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Background Isolation of COVID-19 patients has been universally implemented to control transmission of the outbreak. Hotels and other facilities have been adapted to help appropriate isolation be achieved. Our study tested the efficacy of isolating patients in a reconditioned hotel versus isolation in their domiciles to reduce infection transmission. Methods Observational cohort study based on a survey to COVID-19 patients between April and June 2020. One cohort had been isolated in a hotel and the other in their domiciles. Multivariate regression models analyzed the factors related to the occurrence of COVID-19 infection among the household members. Results A total of 229 household members of COVID-19 patients were analyzed, 139 of them belonging to the group of hotel-isolated patients and 90 in the group of domicile-isolated ones. More than half of the household members became infected (53.7%). Higher risk of infection was found in the household members of domicile-isolated patients isolated and in those reporting overcrowding at home, (odds ratio [OR] 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89–3.12) and (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.81; 2.56), respectively. Conclusions The isolation of COVID-19 patients in community-supervised facilities may protect their household members from transmission of the disease. Overcrowded homes may contribute to the transmission of the infection.

Background Skin patch test is the gold standard method in diagnosing contact allergy. Although used for more than 100 years, the patch test procedure is performed with variability around the world. A number of factors can influence the test results, namely the quality of reagents used, the timing of the application, the patch test series (allergens/haptens) that have been used for testing, the appropriate interpretation of the skin reactions or the evaluation of the patient’s benefit.Methods We performed an Internet –based survey with 38 questions covering the educational background of respondents, patch test methods and interpretation. The questionnaire was distributed among all representatives of national member societies of the World Allergy Organization (WAO), and the WAO Junior Members Group.Results One hundred sixty-nine completed surveys were received from 47 countries. The majority of participants had more than 5 years of clinical practice (61 %) and routinely carried out patch tests (70 %). Both allergists and dermatologists were responsible for carrying out the patch tests. We could observe the use of many different guidelines regardless the geographical distribution. The use of home-made preparations was indicated by 47 % of participants and 73 % of the respondents performed 2 or 3 readings. Most of the responders indicated having patients with adverse reactions, including erythroderma (12 %); however, only 30 % of members completed a consent form before conducting the patch test.Discussion The heterogeneity of patch test practices may be influenced by the level of awareness of clinical guidelines, different training backgrounds, accessibility to various types of devices, the patch test series (allergens/haptens) used for testing, type of clinical practice (public or private practice, clinical or research-based institution), infrastructure availability, financial/commercial implications and regulations among others.Conclusion There is a lack of a worldwide homogeneity of patch test procedures, and this raises concerns about the need for standardization and harmonization of this important diagnostic procedure. Keywords: Allergy, Contact dermatitis, Sensitization, Skin patch test, Survey

Background Mastocytosis is a disorder characterized by an abnormal proliferation of mast cells and release of cell mediators. The incidence is 1 per 1000 skin diseases attending in dermatology services. Mastocytosis can be divided into 3 different clinical variants: cutaneous, systemic and malign mastocytosis. Urticaria pigmentosa is the most common variety (70–90%) of mastocytosis. Of all cases 55% ocurr during the first 2 years of life. When the bone marrow, lymph nodes, liver and spleen are affected the disorder is called systemic mastocytosis. Methods Case 1: A 20 month old male with history of penicillin and erythromycin allergy, as well atopic family history. Began at 4 months with itchy brown-marrow papules in the back, then generalizated except palms and soles. The lesions were exacerbated by heat and rubbing. There was no fever, weight loss, or any other systemic symptoms in the history. Blood count and biochemical laboratories were normal. Skin biopsy reported the presence of mast cells, confirming urticaria pigmentosa diagnosis. The management included antihistamines, restricted diet and emollients with improved of symptoms. Case 2: A 9 month old male with no history of atopy. At the first visit he had 4 months with skin lesions characterized by hyperpigmented maculopapular eruption, scattered on head, over trunk and extremities. Darier´s sign was positive. Skin biopsy is performed with confirming the diagnosis of mastocytosis. Conclusions The urticaria pigmentosa diagnosis is mainly clinical, with emphasis on the Darier´s sign, which is pathognomonic and positive in 90% of cases. In some cases a skin biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis. Antihistamines are the first line of treatment. Symptoms relieve spontaneously before adolescence in 50% of pediatric patients. In some cases, a malignant transformation of mastocytosis could occur, condition that is called “mast cell leukemia”.

Background The risk of anaphylaxis ranges from 0.2 to 0.7%. The objective of this study was to describe the causes, clinical features and complications of patients with anaphylaxis treated in the emergency department of our hospital. Materials and Methods A prospective, observational and descriptive survey was conducted for assessing adult patients with a diagnosis of anaphylaxis from March 2005 to 2010. Information was obtained from the medical records and from a questionnaire was that completed for the patients and a relative. The information included, triggers, demographics, allergy history and clinical characteristics of the current episode. All the cases were followed to their outcome. Results We documented 45 cases of anaphylaxis. 26 patients (58%) were male. The most common causes of anaphylaxis were: drug (49%) food (20%) and poison hymenoptera venom (16%). The most common clinical signs ando symptoms included: dyspnea (69%), nausea (58%) and hypotension (56%). 44% of patients came to emergency departments in the course of 30 minutes after onset of symptoms while the 29% took 30 minutes to 1 hour and 27% more than 1 hour. Among the associated diseases, hypertension was 13% and rhinitis (11%). In 85% of the cases, patients remained under observation for 3 to 12 hours were the most frequent discharged. 7 patients were hospitalized and 4 sent to intensive care later were discharged without complications. Conclusions Anaphylaxis is not uncommon in our environment. Drugs are the most common cause as reported in the literature. The most frequent clinical manifestations are respiratory and gastrointestinal.

Background Among the more than 150 different forms of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PID) the CVID is the most common symptomatic primary immunodeficiency, present mainly in adults. There is a failure of B cells to develop and differentiate into plasma cells; at consequent a reduction of the production of one or more isotypes of antibody can also affected Cell-mediated immunity. Common manifestations included recurrent bacterial infections, that typically involve the upper and lower respiratory tract. Some patients are highly prone to autoimmune manifestations, lymphoid hyperplasia, and tumors. Methods We presented 3 cases of CVID with a variety of clinical presentation, evolution and complications related to delayed diagnosis. Results A 34 year old male presented chronic diarrhea, weight loss, malnutrition and recurrent upper respiratory infections; digestive tract endoscopy and biopsy was reported with villous atrophy, chronic inflammation and low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma B cell. Unfortunately this patient refused the use of gamma globulin treatment, had a high morbidity, and finally the patient died. The case of a nurse with clinical manifestation of recurrent rinosinusitis and pneumonia, which was diagnosed as IDCV 17 years later, after she developed pulmonary bronchiectasis. Fortunately the disease is under control and she is actually under treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin. Finally, the case of a 44 year old female, who suffered from recurrent upper respiratory infections, additionally had a thyroid gland tumor associated which affecting the thyroid function. Conclusions In the 3 cases had low levels of all immunoglobulin as a hallmark. The clinician must be suspecting this condition in all adults with recurrent infectious disease who have gastrointestinal symptoms or who are detected a malignant disease. Early diagnosis and correct treatment are critical in preventing tissue damage, long-term sequelae and death. Replacement with intravenous gamma globulin and antibiotics are the mainstays in the management of these patients.

Methods We included patients at age of 7 years or more, with diagnosis of moderateto severe persistent allergic rhinitis that were evaluated between march of 2010 and june of 2011 at our Regional Center. All patient werw submitted to an spirometry, nasal cytology and a quantitatively nasal eosinophilia measured by optical microscopy. Study design: one center, observational, descriptive and transversal.

Children with allergic rhinitis were phenotypically characterized by rings (92%, p= 0.03), vertical facial plane growth (25%, p = 0.016), nasal fold (78%, p = 0.00) and retrognathia (17%, p = 0.057). In risk analysis found that mouth breathing increased 47.5 times the risk of allergic rhinitis. Children with persistent rhinitis and asthma had more mouth breading, snoring and jaw compression than children only with rhinitis. Conclusions Children with allergic rhinitis had higher prevalence of facial, tooth and jaw disorders than children without rhinitis. We recommend a multidisciplinary assessment to identify dentomaxilofacial alterations in this high risk groups and provide early treatment.

Background Sneezing is a coordinated protective respiratory reflex which occurs due to stimulation of the upper respiratory tract, and frequently accompanies allergic or nonallergic rhinitis. Sneezing can also arise due to bright light or sun (ACHOO syndrome), physical stimulants of the trigeminal nerve, psychogenic or central nervous system pathologies, sexual ideation and psychogenic sneezing. There are few case reports in the literature of patients with psychogenic sneezing. Methods 14-year-old girl who had incessant sneezing for over 4 days. The patient was initially seen in a rural hospital, were it was prescribed prednisone and antihistamines but the patient did not show any improvement. She was refered to 3rd level Hospital and treated with nasal steroids, antihistamines, and isotonic sodium chloride solution nasal spray; sneezing remitted in 2 hours. During a follow up visit nasal endoscopy was normal. Had a similar episode a month after that, and was referred to our service. She didn´t have either personal or family history of allergies. Results There were not abnormalities in physical examination but obesity; nasal cytology and skin tests to aeroallergens were negatives. Received the same management with isotonic sodium chloride solution nasal and the symptoms remitted. Consultation with psychiatry is requested by probable psychogenic sneezing. The interrogation relates to the loss of father 3 years also suffered from bullying for obesity. Combined treatment was initiated by psychiatry and psychology. Conclusions Psychogenic Sneezing is a rare disorder, but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sneezing. May have suspect if inspiratory phase is quite short and the amount of nasal mucosal secretion expelled very low. Eyes may remain open during sneezing. It usually develops due to psychogenic factors and is refractory to medical treatment. It is important to assess the patient in a holistic manner through a medical history and physical examination. Psychosocial environmental conditions should be investigated, and once identified the trigger requires a multidisciplinary treatment.

Background Allergic reactions to insects are a global problem. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of immunotherapy with allergenic extract of Aedes aegypti for the treatment of large local reactions (LLR) to mosquito bites in children. Methods Experimental, comparative, prospective, longitudinal and randomized none blinded study was conducted. We included 2 to 15 year old children with a history of large local reactions to mosquito bites. Sensitization was confirmed by a positive prick test. One group was treated with subcutaneous immunotherapy with extract of Aedes aegypti during 5 months and a second group received only antihistamine as needed. Diary symptoms and medication use were recorded in each case. The presence of adverse reactions to immunotherapy was also documented. Results A total of 35 patients from August 2009 to September 2010. Twenty-eight patients completed the study (16 male were included, with mean 7 ± 2.5 years) 15 in the immunotherapy group and 13 in the control group. The immunotherapy group showed a decrease in the diameter of the wheal and flare as well as the duration of the reaction and the use of drugs, from the third month of treatment, compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusions Our results suggest that immunotherapy with extract of Aedes aegypti, could modify the natural history of LLR to mosquito bites in children. Additional studies are needed to determine the optimal length treatment of the scheme and its long-term effects.

Background Rhinitis is characterized clinical by chronic runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching, congestion and postnasal discharge, among other symptoms. It´s classified as allergic and non allergic. Skin prick testing is the principal diagnosis method for allergic rhinits. However, there is a group of patients with chronic rhinopathy that have negative skin tests, the objective of this study was to determine the cutaneous response to patch tests with Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in patients with chronic rhinitis. Methods It was a cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study. We included patients over 18 years old. They were divided into 3 groups; Group A patients who came for the first time with a history of chronic rhinopathy over 18 months of evolution and positive skin tests for aeroallergens; group B patients with chronic rhinitis with at least one year of evolution and negative skin tests; group C healthy volunteers. Patch test with farinae and pteronisyinnus were done in the subjects of all 3 groups, with readings at 48 and 72 hours. Results A total of 37 patients were studied, mean age 26.1 years. Twenty two were male subjects (60%). The mean lenghtof chronic rhinophaty was 10.8 years. Six patients had positive patch test to any of the mites tested; 2 (33%) in group A, 2 (33%) in group B and 2 (33%) of the control group, but it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions Although the results were not statistically significant, there were patients with chronic rhinitis wich had positive patch test for mites. This sensitization could be clinically significant for those patients.

Background Hereditary angioedema (HAE) was first described by Quincke in 1882 and appointed by Osler in 1888, is a rare disease caused by deficiency of gene esterase inhibitor C1 (C1 INH). Prevalence varies from 1:10,000 to 1:150,000. The attacks are usually sporadic and often associated with traumatic or stressful events. Treatment included management of acute attacks and prophylactic therapy in specific situations where attacks may occur. Methods A 40-year-old male with a family history of father facial angioedema. He had experienced 15 episodes of angioedema during the previous 5 years. During these events than lasted 3 to 5 days edema affected his eyelids, lips, hands, feet and testicles. And sometimes was associated to abdominal pain and shortness of breath. He went several times to medical office and emergency room, where he received treatment with antihistamines without improvement. Results The laboratory evaluation of complement components showed C4 2s0.8 (NV 20–50), CH50 10.1 (NV 20–50), C1 inhibitor quantitative 10.7), and C1 esterase inhibitor functional 104% (NV > 67%), once the diagnosis of type I hereditary angioedema was done, we started danazol therapy that has prevented recurrence of symptoms. Conclusions It is important to do a detailed history for the diagnosis and treatment in cases of angioedema. Most patients improve when receiving the right treatment. Recurrent angioedema events even with treatment, the physician must search for malignity and/or autoimmunity disease.

Background In Monterrey there are a considerable number of Ficus benjamina trees, but the awareness-related information to this plant is scarce. The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of sensitization to Ficus benjamina in patients with rhinitis who were attended the Regional Centre of Allergy and Clinical Immunology of Monterrey, Mexico. Methods Observational, transversal and descriptive study. We included patients over 18 years old with chronic rhinitis, which completed a questionnaire to assess exposure to Ficus benjamina. Skin prick tests (SPT) to common aeroallergens in our region with extract of Ficus benjamina (Allerstand Company) had done in all subjects. Results A total of 177 patients were included, mean age was 38 years, 65% (115) were female, 135 (76%) reported contact with a Ficus benjamina tree in their home or neighbor. 12 (17%) patients had a positive skin test to Ficus benjamina, but up to 15% (26) had clinical manifestations when they were close to a tree of Ficus benjamina. Most patients with positive skin test to Ficus benjamina (76.9%, 9) had positive test more than one of the aeroallergen tested. The association between Ficus benjamina and sensitization to other aeroallergens, as well as the symptoms associated to the contact with the tree was not statistically significant. Conclusions Sensitization to Ficus benjamina is common and was similar to that reported in European countries. To demonstrate the association between sensitization to Ficus benjamina and symptoms should be made studies with nasal challenge test.

Background Studies have been conducted to obtain MEF (maximum expiratory flow) reference values in healthy children. Factors such as the region´s altitude, humidity, local temperature, and the characteristics of the study population cause changes in airway resistance that produce different MEF values. The objetive of this study is to establish normal reference values for MEF in healthy children from the metropolitan area of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and compare them with established reference values from other states of Mexico and the United States. Methods We carried out an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, comparative study in healthy 6 to 8 year old children, both gender. A questionnaire that included information about age, weight, and height was applied. Flowmetry was performed with a Truzone portable peak flow meter and the highest of 3 values was recorded. Results We included 2282 children (1085 boys and 1197 girls) from 19 randomly selected elementary schools. The MEF values obtained were plotted on graphs in MEF percentiles according to gender and height. When compared with MEF reference values for authors from different locations, differences were found. Conclusions The variation observed in MEF values in our population compared with studies performed in other populations shows the need for clinical demographic data from each region to establish and use characteristic reference values.

Background Food allergy occurs between 2 and 8% of the population and sensitization to food allergens be detected by skin prick test (SPT). To assess the frequency of sensitization to food allergens in patients attended in an allergy service of Northeast of Mexico. Methods We reviewed the records of patients in whom SPT were performed with food allergens extracts, from January 2008 to December 2010. The extracts were applied on the back surface with multitest in patients under 8 years old and with duotip in those over 8 years. According to age, patients were divided into 4 groups: I ≤ 2 years, II 3 to 5 years, III 6 to 18 years, IV > 18. Results 565 records were reviewed 56.8% of patients were female. 73.3% had at least one positive SPT. The most common diagnoses were allergic rhinitis (74.4%) and urticaria (10.4%). The most common positive SPTs in total group were: shrimp 61 (10.8%), cheese 58 (10.2%), beans 58 (10.3%), almond 57 (10.1%), Chile 53 (9.2%). According to the age groups, the most common positive SPTs were: I egg yolk in 12 patients (12.1%) and tuna 11 patients (11.1%), II peach 9 patients (11.4%) and tomatoes 8 patients (10.1%), III cheese 16 patients (13.4%), shrimp 15 patients (12.6%), almond 15 patients (12.6%), and IV shrimp 40 patients (14.9%), almond 34 patients (12.7%), beans 33 patients (12.3%). Conclusions Sensitization to food allergens were very common in our allergic patients. The most common sensitizing foods were shrimp, cheese, beans, and oats, although food sensitization varies among the different age groups.

Background The worldwide prevalence of allergic reaction to mosquito bites is unknown. Some patients who suffer from local reactions have also systemic symptoms. Methods A 3 year old female who suffered from mosquitoes bites in her left lower extremity, had a large local reaction with erythema, edema, itching, pain and blisters of 5 × 6 cm. It was accompanied by fever of 38.5°C and emesis. She had a positive skin prick test for Aedes aegypti with diagnosis of Skeeter Syndrome. The patient was treated with antihistamine during 10 days and analgesics for 3 days. She was given antihistamine treatment for 10 days and analgesics for 3 days. Results Skeeter syndrome is defined as a large local reaction induced by mosquito bites associated with systemic symptoms (fever and vomiting) with specific IgE for mosquito identified by skin testing. The primary management of Skeeter syndrome is prevention of mosquito bites, the use of repellents and protective clothing. It is also important the symptomatic management control of pruritus with the use of antihistamines or if necessary topical steroids. Overall children with Skeeter syndrome remain healthy, except for the recurrence of large local reactions to mosquito Stings. Conclusions The early recognition of Skeeter syndrome is important to give the right management and to prevent unnecessary diagnostic tests and treatments that can increase the risk of adverse reactions and costs.