G. W. Canonica

Pharmacologic and anti-IgE treatment of allergic rhinitis ARIA update (in collaboration with GA2LEN)

The pharmacologic treatment of allergic rhinitis proposed by ARIA is an evidence‐based and step‐wise approach based on the classification of the symptoms. The ARIA workshop, held in December 1999, published a report in 2001 and new information has subsequently been published. The initial ARIA document lacked some important information on several issues. This document updates the ARIA sections on the pharmacologic and anti‐IgE treatments of allergic rhinitis. Literature published between January 2000 and December 2004 has been included. Only a few studies assessing nasal and non‐nasal symptoms are presented as these will be discussed in a separate document.

Seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis: is this classification adherent to real life?

Background:u2002 Allergic rhinitis is traditionally subdivided into seasonal (SAR) and perennial (PAR), although the new definitions of persistent and intermittent were recently proposed. We assessed the validity of the traditional classification in a large group of subjects suffering from allergic rhinitis alone.

Mechanisms of virus‐induced asthma exacerbations: state‐of‐the‐art. A GA2LEN and InterAirways document

Viral infections of the respiratory tract are the most common precipitants of acute asthma exacerbations. Exacerbations are only poorly responsive to current asthma therapies and new approaches to therapy are needed. Viruses, most frequently human rhinoviruses (RV), infect the airway epithelium, generate local and systemic immune responses, as well as neural responses, inducing inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Using in vitro and in vivo experimental models the role of various proinflammatory or anti‐inflammatory mediators, antiviral responses and molecular pathways that lead from infection to symptoms has been partly unravelled. In particular, mechanisms of susceptibility to viral infection have been identified and the bronchial epithelium appeared to be a key player. Nevertheless, additional understanding of the integration between the diverse elements of the antiviral response, especially in the context of allergic airway inflammation, as well as the interactions between viral infections and other stimuli that affect airway inflammation and responsiveness may lead to novel strategies in treating and/or preventing asthma exacerbations. This review presents the current knowledge and highlights areas in need of further research.

Rhinitis and asthma in athletes: an ARIA document in collaboration with GA2LEN

This consensus document is aimed at reviewing evidence that the rhinits‐asthma links have peculiar features in athletes. Beside a review of epidemological data on the high prevalence of rhinitis and asthma in athletes, the effects on intense physical exercise on the immune system and repiratory functions are discussed, with special reference to the role of allergens and pollutants. In extending the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) recommendations to athletes, the issue is addressed of adapting diagnosis and management to criteria set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and regulations adopted by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA).

Tissue remodelling in upper airways: where is the link with lower airway remodelling?

Tissue remodelling reported in upper airways include epithelial hyperplasia, increased matrix deposition in the nasal or paranasal lining, matrix degradation and accumulation of plasma proteins. Genetic influences, foetal exposures and early life events may contribute to structural changes such as subepithelial fibrosis from an early age. Other structural alterations are related to duration of the disease and long‐term uncontrolled inflammation. Structural changes may increase alteration of the protective functions of the upper airways namely by affecting mucociliary clearance and conditioning of inspired air. The sequences of tissue changes during wound repair of upper airway mucosa after surgery are illustrative of the complexicity of tissue modelling and remodelling and could be considered as an important source of information for a better understanding of the complex relationship between inflammatory reaction, of the subsequent tissue damages and fibroblast metabolism of upper airways.

Long-term cetirizine treatment reduces allergic symptoms and drug prescriptions in children with mite allergy.

BACKGROUNDnExperimental data demonstrate that mite allergy is characterized by persistent chronic inflammation, even during asymptomatic periods. This suggests that long-term continuous treatment be included in the global strategy of allergy treatment.nnnOBJECTIVEnWe conducted a study to evaluate whether regularly administered cetirizine reduces allergic symptoms and drug prescriptions in children with mite allergy.nnnMETHODSnIn this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, two parallel groups of 10 children with mite allergy (mean age: 6.5 years) received either cetirizine or placebo daily for 6 months. Participants were allowed to take rescue medications for rhinitis and/or mild asthma. The symptoms (nasal itching, sneezing, obstruction, rhinorrhea, conjunctival itching, lacrimation, conjunctival hyperemia, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness) were recorded on a diary card. The intake of cetirizine (as additional symptomatic treatment), antibiotics, acetaminophen, beta2-agonists, inhaled and systemic corticosteroids was also recorded.nnnRESULTSnSymptom scores and drug consumption were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the cetrizine-treated group versus the placebo group. The greatest reductions were in cetirizine itself, inhaled corticosteroids, beta2-agonists, and antibiotics. No side effects were reported in either group.nnnCONCLUSIONSnIn mite-allergic children, cetirizine administered daily for prolonged periods decreases symptoms of and drug prescriptions for allergic rhinitis and asthma compared with symptomatic treatment.

The type of sensitizing allergen can affect the evolution of respiratory allergy.

Background:u2002 Numerous factors affect the evolution of respiratory allergy, in children, but little is known in adults. We assessed in a prospective study the influence of the type of allergen on the progression of disease.

SQ HDM SLIT-tablet (ALK) in treatment of asthma – Post hoc results from a randomised trial

INTRODUCTIONnIn a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (EudraCT identifier: 2006-001795-20), the standardised quality (SQ) house dust mite (HDM) sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)-tablet (ALK, Denmark) was investigated.nnnMETHODnThe trial included 604 subjects, ≥14 years, with mild-moderate HDM allergic asthma. Subjects were randomised 1:1:1:1 to 1, 3 or 6 SQ-HDM or placebo once daily. The primary endpoint was reduction in inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) after one year. ICS reduction, asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) and asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) score was analysed post hoc in a subgroup with daily ICS use of 400-800xa0μg and ACQ score of 1-1.5, corresponding to partly controlled asthma (Nxa0=xa0108).nnnRESULTSnThe trial met its primary endpoint. In the subgroup, the difference between placebo and 6 SQ-HDM in change from baseline in daily ICS use was 327xa0μg (pxa0<xa00.0001), while it was 0.52 (pxa0=xa00.010) for AQLQ. The treatment effect on ICS reduction and AQLQ was increased for the subgroup versus the residual population (ICS reduction: pxa0<xa00.001); AQLQ: pxa0=xa00.044).nnnCONCLUSIONnIn this subgroup, including only patients with partly controlled asthma, the benefit of 1 year of treatment with SQ HDM SLIT-tablet was significantly higher than for the less severe full population, both in terms of increased asthma control and improved quality of life.

The EAACI/GA²LEN/EDF/WAO guideline for the definition, classification, diagnosis and management of urticaria

This evidence‐ and consensus‐based guideline was developed following the methods recommended by Cochrane and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) working group. The conference was held on 1 December 2016. It is a joint initiative of the Dermatology Section of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), the EU‐founded network of excellence, the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA²LEN), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) and the World Allergy Organization (WAO) with the participation of 48 delegates of 42 national and international societies. This guideline was acknowledged and accepted by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). Urticaria is a frequent, mast cell‐driven disease, presenting with wheals, angioedema, or both. The lifetime prevalence for acute urticaria is approximately 20%. Chronic spontaneous urticaria and other chronic forms of urticaria are disabling, impair quality of life and affect performance at work and school. This guideline covers the definition and classification of urticaria, taking into account the recent progress in identifying its causes, eliciting factors and pathomechanisms. In addition, it outlines evidence‐based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for the different subtypes of urticaria.

Pilot study of mobile phone technology in allergic rhinitis in European countries. The MASK-rhinitis study.

The use of Apps running on smartphones and tablets profoundly affects medicine. The MASK‐rhinitis (MACVIA‐ARIA Sentinel NetworK for allergic rhinitis) App (Allergy Diary) assesses allergic rhinitis symptoms, disease control and impact on patients’ lives. It is freely available in 20 countries (iOS and Android platforms).