community (EEC) IV. Summer weed pollen (Rumex, Plantago, Chenopodiaceae, Artemisia), 1976 and 1977
Authors: SPIEKSMA F. TH. M. , CHARPIN H. , NOLARD N. , STIX E.
Published: April 2006

This paper describes observations on the airborne pollen concentrations of four anemophilous weeds of very common occurrence in Western Europe, viz. Rumex spp. (sorrel and dock), Plantago spp. (plantain), Chenopodiaceae (goosefoot family) and Artemisia spp. (mugwort). Comparative results are recorded from London, Leiden, Brussels. Munich and Marseilles for the summers of 1976 and 1977 and this study is one of a series involving international collaboration between workers in cities of the European Economic Community. The literature on the clinical significance of summer weed pollen is reviewed and it is concluded that the pollen of Artemisia is likely to be of importance in areas where the weed is of common occurrence in late summer. The pollen of the other summer weeds is unlikely to be important, but may contribute to the problems of the pollen sensitive patient under exceptional circumstances.
Skin test reactivity to dog‐derived antigens
Authors: LUTSKY I. , FINK J. N. , ARKINS J. A. , HOFFMAN R. , MOROUSE MARLENE
Published: April 2006

Skin test reactivity to canine antigens was studied by testing atopic patients and veterinarians using a commercially prepared mixed‐dog epithelial antigen and breed‐specific antigens including dander extracts, serum and urine, obtained from thirty‐one different pure‐bred dogs. Increased skin test reactivity was noted using breed‐specific antigens as compared to the mixed‐dog commercial screening extract. Variation in skin test responsivity related to specific breed antigens was also noted. The results suggest that skin tests using canine urine and serum antigens, in addition to the conventional dander antigens, may be useful in the diagnosis of hypersensitivity to dogs.
Neonatal birch‐pollen contact and subsequent allergy to birch pollen
Authors: BJÖRKSTÉN F. , SUONIEMI I. , KOSKI V.
Published: April 2006

It is shown by regression analysis that the risk of immediate hypersensitivity to birch pollen, as measured by a skin test, is positively correlated with the quantity of birch male flowers and the number of non‐rainy days in the first birch flowering season (May) met in infancy. The risk is also dependent on the month of birth, with maximal risk associated with birth in Februarys–April. The results suggest that early pollen contacts, particularly during the first 6 months of life, increase the risk of pollen allergy for a period of 20 years. We estimate that elimination of early birch pollen contacts could have reduced the prevalence of immediate hypersensitivity to birch by 28% in our age group 0–19 years.
Anaphylactic reactions to Hymenoptera stings in asthmatic patients*
Authors: SETTIPANE G. A. , CHAFEE F. H. , KLEIN D. E. , BOYD G. K. , STURAM J. H. , FREYE H. B.
Published: April 2006

We evaluated 587 cases with generalized reactions to stings of Hymenoptera. Eighty of these patients and twenty‐eight normal controls had radioallergosorbent tests (RAST) to venoms of honey bee, yellow jacket, hornet, wasp and to phospholipase A. Those patients with systemic reactions had a significantly greater frequency of positive RAST than normal controls (51.3%vs. 7.1%, P < 0.001). The frequency of atopy (asthma/rhinitis) in these 587 cases was only 22% and resembled the expected frequency in a general population. Asthmatic patients did not have an increased risk of developing systemic reactions to Hymenoptera stings. However, those asthmatic patients with systemic reactions to Hymenoptera stings had a significantly more severe anaphylactic reaction to a sting than non‐asthmatics. These severe reactions were primarily manifested by acute dyspnoea, which appeared to represent a bronchospastic response to endogenous histamine release.
On the significance of severe local reactions to Hymenoptera stings
Authors: ABRECHT I. , EICHLER G. , MÜLLER U. , HOIGNÉ R.
Published: April 2006

Of 317 patients with hypersensitivity to Hymenoptera stings forty had severe local reactions (SLR) only, fifty‐nine reported severe local reactions before their first and seven after their last systemic reaction (SR). The probability to develop a life threatening systemic reaction when restung after a severe local reaction was calculated to be about 5%. In 80% of the patients with severe local reactions only, hypersensitivity to either bee or yellow jacket venom could be demonstrated by skin tests and/or RAST. A fair correlation of skin test and RAST results was observed. In patients with severe local reactions hyposensitization therapy with venoms is not generally indicated. In exceptional patients whose allergy is proven by skin tests or RAST and who are at a high risk of being restung, hyposensitization may be considered.
Correlation of the specific IgE in serum and nasal secretions with clinical symptoms in atopies
Authors: ORTOLANI C. , MIADONNA A. , ADAMI R. , RESTUCCIA M. , ZANUSSI C.
Published: April 2006

In an unselected population of 133 young adults studied by prick testing to common allergens three groups were identified: eleven subjects with positive skin test responses and clinical symptoms of allergy; ten subjects only with positive skin tests and the remainder with negative skin tests.

All subjects with positive skin tests (with and without symptoms) were studied by RAST on the serum and nasal secretions. Specific and non‐specific bronchial provocation tests (BPT) were also carried out.

The serum RAST was positive in all subjects with positive skin tests, and there was good correlation between high levels of circulating specific IgE and the presence of clinical symptoms.

The RAST of nasal secretions was negative in most symptom‐free subjects and as a diagnostic lest it was slightly better than the serum RAST.

BPTs with extracts of the relevant allergens caused bronchospasm in every subject with a positive nasal secretion RAST. Only two subjects out of fifteen with a positive response were clinical asthmatics. Our results cast doubt on the clinical relevance of the BPT as it is usually conducted.
A standardized filter paper technique for assessing nasal secretory activity
Authors: KNOWLES G. K. , TOWNSEND P. , TURNER‐WARWICK M.
Published: April 2006

A simple filter paper technique for estimating nasal secretory activity (NSA) was studied in 179 healthy adults. The technique was reproducible and NSA correlated independently with age and race (P < 0.001 in each case) but not with sex or smoking habits. Subjects with a past history of atopic disease (asthma, rhinitis or eczema) produced significantly more nasal secretion than those without such a history (P<0.03). Among the former there was no significant difference in quantity of secretion recovered between those with and those without a past history of rhinitis.

Increased NSA appears to be a marker of the atopic state and its measurement could be of value in the management of patients with allergic nasal disorders.
Intermediate α1‐antitrypsin deficiency in atopic allergy
Authors: HOFFMANN J. J. M. L. , KRAMPS J. A. , DIJKMAN J. H.
Published: April 2006

In a population of over 200 patients with atopic bronchial disease, significantly increased frequencies of the α1‐antitrypsin Pi‐types of intermediate deficiency (Pi MZ and Pi MS) were found. As far as we are aware of, this report is the first in which strictly objective criteria for patient classification with respect to atopy have been used. A possible biochemical basis for the phenomenon is presented.
The predictive value of the lymphocyte transformation test in isoniazid‐associated hepatitis
Authors: WARRINGTON R. J. , MCPHILIPS‐FEENER SHAWN , RUTHERFORD W. J.
Published: April 2006

Sixty‐one patients receiving isoniazid (INH) for chemotherapy or chemoprophylaxis were assessed by the lymphocyte‐transformation test (LTT) shortly after starting treatment. Thirty‐eight per cent exhibited stimulation with INH, isonicotinic acid (INA) or human‐serum albumin conjugates of these haptens. In the LTT‐positive group, liver dysfunction subsequently developed in 58‐8%, as compared to 22‐7% in the LTT‐negative group (P <0.01). The difference was not accountable on the basis of age, ethnic background, sex or chemotherapy vs chemoprophylaxis. Although there was an excess of alcohol abusers in the LTT‐positive group, the probability of developing liver dysfunction amongst alcohol abusers in that group was twice as great as for LTT‐negative alcohol abusers. The specificity of the LTT in predicting liver damage was 83‐90% (depending upon the criteria used for determining positivity), while the sensitivity of the test was only 50%.
Clinical and immunological surveys in bee keepers
Authors: BOUSQUET J. , COULOMB Y. , ROBINET‐LEVY M. , MICHEL F. B.
Published: April 2006

Two hundred and fifty bee keepers in the South of France, working seasonally, were clinically investigated by means of a questionnaire. Forty‐three percent had presented anaphylactic symptoms and 7.0%, toxic reactions when stung by bees. The personal atopic history was found to be significantly (P < 0.01) elevated in bee keepers who experienced anaphylaxis. Total serum IgE and bee venom‐specific IgE were titrated in 100 subjects. Total serum IgE was significantly elevated in allergic bee keepers (P= 0.02). Although bee venom‐specific IgE were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in allergic bee keepers this parameter cannot discriminate between allergic and non‐allergic bee keepers owing to a considerable overlap. Bee venom‐specific IgG was assayed in seventy subjects. Their level was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in allergic and non‐allergic bee keepers as compared with non‐allergic blood donors and non‐bee‐keeping allergic patients. In both bee keeper groups there was no difference in bee venom‐specific IgG titres.
Japanese summer‐type hypersensitivity pneumonitis: studies using Cryptococcus antigen
Authors: MIYAGAWA TOSHI , HAMAGAMI SAYO , OCHI T. , OSUGI T. , KIKUI M. , TAKAHASHI H.
Published: April 2006

Sixty‐six patients, diagnosed as Japanese summer‐type hypersensitivity pneumonitis at Osaka Prefectural Habikino hospital between 1973 and 1980, were studied. The diagnosis was based on the clinical features and summer‐seasonal nature of the disease. The presence of an aetiological agent within patients' home environment was suggested by the recurrence of acute symptoms of high fever, cough and dyspnoea 5–8 hr after coming home from hospital, and by spontaneous improvement on leaving home. Immunological studies revealed the presence of anti‐Cryptococcus antibody in sixty‐four of sixty‐five patients' sera, by indirect immunofluorescence against Cryptococcus neoformans, Precipitating antibody against culture supernatant protein‐antigen of Cr. neoformans was detected in more than 80% of sera obtained from patients during the active stage of the disease. The positive result on inhalation provocation‐challenge, using culture supernatant protein‐antigen, suggested that Cr. neoformans or antigenically related Cryptococcus species may cause Japanese summer‐type hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Bone studies in patients on prolonged systemic corticosteroid therapy for asthma
Authors: GREENBERGER P. A. , HENDRIX R. W. , PATTERSON R. , CHMIEL JOAN S.
Published: April 2006

Cortical thickness of the second metacarpal bone and lumbar spine fractures were determined radiographically in twenty‐one Caucasian corticosteroid‐dependent asthmatics (mean age, 61‐2 years; range 47‐73 years). The mean number of prednisone years per patient of continuous corticosteroid treatment averages 9.7 (range 5.0‐21.5 years), and the mean accumulated dose of prednisone was 46.7 g (range 10.7‐160 g). Thirteen of twenty‐one (61.9%) patients had cortical thickness between 1 and 2 standard deviations (s.d.) below the age‐ and sex‐specific mean for normals, but only four (19%) patients fell below 2 s.d. Although the study indicated decreased cortical thickness in the prednisone‐treated group, in only one (4.8%) patient were vertebral fractures present, an incidence not unexpected in this age group. In serious chronic asthma, concern for bone structure should not prohibit the cautious use of appropriate corticosteroid regimens at the lowest possible maintenance dose.
Childhood bronchial asthma in northern Nigeria
Authors: ABDURRAHMAN M. B. , TAQI A. M.
Published: April 2006

A review of childhood bronchial asthma in Zaria, northern Nigeria is presented. An average of twenty‐three cases a year were seen over a 4‐year period. Features of the disease include low incidence, late age of onset, family history of asthma in only 16% of cases and absence of eczema, but positive skin tests, as evidence of atopy. The clinical features of the disease are similar to those described in children elsewhere. The apparent conflicting reports on the epidemiology of childhood bronchial asthma in Africa are probably due to the multifactorial nature of the disease: geographical, environmental, racial, as well as factors related to the life‐style of the people.
Life‐threatening inhalant allergy: typical anaphylaxis induced by inhalational allergen challenge in patients with idiopathic recurrent anaphylaxis
Authors: BROOM B. C. , FITZHARRIS P.
Published: April 2006

Eight patients, referred to an allergy service because of anaphylactic syndromes, were investigated for the usual causes (drugs, foods, insect stings etc.) without satisfactory results. All were atopic by history and/or allergy skin testing. Inhalation challenges, using nebulized common inhalant allergens to which the patients were positive by skin tests, were performed to test whether such inhaled allergens could be causing the anaphylactic episodes. Four of the eight patients developed anaphylactic episodes similar to the spontaneous attacks. Two of the other four patients developed precipitous asthma with some suggestion of non‐pulmonary anaphylactic features.

It is suggested that inhaled allergens may be a common cause of recurrent anaphylaxis where other recognized causes have been excluded.
Clinical effects of hyposensitization using a purified allergen preparation from Timothy pollen as compared to crude aqueous extracts from Timothy pollen and a four‐grass pollen mixture respectively
Authors: FROSTAD A. B. , GRIMMER Ø. , SANDVIK L. , MOXNES A. , AAS K.
Published: April 2006

Most extracts used in hyposensitization are complex and ill‐defined mixtures of a large number of antigenic components. A highly refined (purified) and well‐characterized allergen preparation from Timothy pollen (Phleum pratense) is now available.

This paper describes the results of hyposensitization for 3 years comparing the purified preparation Timothy N. the crude extract Timothy O and a four‐grass mix in sixty patients with allergic rhinitis due to grass pollen. The sixty patients were randomized into three groups and compared with a control group not hyposensitized. All three groups showed a significant decrease in clinical symptoms compared with the control group. The Timothy N group had a significantly higher nasal tolerance shown by nasal challenge test after 3 years' treatment than the group treated with the crude extract (P= 0.05). In addition, the Timothy‐N‐treated patients needed significantly less antihistaminic medication than the patients having received the crude extract or the four‐grass mix (P=0.02 and P= 0.01 respectively).
Induction of suppressor T cells in asthmatic children by theophylline treatment
Authors: SHOHAT B. , VOLOVITZ B. , VARSANO I.
Published: April 2006

The absolute T‐cell numbers and function, and the T‐suppressor‐cell subset were tested in eleven children with extrinsic asthma prior to and 1 month after theophylline treatment. Low mean T‐suppressor‐cell number and function was found in the asthmatic children, which returned to normal levels and function after 1 month of theophylline treatment. A normal mean T‐cell number was found in this group of children prior to, and 1 month after, theophylline treatment. An obvious correlation between the clinical severity of the asthma and the number of T suppressor cells was found. It is suggested that theophylline most probably activated the T suppressor cells in the asthmatic children.
Sensitivity to house dust mite and grass pollen in adults
Authors: KORSGAARD J. , DAHL R.
Published: April 2006

A comparison was made between the birth month of a control population and a sample of 240 adult patients with bronchial asthma or rhinitis and positive skin test towards house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus). The patients were born more frequently (P < 0.005) in the summer and autumn months than in the other seasons. A similar comparison of 336 allergic patients with a positive skin test towards grass pollen (Phlemt pratense) but no consistent seasonal preference in the birth months was revealed. This was possibly explained by the age of the patient group studied.

The increased incidence of house‐dust mite allergy in patients born in the months of May to September inclusive when house dust mites are supposed to be most abundant corresponds to a relative risk of 1.44. It is important lo diminish the exposure to house dust mites in early childhood because exposure to allergens may influence the development of allergic disease in later life.
Oral tartrazine challenge in childhood asthma: effect on bronchial reactivity
Authors: HARIPARSAD D. , WILSON N. , DIXON C. , SILVERMAN M
Published: April 2006

Ten asthmatic children who gave a history of cough or wheeze after orange drinks, were tested for tartrazine sensitivity. On separate days, either oral tartrazine (1 mg) or a placebo capsule were administered double blind. Bronchial reactivity was measured before, 30 and 60 min after ingestion by means of a histamine‐inhalation challenge test. There was no change in baseline lung function after tartrazine, but histamine sensitivity (PC20) increased significantly in four of the children. No response was obtained to a larger dose of tartrazine (10 mg) in four of the non‐responders. Alteration in the bronchial reactivity after an oral challenge, appears to be a sensitive means of detecting tartrazine sensitivity.
Natural‐killer‐cell activity in atopic dermatitis
Authors: LEVER ROSEMARY S. , LESKO M. J. , MACKIE RONA M. , PARROTT DELPHINE M. V.
Published: April 2006

Natural‐killer (NK)‐cell activity was measured in the peripheral blood of twenty patients with atopic dermatitis and in a group of thirteen age‐matched non‐atopic controls (nine subjects on thirteen occasions). The method uses a chromium‐release assay with the human leukaemia cell line, K562, labelled with 5lCr as the target cell. A highly significant reduction in NK‐cell activity was found in the patients with atopic dermatitis.
Relationship of diet in the development of atopy in infancy
Authors: VAN ASPEREN P. P. , KEMP A. S. , MELLIS C. M.
Published: April 2006

We examined the relationship of diet to the development of atopic manifestations in a group of infants with an immediate family history of atopy, followed prospectively from birth for up to 20 months of age. There was no relationship between the development of atopic dermatitis, rhinitis and wheeze and either 2 or 4 months exclusive breast feeding, or the introduction of cow's milk or solids in the first 4 months of life. In addition there was no relationship between the introduction of milk, egg or wheat into the diet and the development of skin‐test positivity to these foods. In fact, five infants developed positive skin tests to the food prior to its introduction into the diet, suggesting exposure via maternal breast milk. Thus we have been unable to show a protective effect of either breast feeding or cow's milk or solid avoidance on the development of atopic disease in infancy.
A comparison of the clinical and immunological effects of an alum‐precipitated five‐grass extract with a conjugated two‐grass extract in the desensitization of hay fever
Authors: DORWARD A. J. , WACLAWSKI E. , KERR W.
Published: April 2006

Thirty‐nine patients with pollen hay fever were randomly allocated to receive either an alum‐precipitated five‐grass extract (Allpyral®) or a two‐grass conjugated extract (Conjuvac®) prior to the 1982 pollen season.

Efficacy was assessed by means of symptom scores, drug usage and specific IgE and IgG antibody response. Both nasal and eye symptom scores were significantly higher during the pollen season in those patients receiving Allpyral. Specific IgE and IgG measured after the pollen season showed similar rises in each group. Seven patients showed a marked elevation in specific IgE and nine a marked elevation in specific IgG, but no patient showed both. Those with a high specific IgE level tended to be younger. Symptom scores bore no relation to either specific IgE or IgG antibodies. Side‐effects were mainly local and were equal in both groups.
Decrease in reactivity of basophils by immunotherapy with housedust extract
Authors: KIMURA IKURO , TANIZAKI YOSHIRO , GODA YOSHINORI , KOMAGOE HARUKI , KITANI HIKARU
Published: April 2006

Changes of basophil reactivity to housedust extract and anti‐IgE during immunotherapy was examined in thirteen patients with bronchial asthma sensitive to housedust. (i) A significant decrease in the morphological reactivity of basophils to housedust extract was observed 6 months after the beginning of immunotherapy with the antigen, and a significant decrease after 12 and 18 months’ therapy, accompanied with the decrease of histamine release from the cells. The percent reactive basophils to the antigen decreased from 59.2 ± 2.9% before the therapy to 40.0 ± 1.8% after 18 months’immunotherapy. (ii) A decrease in the morphological reactivity of basophils to anti‐IgE was also shown during immunotherapy. The basophil reactivity to anti‐IgE decreased significantly at the late stage (18 months) of immunotherapy. (iii) A significant reduction of specific IgE antibody to housedust was observed 12 and 18 months after the beginning of immunotherapy. It was suggested from these results that immunotherapy causes some changes on the surface of basophils and decreased reactivity of the cells, and that a decrease of reactive basophils to anti‐IgE in the process of immunotherapy might be due to a decrease in number of IgE receptors essentially or functionally.
Celery sensitivity: clinical and immunological correlations with pollen allergy
Authors: PAULI G. , BESSOT J. C. , DIETEMANN‐MOLARD A. , BRAUN P. A. , THIERRY R.
Published: April 2006

The authors studied twenty patients with celery allergy and concomitant hypersensitivity to certain pollens (mugwort, birch). The specific symptoms induced by eating celery were attacks of urticaria and angio oedema (seventeen out of twenty) respiratory complaints (eight out of twenty), systemic anaphylaxis with vascular collapse (three out of twenty). A strong association between clinical reactions to celery and mugwort sensitization, and to a lesser degree between celery allergy and birch pollen sensitization was established. Celery allergy is mediated by IgE antibodies and can be easily diagnosed by cutaneous tests using fresh material and/or by adequate RAST test. RAST inhibitions performed on individual sera suggest the existence of common antigens in celery and mugwort, and in celery and birch pollen. However, the exact nature of these common antigens has not yet been determined.
Storage mite allergy is common in a farming population
Authors: VAN HAGE‐HAMSTEN MARIANNE , JOHANSSON S.G.O. , HÖGLUND S. , TÜLL P. , WIRÉN A. , ZETTERSTROM O.
Published: April 2006

The prevalence of storage mite allergy was investigated in an epidemiological study of respiratory symptoms in farmers on Gotland, an island in the Baltic Sea. A questionnaire concerning work‐related and chronic symptoms from the airways and eyes was completed by 2578 farmers. A sample of 440 farmers subsequently underwent examination comprising skin‐prick tests (animal danders, pollens, moulds and house dust mite), blood sampling for RAST against four storage mites (Acarus siro, Lepidoglyphus destructor. Tyrophagus putrescentiae and Glycyphagus domesticus) and total IgE analyses. Immediate onset hypersensitivity reactions in the airways and eyes were very common among active farmers on Gotland, the prevalence being as high as 40.0%. The prevalence of atopic allergy was 15.6%. Allergy to storage mites was diagnosed, from the case history and a positive RAST to at least one of the four storage mites, in fifty‐two of 440 studied farmers (12%), corresponding to a calculated prevalence of storage mite allergy in the whole farming population of Gotland of 6.2%. The corresponding prevalence among farmers with hypersensitivity symptoms was 15.4%and among those with possibly IgE‐mediated symptoms it was as high as 37.8%. The present study clearly demonstrates a high prevalence of allergy to storage mites among farmers with respiratory symptoms.
An open cross‐over trial comparing two doses of astemizole and beclomethasone dipropionate in the treatment of perennial rhinitis
Authors: SIBBALD B. , HILTON S. , D'SOUZA M.
Published: April 2006

An open cross‐over trial comparing astemizole with intra‐nasal aqueous beclomethasone dipropionate was carried out in forty‐five perennial rhinitis patients attending a S.W. London general practice. Each drug was given for 12 weeks, separated by 4–8 weeks without medication. The principal outcome measure was a 7‐day symptom diary completed by patients during weeks 4, 8 and 12. Patients were skin tested to seven common inhalant allergens. Half the patients beginning either regime failed to respond adequately within 2 weeks. Doubling the dose in these patients achieved satisfactory symptom control in an additional 67% on beclomethasone dipropionate and 45% on astemizole. Symptom diary scores showed beclomethasone dipropionate to be significantly more effective than astemizole in the treatment of skin test negative patients; but the two drugs were of equal benefit in the treatment of skin test positive patients. Sneezing and rhinorrhoea were the same on both drugs, but nasal blockage tended to be less severe on beclomethasone dipropionate. There was no significant difference between drugs in the frequency or duration of side effects. Beclomethasone dipropionate and astemizole are equally effective in the symptomatic treatment of atopic perennial rhinitis, but beclomethasone dipropionate may offer superior symptom relief in non‐atopic perennial rhinitis.
Separation and characterization of potential allergens from cultured baby hamster kidney cells
Authors: FRANCIS M. J. , BLACK L.
Published: April 2006

Residual cellular material present in foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) vaccines has been implicated as a possible cause of hypersensitivity in cattle. This study was designed to identify and characterize the potentially allergenic components involved. After fractionating baby hamster kidney (BHK) cell lysate, by preparative electrofocusing and gel filtration chromatography, the eluates which were potentially allergenic for cattle were identified by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and PCA‐inhibition methods. The potential allergen identified had a molecular weight of approximately 43 000 daltons, sedimentation coefficient of 3·65 S20 and isoelectric points between pH 5·37 and 6·25. Based on these results an immunogenic FMD vaccine was produced which failed to provoke clinical sensitization after repeated inoculations. This information should enable manufacturers to identify, monitor and subsequently control the levels of any such potentially allergenic material present in current vaccines produced using BHK cells.
Detection of thiopentone‐reactive IgE antibodies following anaphylactoid reactions during anaesthesia
Authors: HARLE D. G. , BALDO B. A. , SMAL M. A. , WAJON P. , FISHER M. M.
Published: April 2006

A radioimmunoassay was developed to detect IgE antibodies to the anaesthetic induction agent thiopentone. Significant levels of thiopentone‐reactive IgE antibodies were found in the sera of two patients who had experienced life‐threatening anaphylactoid reactions following administration of the drug. Inhibition experiments revealed that cross‐reactivity occurs between the drug‐reactive IgE antibodies and four barbiturate analogues pentobarbitone, phenobarbitone, barbitone and methohexital. The assay should supplement skin testing for the detection of patients with potentially lethal sensitivity to thiopentone.
Pattern of specific airway response in asthma due to western red cedar (Thuja plicata): relationship with length of exposure and lung function measurements
Authors: PAGGIARO P. L. , YEUNG M. CHAN
Published: April 2006

In order to investigate the relationship between the pattern of response (immediate, late and dual) to specific bronchial challenge test with plicatic acid or red cedar extract and the clinical features of asthma, 332 patients with‐asthma induced by western red cedar dust were examined at the time of diagnosis. Specific challenge test induced in thirty‐one patients (9.3%) an isolated immediate reaction, in 144 patients (43.4%) an isolated late reaction and in 157 patients (47.3%) a dual reaction. Patients with a dual reaction had a longer period of exposure to red cedar dust between the onset of the respiratory symptoms and the time of the definitive diagnosis, a lower FEF 25–75% and a greater degree of non‐specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness compared to patients with isolated immediate or isolated late reactions; the difference in bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine among the three groups persisted when the values were adjusted for the different baseline value of FEV1. There was no difference in the prevalence of specific serum IgE antibodies to plicatic acid‐human serum albumin conjugate among the three groups of patients with different type of response to red cedar. Except for the greater degree of non‐specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness, patients with isolated late reactions were not different from those with isolated immediate reactions in other clinical findings. These findings indicate that a dual reaction in patients with occupational asthma due to simple chemical agents is indicative of a greater severity of disease at diagnosis. The pathogenetic mechanism of various types of asthmatic reaction is unknown and it is likely to be different between isolated immediate and isolated late reactions.
Predominance of mite allergy over allergy to pollens and animal danders in a farming population
Authors: VAN HAGE‐HAMSTEN MARIANNE , JOHANSSON S. G. O. , ZETTERSTRÖM O.
Published: April 2006

The prevalence of IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity to respiratory allergens, including Lepidoglyphus destructor (a storage mite) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, was studied in a rural population of Gotland, a Swedish island in the Baltic Sea. A sample of 440 farmers underwent examination, comprising skin‐prick tests (animal danders, pollens, moulds, house dust mite and wheat) and blood sampling for radio‐allergosorbent tests (RAST) (birch, Timothy grass, dog, D. pteronyssinus, Cladosporium and L. destructor). The highest prevalence of positive skin‐prick tests was noted for D. pteronyssinus (6.0%). Low prevalences of positive skin‐prick tests, 0.7‐2.7%, were found for pollens, animal danders and moulds. Among the tested allergens, D. pteronyssinus and L. destructor yielded the highest prevalences of positive RAST results, namely 5.2 and 6.8%, respectively. Most farmers with allergy to pollens and animal danders had symptoms both from the upper and lower airways and from the eyes. Among farmers with both asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis, the prevalence of positive RAST results for L. destructor and D. pteronyssinus were similar. The present study clearly demonstrates that mites are by far the most important allergens in the farming population on Gotland, whereas otherwise common allergens such as pollen and animal danders are clearly less significant.
Laser Doppler flowmetry for determining changes in cutaneous blood flow following intradermal injection of histamine
Authors: HOVELL C. J. , BEASLEY C. R. W. , MANI R. , HOLGATE S. T.
Published: April 2006

The use of laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) in determining changes in cutaneous blood flow following intradermal injection of histamine has been investigated in this double‐blind study. In eight subjects blood flow (LDF) and weal‐and‐flare area (planimetry) were measured at regular intervals for 1 hr following 50‐μl injections of different concentrations of histamine (6.5 ± 10−5 ‐6.5 ± 10−3 M) and saline. The mean maximum increase in LDF values over the flare was at least nine‐fold greater than the baseline values for all three concentrations of histamine injected. When the LDF values observed at different sites were integrated to obtain the ‘LDF response’ it was possible to demonstrate concentration‐related increases in blood flow and to differentiate clearly between the different concentrations of histamine and saline for up to 30 min after injection. During this period, the repeatability and the time course of the LDF response was comparable with that of the flare area. These studies suggest that the non‐invasive technique of LDF is a sensitive and reproducible method for quantifying the changes in cutaneous blood flow that occurs for the first 30 min after intradermal injection of histamine.
Allergy in chronic haemodialysis. 1. Double‐blind intravenous challenge with formaldehyde
Authors: BOUSQUET J. , RIVORY J.‐P. , MAURICE F. , SKASSA‐BROCIEK W. , LARRSON P. , JOHANSSON S. G. O. , FLORENCE P. , MICHEL F. B.
Published: April 2006

Patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis are often exposed to formaldehyde, formaldehyde (F) has been reported to cause IgE‐mediated anaphylactic shock. Many other patients reported pruritus or anaphylaxis‐like symptoms when dialysed with F‐sterilized dialysers. Ten patients presenting such symptoms were compared with five control subjects. Intravenous double‐blind challenges were performed on six consecutive occasions, with capillary flow dialysers sterilized with or without F. Dialysis was performed by an investigator who was not aware of the sterilization procedure. Among the ten F‐sensitive patients, five had symptoms with F‐sterilized dialysers and no symptoms with new dialysers, sterilized by ethylene oxide and free of F. Symptoms included pruritus and hypotension. These five patients were subsequently dialysed with new dialysers, not sterilized with F, and symptoms subsided. The five other patients had inconclusive challenges. The five control subjects had no symptoms during challenges. Skin‐prick tests with F showed that only one of the five patients who had symptoms with F‐dialysers had a strongly positive prick test. RAST to F was titrated with HSA‐discs but it was negative in all patients and control subjects. Formaldehyde was shown to cause symptoms in some patients under chronic haemodialysis but an IgE‐mediated mechanism was not demonstrated.
Nasal allergy to avian antigens
Authors: VAN WIJK R. GERTH , VAN TOORENENBERGEN A. W. , DIEGES P. H.
Published: April 2006

This study describes the case of a patient who developed symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis on exposure to budgerigars and parrots. An IgE‐mediated allergy to budgerigar, parrot and pigeon antigens was demonstrated using both in‐vivo challenge tests (skin and nasal provocation tests) and in‐vitro investigations (radio‐allergo‐sorbent test, histamine release test). The study shows that the development of nasal disease can be associated with allergy to avian antigens.
Occupational asthma in nurses handling psyllium
Authors: CARTIER A. , MALO J.‐L. , DOLOVICH J.
Published: April 2006

Five nurses aged 31–55 years old had a history of asthmatic symptoms after being exposed to psyllium that they prepared and distributed to patients. They had been nurses for 9–20 years and had reported asthmatic symptoms related to work in the past 3–12 months. They reported symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis and all were atopic but only one had a previous history of asthma. Four of the five tested subjects had an immediate skin reaction to a commercial psyllium extract. All had IgE antibodies to psyllium. At the time that they were investigated, four out of the five had a significant increase in bronchial responsiveness to methacholine (PC 20 <8 mg/ml). Inhalation challenges with psyllium caused isolated immediate (one subject) and dual reactions (three subjects). One subject exposed for only 1 min to the psyllium powder experienced a severe immediate bronchospastic reaction, which required intubation for 3 h with complete functional recovery thereafter. This experience illustrates the precautions necessary, with the inclusion of a cautious dose‐response approach, even with an‘occupation‐type’challenge in the laboratory.