S.E. Kosisky

Correlation between eosinophilic oesophagitis and aeroallergens.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 509–515

Predominant Tree Aeroallergens of the Washington, DC Area: a Six Year Survey (1989–1994)

OBJECTIVE A 6-year (1989 to 1994) aerobiologic survey of the Washington DC area was performed to identify predominant area tree pollens, atmospheric concentrations, and peak flowering periods. METHODS Aeroallergen sampling was conducted using a volumetric rotating-arm impaction Rotorod sampler (Sampling Technologies, Inc, Los Altos Hills, California). RESULTS The Washington DC pollen calendar may begin as early as January when pollen of the Cupresseacea, Aceracea, Pinaceae, and Betulaceae are observed in small amounts. February through June encompasses the major part of our tree season with considerable overlapping of pollination periods for various trees. The Ulmaceae have two distinct pollinating times with later flowering species of elm pollinating August through October coinciding with ragweed season. April is usually the month with the highest weekly average concentrations. Each year oaks contribute more than 50% of the total tree pollen count followed by pollen of the Pinacea, Cupresseacea, Moracea, and Betuleacea. Times for onset of pollination as well as peak atmospheric concentrations varied from year to year. High production years for some tree aeroallergens are low years for others. CONCLUSION The Washington DC area is exposed to significant atmospheric concentrations of tree pollen from February through June. Establishing what area tree aeroallergens predominate with respect to their atmospheric concentrations and peak pollinating times is essential for the effective diagnosis and treatment of the tree-allergic patient.

Pollen-specific immunoglobulin E positivity is associated with worsening of depression scores in bipolar disorder patients during high pollen season

Manalai P, Hamilton RG, Langenberg P, Kosisky SE, Lapidus M, Sleemi A, Scrandis D, Cabassa JA, Rogers CA, Regenold WT, Dickerson F, Vittone BJ, Guzman A, Balis T, Tonelli LH, Postolache TT. Pollen‐specific immunoglobulin E positivity is associated with worsening of depression scores in bipolar disorder patients during high pollen season. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 90–98.

Pollen aeroallergens in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area: a 10-year volumetric survey (1998-2007).

BACKGROUND Local aeroallergen surveys identify and establish patterns of prevalence for tree, grass, and weed species that enable the clinician to more effectively select allergens for skin testing and therapy. OBJECTIVES To determine peak pollination periods, atmospheric concentrations, and year-to-year variation for identified tree, weed, and grass aeroallergens and examine the influence of selected meteorological parameters. METHODS Atmospheric sampling for pollen aeroallergens was performed using a volumetric rotating-arm impaction sampler. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between daily counts and selected meteorological parameters. RESULTS Previous findings for area trees, conducted at a different location, are corroborated. Predominant pollen types include Quercus, Cupressaceae, Pinaceae, Morus, Betulaceae, Acer, Platanus, Fraxinus, Poaceae, and Ambrosia. Early flowering weeds (Rumex and Typha) and Poaceae overlap with peak tree season in April. Biphasic seasons are noted for Poaceae and Ulmus. Tree pollen accounts for 91.2%, weeds 3.8%, and grasses 3.2% of total annual pollen yield. Variation in overall pollen production is evident from year to year. High production years for some species are low for others. Cyclic pollinating patterns for Alnus, Betulaceae, and Fagus were observed. Grass and weed pollen correlated positively with maximum temperature and dew point; however, the results for individual tree species were variable. CONCLUSION The Washington, DC, metropolitan area is host to a variety of tree, weed, and grass species that produce copious amounts of pollen. Further investigation into year-to-year variation with respect to inherent cycling and meteorological influences is warranted.

Determination of ranges for reporting pollen aeroallergen levels in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area

BACKGROUND Local aeroallergen monitoring provides useful information for the atopic patient and medical community. Currently, National Allergy Bureau (NAB) ranges are used for reporting pollen count levels in the Washington, DC, area. OBJECTIVE To determine standard range criteria (low, moderate, high, and very high) for the reporting of specific tree, grass, and weed aeroallergens representative of the Washington, DC, metropolitan region. METHODS Atmospheric sampling for pollen aeroallergens was performed using a volumetric rotating-arm impaction sampler (model 40 Rotorod, SDI Company, Plymouth Meeting, PA). The cumulative pollen count, over a 12-year period (1998-2009), was determined for specific pollen aeroallergens. Local ranges were developed using methodology previously employed to determine NAB ranges. A comparison was made between NAB and Washington, DC, area ranges. RESULTS The local median count, and low and moderate range criteria, are markedly lower than NAB range counts for tree, grass, and weed pollen. The NAB 99th percentile (high) count is significantly higher for grass and weed pollen but lower for tree pollen. Using new local range criteria, an increase was seen in the number of high days recorded for weed pollen (1,300%), grass pollen (258.6%), and tree pollen (11.8%). Previously, using NAB range criteria, no very high days were reported for grass and weed pollen over the 12-year period. CONCLUSION Washington, DC, ranges establish more relevant reporting standards for our local patient population and will allow for comparison with reporting levels developed for sampling locations nationwide as well as with other regional sites.

S1857 The Correlation Between Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Aeroallergens

for each feature). EE patients also had significantly higher epithelial scores (mean of 7.33 as compared to 0.52 in GERD, p<0.001) and higher LP maximum scores (mean 4.5 versus 1 in GERD, p<0.001). Epithelial histologic features correlated well with endoscopic features of furrows/thickening, plaques, and pallor (r=0.62-0.82, p<0.001 for each) while LP scores correlated best with the endoscopic feature of thickening/furrows (r=0.64, p=0.002). Symptom complaints of dysphagia + anorexia/early satiety correlated best with epithelial scores (r=0.32, p=0.01); dysphagia correlated best with LP scores (r=0.45, p=0.04). None of the other symptoms assessed correlated with histologic or endoscopic findings. Conclusion: EE patients have significantly more severe endoscopic and histologic changes as compared with GERD patients. The objective endoscopic and epithelial/LP histologic features correlate well with one another. However, of subjective complaints, only dysphagia and anorexia/early satiety correlate with histologic and endoscopic findings.