BACKGROUND: although grass pea belongs to the leguminoseae family, allergic reactions to its flour have rarely been described. Clinical and immunological studies were performed to confirm a type I hypersensitivity mechanism in a case of occupational asthma to grass pea flour exposure, used in the industrial processing of parquet. METHODS: occupational asthma was diagnosed according to patient history, PEFR monitoring and a specific bronchial challenge test. Skin prick test with an aqueous grass pea flour extract, specific IgE determinations (CAP assay) and IgE immunoblot tests were performed. RESULTS: skin prick test with the extract showed a positive immediate response, and negative response in controls. Specific IgE to grass pea was positive (9.57 KU/l). Immunoblotting demonstrated the presence of specific serum IgE that recognized 3 proteins in the extract (MW 46, 32 and 28 kDa). PEFR monitoring showed positive results. Bronchial challenge test with the extract elicited an isolated immediate response. CONCLUSIONS: as far as we know this is the first time that IgE mediated occupational asthma caused by grass pea is reported and it is also the first time that its allergens are characterized. Grass pea flour might constitute a relevant occupational allergen in this unreported source of exposure in parquet manufacturers.

Adhesives↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Anaphylactic shock after intra-articular injection of carboxymethylcellulose.

BACKGROUND: Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) is the sodium salt of a polycarboxymethyl ether of cellulose. SCMC is widely used in pharmaceutical and food industries. We present the case of a 47-year-old man who suffered an anaphylactic shock after an intra-articular injection of Trigon depot. METHODS AND RESULTS: Prick and intradermal tests with Trigon depot and its components (triamcinolone acetonide, Tween 80, benzylalcohol, SCMC), mepivacaine 2% and latex were performed. Challenge test with mepivacaine 2% was also realized. RESULTS: Showed a positive intradermal test to Trigon depot and carboxymethylcellulose, with negative results to the rest (including challenge test to mepivcaine 2%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the diagnosis of anaphylactic shock after intra-articular injection of carboxymethylcellulose and we consider necessary to emphasize that excipients must be taken into account as a potential source of adverse reactions to drugs.

Anaphylaxis↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[The prevalance of the nuclear family in the Spanish family system].

Preliminary results are presented from a research project on trends in family characteristics in modern Spain. "The goal of this research has been to know the grade of stability in the family institution and the influence of other alternative ways of living together apart from the traditional family. To sum up, we can regard the prevalence of the nuclear family in Spanish society as evident. In the same way, the responsibility of parenthood still is a marriage responsibility and has its place within the family. In spite of that, a transformation has taken place, as well as in other aspects, in relation to the concept and the reality of the family institution, which preserves its special character in the European context." (SUMMARY IN ENG)

Developed Countries↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Prospective epidemiologic study of perioperative anaphylactoid reactions occurring in Catalonia (1996-7)].

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence, immunological mechanisms, severity and clinical course of perioperative allergic reactions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective epidemiological study lasting 2 years (1996-97). In 20 hospitals in Catalonia (Spain), we studied patients who suffered allergic reactions equal to or greater than grade Ib according to the classification of Laxenaire. Serum and urine samples were collected during the first and sixth hours after the onset of a reaction. Complement factors, total serum and latex-specific serum IgE antibodies, hemostatic markers, serum tryptase and urinary methylhistamine were assayed. Tests for allergy to the drugs used during the perioperative period were performed on all patients who consented. RESULTS: Anesthetic procedures were performed 328,430 times in the 20 hospitals. Thirty-two allergic reactions were reported (1 case/10,263 anesthesias); the frequency was greater during general anesthesia (1 case/6,978 anesthesias). Women suffered 58.3% of the reactions, and the mean patient age was 47.8 +/- 16.5 years. Fifty-six percent of the reactions were severe (grades III-IV), and 68.7% occurred upon immediate exposure. Induction was the moment of greatest risk (50%). Treatment was required by 90.6% of the patients, but no deaths or serious sequelae occurred. Complete analyses could be carried out immediately for 25 patients. High urinary methylhistamine and/or serum tryptase levels were found for 57% of the patients with grade Ib reactions, for 80% of those with grade II reactions, and for 91.7% of those with grade III reactions (p = 0.05). High serum tryptase levels were the only findings for 53.8% of the grade III reactions (p = 0.007). Skin tests were positive for 62.5% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of allergic reactions in Catalonia is 1 case per 10,263 anesthesias performed, but the rate is higher in general anesthesia. Fifty-six percent of the reactions were severe. Most developed immediately and the moment of induction involved the greatest risk. Early assessment of methylhistamine and tryptase levels has been shown to be useful and positivity is linearly associated with severity of reaction. In 62.5% of the patients, positive results were seen in skin tests performed later.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis with cetirizine.

A study was made of 30 patients with perennial extrinsic rhinitis sensitized only to dust mites who were treated with cetirizine for 15 days, at a dose of 10 mg/24 hours. The following parameters were evaluated in each patient on day -1 before initiating treatment and on day 15: histamine 1/100 prick-test, Dermatohophagoides pteronyssinus prick-test, physical examination, assessment of nasal edema and rhinorrhea by anterior rhinoscopy, and of the degree of nasal obstruction by active anterior rhinomanometry. Each patient was given a form for daily clinical self-evaluation of the following subjective symptoms: sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, and nasal itchiness. The occurrence of side effects was evaluated. Cetirizine reduced significantly the area of the histamine and D. pteronyssinus papules elicited by prick-test. Clinical symptoms decreased significantly, with sneezing, nasal itchiness and rhinorrhea being greatly relieved, and nasal obstruction, evaluated by means of active anterior rhinomanometry performed before and after 15 days of treatment, being less alleviated. There was scant incidence of side effects in patients treated with cetirizine.

Adolescent↗