{"title":"Utility of the immunoglobulin E crosslinking-induced luciferase expression assay in buckwheat allergy diagnosis.","authors":"Toya Kono, Kaoru Okamoto, Yuji Mori, Tetsushi Yoshikawa, Yasuto Kondo","doi":"10.15586/aei.v54i3.1395","DOIUrl":"10.15586/aei.v54i3.1395","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Buckwheat allergy carries a high risk of anaphylaxis. Although the oral food challenge (OFC) is the diagnostic gold standard, it can provoke severe reactions, leading many patients to adopt elimination diets. Conventional markers, including buckwheat-specific IgE (Bw-sIgE) and skin prick testing, have limited accuracy. The IgE crosslinking-induced luciferase expression (EXiLE) assay is a serum-based in vitro cell-activation test that has shown high accuracy for other food allergies. We evaluated its utility for buckwheat allergy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This multicenter observational study in Japan enrolled participants with buckwheat-specific IgE ≥ 0.35 U<sub>A</sub>/mL (n = 25), categorized as buckwheat allergy (BwA) or non-buckwheat allergy (non-BwA) based on OFC results. The EXiLE assay used crude buckwheat antigen at 0.1-1000 ng/mL. Diagnostic performance was compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for EXiLE, Bw-sIgE, and the Bw-sIgE/total IgE ratio.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 25 participants, the EXiLE assay demonstrated superior diagnostic performance compared to Bw-sIgE and the Bw-sIgE/total IgE ratio. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.96 at 10 ng/mL (1 ng/mL, 0.94), exceeding Bw-sIgE (0.68) and the Bw-sIgE/total IgE ratio (0.72). At optimal cutoffs, EXiLE achieved sensitivity 0.92, specificity 0.92, and LR+ 11.1 (versus LR+ 3.2 for Bw-sIgE and 2.5 for the IgE ratio), indicating fewer false positives and better overall accuracy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The EXiLE assay provides high diagnostic accuracy for IgE-mediated buckwheat allergy and, as a serum-based in vitro assay, may reduce reliance on OFC and help avoid unnecessary elimination diets.</p>","PeriodicalId":7536,"journal":{"name":"Allergologia et immunopathologia","volume":"54 3","pages":"42-48"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147872947","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sara Manti, Amelia Licari, Michele Miraglia Del Giudice, Maria Angela Tosca, Giorgio Ciprandi, Gianluigi Marseglia
{"title":"Pragmatic management of acute cough in children and adolescents: an updated position paper by the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (SIAIP).","authors":"Sara Manti, Amelia Licari, Michele Miraglia Del Giudice, Maria Angela Tosca, Giorgio Ciprandi, Gianluigi Marseglia","doi":"10.15586/aei.v54i3.1671","DOIUrl":"10.15586/aei.v54i3.1671","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cough is one of the most common and distressing symptoms in pediatric practice and represents a major cause of medical consultation, parental anxiety, and inappropriate medication use. Although most acute cough episodes are benign and self-limiting, they can significantly affect child's sleep, school performance, and quality of life. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent changes in infection patterns and immune responses have further highlighted the need to update the existing clinical guidance.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This joint position paper by the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (SIAIP) aims to provide a pragmatic, evidence-based update on the management of acute and post-viral cough in children and adolescents, integrating recent scientific advances and real-world clinical experiences.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A multidisciplinary board of experts from SIAIP critically reviewed the literature published from 2019 to 2025 and updated the previous 2019 SIAIP document. The group achieved consensus on diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations through structured discussion and iterative revision.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The document emphasizes a stepwise approach to pediatric acute cough, starting with careful history-taking, clinical evaluation, and reassurance. Non-pharmacological measures-hydration, nasal saline irrigation, and avoidance of irritants-remain the first-line management. Pharmacological therapy may be considered in selected cases where cough is particularly distressing or significantly interferes with sleep; peripherally acting, nonsedative antitussives represent a reasonable option in terms of efficacy and safety. Centrally acting antitussives and unnecessary antibiotics should be avoided. Standardized, high-quality natural medical devices-with appropriate supporting evidence-represent a valid option. Honey-based preparations can be considered as complementary options. The paper also discusses new insights into cough pathophysiology, particularly the role of airway sensory hypersensitivity and neurogenic inflammation, which are paving the way for mechanism-based treatments.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This position paper provides an updated, pragmatic framework for the management of acute and post-viral cough in children and adolescents. It promotes rational drug use, integration of non-pharmacological and complementary measures, and awareness of emerging therapeutic targets. A mechanism-driven, individualized, and family-centered approach is advocated to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for pediatric patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":7536,"journal":{"name":"Allergologia et immunopathologia","volume":"54 3","pages":"31-41"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147872981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yasemin Akgul Balaban, Mustafa Ilker Inan, Fikriye Kalkan, Ezgi Sonmez, Fevzi Demirel, Ali Selcuk, Sait Yesillik, Ozgur Kartal
{"title":"Primary immunodeficiencies: Clinical spectrum and follow-up challenges.","authors":"Yasemin Akgul Balaban, Mustafa Ilker Inan, Fikriye Kalkan, Ezgi Sonmez, Fevzi Demirel, Ali Selcuk, Sait Yesillik, Ozgur Kartal","doi":"10.15586/aei.v54i3.1573","DOIUrl":"10.15586/aei.v54i3.1573","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are a rare group of diseases with a broad clinical spectrum. Patients usually present with infections; they may also present with autoimmunity, lymphoproliferative disorders, and/or cancers or these comorbidities may occur during the disease. We aimed to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics of adult patients with PID and evaluate the relationship between laboratory values and comorbidities with disease and each other. This study included 55 adult PID patients receiving immunoglobulin replacement therapy. Demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters, treatment modalities, and clinical course of patients were recorded. The most common PID subtype was Common Variable Immunodeficiency. The most common initial complaints were related to the respiratory and digestive systems; 11 cancers were detected in 9 patients. None of the immunodeficiency patients with cancer were in the underweight group. IgA and platelet levels were higher in the group that developed cancer, and four patients have deceased. PIDs are multisystemic diseases. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can lead to significant improvements in morbidity and mortality. Increased awareness and interdisciplinary cooperation are important.</p>","PeriodicalId":7536,"journal":{"name":"Allergologia et immunopathologia","volume":"54 3","pages":"24-30"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147872963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Is there hope for persistent airflow obstruction? From trial to practice: real-world efficacy of Tezepelumab in severe asthma with persistent airflow obstruction.","authors":"Marta Bernaola, Ana Umpiérrez","doi":"10.15586/aei.v54i3.1603","DOIUrl":"10.15586/aei.v54i3.1603","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Persistent airflow obstruction (PAO) is a challenging phenotype of severe asthma, characterized by accelerated lung function decline, increased morbidity, and poor response to conventional therapies. Tezepelumab, a human monoclonal antibody targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), has demonstrated efficacy in reducing airway inflammation and improving lung function.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>We report a real-world case of a 72-year-old male with long-standing severe allergic and eosinophilic T2 asthma, PAO, and multiple comorbidities, uncontrolled despite optimized therapy.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Correlating with post hoc analyses of the PATHWAY and NAVIGATOR trials, Tezepelumab treatment resulted in significant clinical lessening of the condition.In two trials, Tezepelumab reduced annualized asthma exacerbations by 61% in patients with PAO and improved lung function, with some patients no longer meeting PAO criteria. In our patient, 24 weeks of Tezepelumab therapy yielded a 370 mL increase in FEV1, only one mild exacerbation without hospitalization, decreased sputum production, and recovery of olfactory function.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These outcomes highlight the potential of Tezepelumab to address both lower and upper airway disease, likely through TSLP blockade and modulation of airway remodeling. Early intervention may be critical to maximize benefit, emphasizing the importance of individualized, multidisciplinary management and precision medicine in severe asthma with PAO.</p>","PeriodicalId":7536,"journal":{"name":"Allergologia et immunopathologia","volume":"54 3","pages":"188-192"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147872815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
İrem Kabasakal Yilmaz, Ahmet Sert, Talat Sarıkavak, Sibel Kaplan Sarıkavak, Çağla Karavaizoğlu, Isılay Turan, Seyda Kose Ozcan, Mehmet Halil Celiksoy
{"title":"Depression, anxiety, and quality of life levels in mothers of children with IgE-mediated food allergy and food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis.","authors":"İrem Kabasakal Yilmaz, Ahmet Sert, Talat Sarıkavak, Sibel Kaplan Sarıkavak, Çağla Karavaizoğlu, Isılay Turan, Seyda Kose Ozcan, Mehmet Halil Celiksoy","doi":"10.15586/aei.v54i3.1592","DOIUrl":"10.15586/aei.v54i3.1592","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Childhood food allergies are known to cause various psychosocial disorders in parents and caregivers. The aim of this study is to determine the levels of depression, anxiety, and quality of life in mothers whose children have IgE-mediated food allergy or food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Mothers of children under 5 years of age with IgE-mediated food allergy or FPIAP and healthy children of the same age were administered the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAIT-TRAIT), and the Short Form for Quality of Life Measurement-36 (SF-36).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 126 mothers were included in the study: Forty-two each in the IgE-mediated group, the FPIAP group, and the healthy control group. Mothers in the IgE-mediated group and FPIAP group had higher depression and STAIT anxiety scores than mothers in the control group (Both p-values are <0.001, and the eta squared values were 0.364 and 0.555, respectively). TRAIT anxiety scores of mothers in the IgE-mediated group were significantly higher than mothers in both the FPIAP group and the control group (Both p-values are <0.001, and the eta squared value was 0.641). Role limitations because of physical health, role limitations because of emotional health, energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, social functioning, and general health scores of mothers in the IgE-mediated group were lower than mothers in the control group (All p-values are <0.001, and the eta squared values were 0.185,0.197, 0.626, 0592, 0.274, and 0.342, respectively).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Mothers of children with both IgE-mediated food allergy and FPIAP may experience higher rates of depression and anxiety disorders, as well as decreased quality of life. Mothers of children with IgE-mediated food allergies experience more psychosocial disorders than mothers of children with FPIAP.</p>","PeriodicalId":7536,"journal":{"name":"Allergologia et immunopathologia","volume":"54 3","pages":"162-171"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147872446","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fábio Chigres Kuschnir, Palacio Juan Valente Mérida-, Chaves Erika de Arruda-, Dirceu Solé, Marilyn Urrutia-Pereira, Marylin Valetín Rostan, Jean Bousquet
{"title":"Allergic rhinitis in Latin America: knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices of specialists in allergy and clinical immunology-CAPRA-SLAAI study.","authors":"Fábio Chigres Kuschnir, Palacio Juan Valente Mérida-, Chaves Erika de Arruda-, Dirceu Solé, Marilyn Urrutia-Pereira, Marylin Valetín Rostan, Jean Bousquet","doi":"10.15586/aei.v54i3.1659","DOIUrl":"10.15586/aei.v54i3.1659","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Allergic rhinitis (AR) is highly prevalent in Latin America (LA), impairing quality of life and often coexisting with asthma. In spite of dissemination of international guidelines, regional differences in diagnosis and management persist. The \"Conductas, Actitudes y Prácticas de la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Alergia e Inmunología\" (CAPRA-SLAAI) study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on AR of allergists and clinical immunologists affiliated with SLAAI. Between November 2022 and March 2023, a standardized ARIA-adapted questionnaire (validated in Spanish/Portuguese) was distributed online to specialists from 24 countries; 784 were eligible for analysis. Nearly three-quarters were from Brazil (49.7%) and Mexico (25.8%), with a mean age of 50 years. Awareness of ARIA guidelines was almost universal; however, only 41% knew the MASK-air® digital tool, and fewer than 12% reported regular use, with low uptake in Brazil. Brazilian (BR) specialists more often reported extranasal symptoms and greater impact on daily activities, suggesting differences in presentation or reporting. Diagnostic strategies varied: BRs relied more on serum IgE and anterior rhinoscopy, whereas others used skin tests and imaging. Pharmacological treatment was similar across LA, with the use of second-generation antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids. Immunotherapy approaches differed: subcutaneous and sublingual immunotherapy were more common outside BR, where pollinosis results in a greater variety of extracts. Conversely, allergen extracts are more standardized in Brazil. This survey reveals important regional contrasts and underscores the need for training, access to diagnostic tools, harmonized strategies, and greater integration of digital health solutions to optimize AR management in LA.</p>","PeriodicalId":7536,"journal":{"name":"Allergologia et immunopathologia","volume":"54 3","pages":"141-154"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147872983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Khaoula Oussama, Ibtihal Benhsaien, Vivien Béziat, Halima Msaaf, Ikram Fetnassi, Jalila El Bakkouri, Mounia Alzemmouri, Ahmed Aziz Bousfiha, Zineb Hammoumi, Fatima Ailal
{"title":"Gastrointestinal stenosis: an underrecognized complication of CARMIL2 deficiency.","authors":"Khaoula Oussama, Ibtihal Benhsaien, Vivien Béziat, Halima Msaaf, Ikram Fetnassi, Jalila El Bakkouri, Mounia Alzemmouri, Ahmed Aziz Bousfiha, Zineb Hammoumi, Fatima Ailal","doi":"10.15586/aei.v54i3.1595","DOIUrl":"10.15586/aei.v54i3.1595","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>CARMIL2 deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive combined immunodeficiency classically associated with dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), recurrent infections, and Epstein-Barr virus-related tumors. Gastrointestinal (GI) stenosis remains an underrecognized but potentially life-threatening complication. We report a consanguineous Moroccan family in which all three siblings with CARMIL2 deficiency developed early-onset, severe, and progressive GI stenoses, including pyloric and esophageal involvement. The striking consistency and severity of this phenotype within a single family highlight the clinical importance of early recognition and timely intervention to prevent irreversible GI damage.</p>","PeriodicalId":7536,"journal":{"name":"Allergologia et immunopathologia","volume":"54 3","pages":"233-238"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147872725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jaime Morales-Romero, María Enriqueta Nuñez-Nuñez, Carlos Aarón Lafarga-Díaz, Ilce Contreras-Aceves, Norma Angélica Pulido-Guillén, Oscar Nova-de la Tejera, Tonatiuh Ramses Bedolla-Pulido, Martín Bedolla-Barajas
Mehmet Özkaya, Zehra Bayazıt, Burcu Özge Erdoğan, Emre Özdamar, Melike Kevser Gül, Fulya Tahan
{"title":"Treatment of allergic rhinitis: does it make a difference in sleep and quality of life?","authors":"Mehmet Özkaya, Zehra Bayazıt, Burcu Özge Erdoğan, Emre Özdamar, Melike Kevser Gül, Fulya Tahan","doi":"10.15586/aei.v54i3.1501","DOIUrl":"10.15586/aei.v54i3.1501","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Allergic rhinitis (AR) and allergic conjunctivitis (AC) are common atopic conditions of childhood that significantly impair sleep quality and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Although effective treatment strategies exist, their broader impact on sleep and daily functioning has remained underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of AR and/or AC treatment on sleep quality and HRQoL in children using validated, parent-reported instruments.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this prospective observational cohort study, 98 children aged 6-13 years with AR and/or AC were treated according to standard guidelines. Sleep quality and HRQoL were assessed pre- and post-treatment using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and the Pediatric Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PRQLQ), respectively. Changes in scores were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Post-treatment evaluations demonstrated a significant reduction in total CSHQ scores (median: 56-43, P < 0.001), indicating improved sleep quality. Similarly, total PRQLQ scores decreased significantly (median: 3.47-2.28, P < 0.001), reflecting enhanced QoL. Improvements were observed in most subdomains, including nose and eye symptoms, activity limitations, and other symptoms.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A 4-week standard treatment regimen for AR and/or AC led to significant improvements in sleep quality and HRQoL in children. These findings highlight the importance of early and appropriate management of allergic conditions to enhance both physical and functional well-being in pediatric patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":7536,"journal":{"name":"Allergologia et immunopathologia","volume":"54 3","pages":"81-86"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147873037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}