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Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic or recurrent inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 30% of the world's population. Many factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, including the external environment, genetic predisposition, and the skin microbiome. Pathomechanisms of atopic dermatitis depending on the skin microbiota result primarily from the defect of the skin barrier and dysregulation of its microbiological composition, which in turn leads to significant dysfunction of the immune system and the occurrence of characteristic skin lesions. More and more studies indicate a close correlation between the microbiological composition of the skin and the occurrence of atopic dermatitis, suggesting a significant participation of, among others, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter, Cutibacterium and Malessezia spp. changes in the skin microbiome of AD patients, correlations between microorganisms and the reactions of the human immune system and their impact on the presence of atopic skin lesions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Paediatrics & Family Medicine / Pediatria i Medycyna Rodzinna is the property of Medical Communications Sp. z o.o. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Paediatrics & Family Medicine / Pediatria i Medycyna Rodzinna is the property of Medical Communications Sp. z o.o. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction and objective Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that significantly reduces the quality of life of the affecte patients. The disease is characterized by the occurrence of eczema, increased pruritus and lichenization. Diagnosis is based on the diagnostic criteria of Hanifin and Rajka, which take into account the clinical picture of the disease. Atopic dermatitis often co-occurs with sleep and mood disorders. Recently, there have been scientific studies to clarify the association of atopic dermatitis with the level of zinc in the body. This review resents the importance of zinc in the proper functioning of human skin and its possible links to the pathogenesis and clinical advancement of atopic dermatitis. Review methods Articles from PubMed, Scopus and article references from 1990–2020 were analyzed. Articles were selected on the topic of zinc supplementation in patients with atopic dermatitis and articles on the level of zinc in the serum, erythrocytes and hair in patients with atopic dermatitis. Brief description of the state of knowledge The review refers to scientific studies conducted on animals, in which the effect of a low supply of zinc on the course of the disease was determined. The review also refers to clinical trials determining the effect of zinc supplementation on the course of atopic dermatitis in patients, and describes the relationship between zinc levels in serum, hair and erythrocytes, and the severity of the disease. Conclusions The review indicates that zinc may have a significant impact on the course of inflammatory dermatoses, including atopic dermatitis. It is worth exploring this topic and conducting larger clinical trials because the results of currently available scientific research are promising.

Diagnosis of food allergy is often very difficult. Patients report numerous symptoms that are sometimes difficult to associate with a specific kind of food. Despite the development of immunological diagnostic methods, most importantly the increasing availability of component resolved diagnosis, in vivo tests, in particular oral challenge tests, are necessary to reliably assess the actual course of the patient's symptoms. Food challenges are time-consuming and often difficult to prepare. For this reason, other alternative diagnostic methods are being sought, such as various skin prick test modifications. These methods raise numerous controversies and doubts in clinicians. In particular many concerns are gathered with the diagnosis of IgE-independent reactions. Atopy patch tests raised hopes in this area, but it turned out that their specificity is limited and the interpretation of the result difficult. In this article we present practical aspects of conducting in vivo diagnosis in patients suspected of food allergies. Based on literature data and own observations, we explaine what are the limitations of in vivo diagnostic tests and how the patient's diagnostic procedure can be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most scholars dealing with Ewa Lipska’s poetry claim that a motif of home is amongst the most important ones in her works. The author of the article discusses the existence of this very motif in the late works of the poet. The article also aims to consider the different senses evoked by the Greek term ‘atopy’ in Lipska’s works.

Narcissism, as mentioned by many authors, is one of the defining characteristics of modern culture. Substantial technological changes, especially in communication and media changed our own experience of aloof narrative of ourselves into a narrative “from ourselves”, by means of democratization and fetishization of the self-narrative. It would not be possible to such extent if not for the unprecedented expansion of multimedia and the complete time consumption which they offer. It can be said that the digital culture and its typical logorrhea of word-pictures are the very core of XXI century narcissism in all its appearances and allow us to think that a completely new man is created who finally can exercise his/her own individuality without boundaries and can be “authentic”. One of the most insightful observers of that oecumenical illusion is Byung-Chul Han – a German culture expert and philosopher whose reflections we fill with empirical matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TSLP, IL-25 and IL-33 are epithelial cytokines and are triggered by, inter alia, damaging factors, viral infections, allergic inflammation and proteases. These cytokines are involved in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases, including asthma and atopic dermatitis, by activating the Th 2 dependent immune response. The role of TSLP and IL-33 in the etiopathogenesis of allergic march is suggested. Finding the relationship between cytokines and the natural history of chronic allergic diseases gives hope for a breakthrough in the assessment of prognosis and possibly the possibility of using new biological drugs in specific disease entities. This publication presents current knowledge about the effect of these cytokines on the course of allergic diseases. Their role as potential biological treatment targets was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Paediatrics & Family Medicine / Pediatria i Medycyna Rodzinna is the property of Medical Communications Sp. z o.o. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Recurrent infections of the respiratory system among children are the most common reason for ambulatory treatment and one of the main causes of hospitalisation. Out of many factors that can be potentially responsible for the recurrent infections in children it is necessary to consider the ones that are connected with the immaturity of the immune system of a child and ones that can disturb the proper functioning of this system. It seems that the most important observations are those pointing at links between recurrent infections of the respiratory tract and the allergic process. The present article describes a case of a boy with recurrent respiratory infections, who was diagnosed towards immune system malfunction and allergies. An echocardiographic examination revealed a major defect of the interatrial septum. This heart condition was treated with cardiac surgery as a result of which infections occur less frequently and do not require the hospitalisation of the patient.

Introduction. Recent years provided data about harmful features of gluten on our health so gluten free diet turned to be a part of healthy lifestyle. Aim. Incidence of celiac disease in adults with non specific skin and/or gastrointestinal symptoms suggesting food intolerance and clinical characteristic of the investigated group. Material and methods. 33 adults (28 women and 5 men) at the age 19-52 yrs with nonspecific symptoms suggesting food hypersensitivity were enrolled into the study. There was a detailed history of each patient completed with special regard to atopy, family history of autoimmunological disorders and celiac disease. All participants underwent skin prick tests with the most common aeroallergens and food allergens. Serum concentrations of specific IgE against food allergens, antigliadin IgG and IgA and antitransglutaminase IgG and IgA were assesed. Results. All participants indicated cereals and pastry as offending food. 8 patients (24%) suffered from atopic disorders. 11 (33%) patients showed positive skin prick tests showed with inhalant allergens and 3 (9%) patients with food allergens. Food allergen specific IgE serum concentrations over 1 class (>0,35 IU/ml) were found in 6 (18%) patients. According to immunological diagnostics none of our patients fulfilled criteria of celiac disease diagnosis. 2 persons showed elevated antigliadin IgG (antiDGP IgG) serum concentrations. Conclusions. Searching for proper diagnosis in patients with food hypersensitivity symptoms gluten-dependent disorders should be taken into account. This reduces the risk of inappropriate dietary interventions. Neglecting this procedures may lead to delayed consequences of gluten-free diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Paediatrics & Family Medicine / Pediatria i Medycyna Rodzinna is the property of Medical Communications Sp. z o.o. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents the utilization of SLIT in the immunotherapy of respiratory allergies based on: (1) EAACI 2017 guidelines formulated using AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation), dedicated to the assessment of the efficacy of allergen immunotherapy in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma, (2) current AAAAI recommendations concerning SLIT, (3) systematic reviews and meta-analyses by Dhami et al., published in 2017. Drawing on these sources, the following issues have been dealt with: current recommendations and contra-recommendations for SLIT in respiratory allergies, short- and long-term efficacy of SLIT, recommendations regarding the use of specific forms of SLIT application, wiz. aqueous solutions and sublingual tablets, recommendations regarding different SLIT protocols and safety of this form of therapy. Additionally, expert opinions on the uses of SLIT in the case of polyvalent allergy and sensitization. Adherence in SLIT has been highlighted based on the most recent "real life" Breath study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic disorder likely triggered by immune regulation disorder. The role of allergic reactions to food and/or inhalant allergens is discussed as well. Aim. Assessment of the role of atopy and food allergy in etiopathogenesis of EoE and the efficacy of the elimination diet in adults. Material and methods. From 56 subjects (26 women, 30 men) with gastrointestinal symptoms related in their opinion to ingestion of food, after gastrofiberoscopy, four patients with established diagnosis of EoE were enrolled into the study. Each of them underwent skin prick tests (SPT) with inhalant and food allergens. An assessment of serum concentrations of allergen specific IgE was performed. On the basis of the examination results, a 6-month elimination diet was administered. Subsequently, the effects of the diet were assessed by means of a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in relation to the results obtained before the start of the diet. Results. All four EoE patients showed features of atopy and 3 of them suffered from at least one allergic disorder. One person experienced anaphylactic shock caused by a food allergen. Two patients revealed positive SPT with at least one food allergen. All the patients with EoE had elevated asIgE serum concentrations against at least one food allergen. The application of a 6-month elimination diet proved beneficial in all four patients, and in two of them the symptoms disappeared. Conclusions. Atopy often coexists with EoE. Food allergy should be taken into account during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in patients suffering from EoE. A targeted elimination diet may lead to reduction or even cessation of symptoms of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Increasing prevalence of food hypersensitivity reactions rises questions about probable associations between adverse reactions to food and factors influencing their course or modifying clinical features. Aim of the study. The assessment of the prevalence of food hypersensitivity reactions in adults, characteristic clinical features and relationship between food hypersensitivity and atopy. Material and methods. 290 subjects (186 women, 104 men, mean age 40,6±8,4 yrs) with self-reported hypersensitivity reactions after food ingestion were enrolled into the study. All of them were asked to answer several questions concerning detailed medical history, including clinical symptoms of food hypersensitivity. Each of them underwent skin prick tests with most common inhalant and food allergens (Allergopharma, Nexter, Germany) including rare food allergens according to the individual history. Allergen-specific IgE serum levels against food allergens were assessed (QuantiScan, Immunogenetics). Results. Sixty six percent (n=192) of the enrolled patients was atopic and 49% (n=142) showed signs of allergic disease (allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis). There were 235 positive skin prick tests with food allergens in the atopic group compared to 32 positive skin prick tests in the non-atopic group (p<0,05). Serum concentrations of specific IgE against food allergens were significantly higher in the atopic group than in the non-atopic individuals (p<0,05). Food hypersensitivity reactions were significantly more frequent in atopic patients compared to the non-atopic group (p<0,05). Anaphylactic reactions were more frequent in the non-atopic group. Conclusion. This is a higher risk rate for atopic individuals to reveal food hypersensitivity reaction than in non-atopic. The majority of food allergy reactions in the atopic group may be partially due to cross-reactivity with inhalant allergens. Atopy is not a risk factor for food anaphylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changing world demographics has resulted in an increase in the population of the elderly. To provide the best quality of life to people in this age group, a particular attention needs to be drawn to health problems of the elderly. Ageing of immune system is associated with higher mortality from infectious diseases and reduced response to vaccines. Decline in immune function may be linked to neoplasms and age-related inflammatory diseases like osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis or Alzheimer's disease. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that the incidence of atopy and related disorders decline with age, which may be determined mainly by a decrease of serum total and antigen-specific IgE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux is a frequent symptom of digestive tract diseases. The disease can be divided into primary reflux, which is due to antireflux mechanisms abnormalities, and secondary, in the course of other diseases (including allergy). The aim of study was to estimate the occurrence and clinical picture of food allergy in children and adolescents with acid gastroesophageal reflux. Material and methods: The study comprised 100 patients aged from 5 to 18 years with acid gastroesophageal reflux confirmed in 24-hour pH-metry. All patients underwent skin prick and atopy patch tests with food allergens (flour, cocoa, milk, egg white and yolk, apple, orange, celery, tomato). All patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the results of skin tests: group I - with allergy (n=30), group II - without allergy (n=70). Results: Food allergy was identified in 30 (30%) analyzed patients with acid gastroesophageal reflux. The most frequent sensilizing food was: celery - 12 (40%), orange - 9 (30%), cocoa - 9 (30%), milk - 8 (26.7%), egg white - 7 (23.3%) and egg yolk - 6 (20%). 10 patients (33.3%) were sensitized to one allergen, 9 patients (30%) - 2 allergens and 11 patients (36.7%) - on 3 or more allergens. Among children with allergy the most common was positive atopy patch test (24 analyzed - 80%), 13 patients (43.3%) had positive skin prick tests. 7 patients (23.3%) had positive atopy patch tests and skin prick tests. Patients from group I had more frequentlt skin changes, diarrhoea and vomiting and more rarely fetor ex ore than patients from group II; these differences were statistically significant. Familial allergy was statistically significantly more common in patients from group I than group II. Conclusions: Frequent occurrence and varied clinical manifestation of food allergy in children and adolescents with acid gastroesophageal reflux justify allergological diagnostics, in particular in familial allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The onset of atopic diseases is determined by three issues: genetic background, contact with allergens and environmental factors. Their role has not been fully understood. Aim of the study: The purpose of this study was to investigate several predictors of atopic diseases occurring in the first 12 months of life. Material and methods: All mothers have been questioned three times - after birth, when the child was aged 6 months and 12 months (via a specific questionnaire). We asked about: atopy symptoms, family history, pregnancy and delivery complications, diet of infants, parents' habits and life style. Results: 173 mother-infant pairs completed whole observation. Asthma was more common in male than female infants (8.6 vs. 2.6%; p<0.05). A family history of allergy was associated with a higher risk of developing an atopic diseases (62.1 vs. 10.8%; p<0.001). Paternal smoking significantly correlated with prevalence of atopic dermatitis in the infant (p=0.009). Pregnancy complication and caesarean section were associated with higher risk of asthma prevalence (p<0.05). Exclusive breast-feeding up to 6 months of life was associated with lower risk for early onset of atopic diseases (p<0.005). Early eggs intake caused the occurrence of atopic symptoms (p<0.05). Conclusions: The risk for developing atopy symptoms is higher in boys, children with family history of atopy and passive tobacco smoke exposure. Complications in pregnancy, caesarean section and early eggs intake increased risk for the onset of atopic diseases in the 1st year of life. Exclusive breast-feeding is protective for the onset of allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article actual knowledge about the IL-4 receptor role in the pathogenesis of atopic disorders was reviewed. Particular attention was paid to the structure, functional types and regulation processes in the signal transduction with the implication of genetic aspects. The therapy of atopic diseases with recombinant sIL-4R was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Atopy, defined as a family or individual tendency to produce specific IgE allergens in response to being exposed to allergens and/or the presence of typical diseases (e.g. atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis - hay fever), is the main factor contributing to the development of asthma identified so far. It is commonly accepted that recurrent bronchi obturation in children with atopy supports its diagnosis. Aim. This paper is an attempt to evaluate the influence of a positive family or individual history of atopy on developing the symptoms of bronchi obturation and asthma in children hospitalised between 2002 and 2004 at the Department of Paediatrics and Allergology of the County Hospital in Biskupiec. Materials and methods. 367 children diagnosed with: bronchitis obturativa, bronchitis spastica or asthma bronchiale participated in a retrospective study. Information was obtained on the basis of the patients' medical records. A comparative analysis was carried out concerning, among others, demographic data, a positive family history of allergy and asthma, individual symptoms of atopy, age when the first episode occurred, symptoms recurrence, and the results of examinations assessing the possible atopic aetiology of the symptoms. Results and discussion. The age when the first episode of the disease occurred in- creased proportionally to the increase of a positive family history of the disease obtained in the interview (r=0.181 and p<0.001). The recurrence of the symptoms (measured by the number of obturations so far) correlated positively with the percentage of a positive family history of allergy and asthma in the interview (r = 0.288 and p <0.0001). A similar correlation was observed with reference to individual symptoms of allergy (r = 0.177 and p <0.002). Results. A positive family history of allergy and asthma and individual symptoms of atopy contribute to developing bronchi obturation and asthma in children. They determine a later manifestation of the symptoms (>3 years of age), their more frequent recurrence and presence until school age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Many studies have indicated that breast-feeding seems to decrease a risk of whistling rales and asthma in the offspring. Aim. This work aimed at evaluating the influence of breast-feeding on the occurrence of bronchi obturation and asthma in children hospitalised between 2002 and 2004 at the Department of Paediatrics and Allergology of the J. Mikulicz County Hospital in Biskupiec. Materials and methods. 367 children diagnosed with: bronchitis obturativa, bronchitis spastica or asthma bronchiale participated in the retrospective study. Information was obtained on the basis of the patients' medical records. A comparative analysis was carried out concerning, among others, duration of breast-feeding, age when first symptoms of the disease appeared and number of the obturations so far. Details concerning the patients' allergies and cases of allergy in their families, obtained in the course of interviews, were also analysed. Results and discussion. The shorter the duration of breast-feeding of the patients was, the earlier the first symptoms occurred (r=0.323 and p<0.0001). Breast-feeding for at least 4 months had a protective effect (r=0.297 and p<0.0001), whereas a shorter period of feeding on mother's milk correlated with a risk of an earlier clinical manifestation of the disease (r = -0.312 and p <0.0001). Feeding solely on mother's milk for at least 4 months correlated with a lower rate of incidence (r = 0.123 and p <0.03). In older children with clinical symptoms of atopy, the average breast-feeding duration was the longest, but the recurrence of bronchi obturation was significantly higher than in the control group (p <0.0001). Conclusions. Breast-feeding for at least 4 months may have a preventive effect on the occurrence of bronchi obturation and/or asthma in children, with later manifestations and a lower recurrence of these diseases. In the group of children with atopy, the above mentioned preventive effect seems to disappear along with their further development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]