Ayfer Inal

Exhaled Breath Condensate MMP-9 Levels in Children With Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis (BE) is still an important cause of chronic supurative respiratory diseases in developing countries. Neutrophil‐derived proteases such as neutrophil elastase and matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are implicated in causing airway damage in chronic pulmonary disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the MMP‐9 and its natural tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP‐1) levels utilizing the exhaled breath condensate (EBC) method and their relationship with radiological findings and pulmonary functions in children with BE.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis profile in Turkish children

Background: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a heterogeneous group of disorders. Publications from different countries point to differences in the disease manifestation of JIA among different populations. The aim of the present paper was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory features of JIA in Turkish children.

Life-threatening facial edema due to pine caterpillar mimicking an allergic event

BACKGROUND Approximately 150 species of Lepidoptera have been described as causing damage to human skin. One of these species is the pine processionary caterpillar, which is responsible for dermatitis, contact urticaria, ocular lesions and rarely respiratory signs and anaphylactic reactions through IgE-mediated or non-IgE-mediated mechanisms. We report a pediatric case of severe orofacial edema mimicking an allergic reaction after ingestion of a pine processionary caterpillar; urgent airway intubation was required. CASE REPORT A 15-month-old boy was sleeping under a pine tree when his mother noted a pine caterpillar on his tongue. Because of rapidly developing facial swelling and respiratory distress, the infant was first taken to a local hospital where he received intravenous dexamethasone and pheniramine hydrogen maleate. On arrival at our emergency department, diffuse swelling and edema involving the tongue, perioral, nasal and perimandibular regions, and neck was noted, requiring urgent orotracheal intubation. There were no findings of anaphylaxis. The results of skin prick tests and specific IgE to common aero- and food allergens were negative. A skin prick test with extract of pine caterpillar was also negative. Prednisolone and pheniramine hydrogen maleate were administered for 7 days. The child gradually improved and was successfully extubated 4 days later. CONCLUSION Although oral contact with a pine processionary caterpillar in the form of ingestion is rare, it may cause significant local reaction and airway compromise mimicking an allergic event. In this situation, early intubation to maintain airway patency is a life-saving measure.

Effect of indoor mold concentrations on daily symptom severity of children with asthma and/or rhinitis monosensitized to molds

Little is known about the contribution of indoor molds to the symptoms of asthma and/or rhinitis in children monosensitized to molds. We aimed to investigate the effect of indoor mold spore concentrations on daily symptoms of asthma and/or rhinitis in children monosensitized to molds. Nineteen children with asthma and/or rhinitis sensitized only to molds recorded their daily symptoms and peak expiratory flow (PEF) values to the diaries, from February 2005 to January 2006. In this study period, indoor mold concentrations were measured monthly from the living rooms/bedrooms. The median indoor mold concentration was 37.5 CFU/m3. Most commonly recovered indoor molds were Cladosporium (26.4%), Penicillium (24.7%), and Aspergillus (7%). Significant correlation was not found between indoor mold concentrations and daily rhinitis score (r = −0.021, p = 0.932), daily asthma score (r = 0.155, p = 0.554), daily morning PEF (r = −0.056, p = 0.475), and evening PEF (r = −0.057, p = 0.471). The effect of indoor molds is not evident on the symptoms of our patients with asthma and/or rhinitis monosensitized to molds.

Potential association between allergic diseases and pertussis infection in schoolchildren: Results of two cross-sectional studies seven years apart

BACKGROUND In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between pertussis infections and allergic diseases in two cross-sectional questionnaire-based surveys carried out in 1997 and 2004. We also measured serum level of antibody to B. pertussis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two cross-sectional, questionnaire-based surveys were carried out in 1997 (n = 3164) and 2004 (n = 3728). 361 cases and 465 controls were recruited from both surveys. The skin tests were performed using standardised extracts. The level of pertussis specific IgG was measured in 136 allergic and 168 non-allergic children. RESULTS We found that allergic diseases prevalence was significantly higher in the children suffering from pertussis infections (22.3 % fi rst and 8.8 % second survey) compared to children who did not suffer from pertussis infections (6.6 % fi rst and 4.5 % second survey) (p = 0.001 and p = 0.035, respectively). Asthma prevalence was also significantly higher in children suffering from pertussis infection (37.6 % fi rst and 26.2 % second survey) compared to children who did not suffer from pertussis (7.4 % fi rst and 5.0 % second survey) (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). However, the mean serum levels of anti-pertussis IgG were similar in allergic and non-allergic groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Although pertussis antibody levels in atopic and non-atopic children were similar to each other, pertussis infection still seemed to have a significant effect on the development of atopic diseases.