Changing the history of anaphylaxis mortality statistics through the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases-11

We review the history of the classification and coding changes for anaphylaxis and provide current and perspective information in the field. In 2012, an analysis of Brazilian data demonstrated undernotification of anaphylaxis-related deaths because of the difficulties of coding using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. This work triggered strategic international actions supported by the Joint Allergy Academies and the International Classification of Diseases World Health Organization (WHO) leadership to update the classification of allergic disorders for the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11), which resulted in construction of the pioneer "Allergic and hypersensitivity conditions" chapter. The usability of the new framework has been tested by evaluating the same data published in 2012 from the ICD-11 perspective. Coding accuracy was much improved, reaching 95% for definite anaphylaxis. As the results were provided to the WHO Mortality Reference Group, coding rules have been changed, allowing anaphylaxis to be recorded as an underlying cause of death in official mortality statistics. The mandatory use of ICD-11 from January 2022 for documenting cause of death could have 2 immediate consequences: (1) the reported number of anaphylaxis-related deaths might increase because of more appropriate coding and (2) the cross-sectional and longitudinal mortality data generated might ultimately lead to a better understanding of anaphylaxis epidemiology and improved health policies directed at reducing anaphylaxis-related mortality.

Brain Involvement in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1: A Morphometric and Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study with Neuropsychological Correlation

Objective

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), the most prevalent inherited neuromuscular disease in adults, is a genetic multisystem disorder with a well-established but not well-characterized cerebral involvement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of white matter and gray matter abnormalities in DM1 patients and to investigate their relationship with neurocognitive dysfunction.

Methods

A total of 42 DM1 patients and 42 healthy controls were included in the study. Clinical, cognitive, and magnetic resonance imaging evaluations, including the use of structural and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) techniques, were performed. White matter lesion (WML) load, volumetric analysis, and diffusivity changes were assessed and correlated with clinical and neuropsychological test findings.

Results

WMLs were significantly more frequent in DM1 patients (p < .001), and anterior temporal lobe lesions were only found in the patient group. Global and regional cortical volume loss and corpus callosum atrophy were found. Diffuse white matter DTI abnormalities, including fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity were observed with sparing of the internal capsule. Subcortical structures showed volume loss and increased median diffusivity. Neuropsychological evaluation showed significant impairment in several cognitive functions, but only visuospatial impairment was correlated with white matter abnormalities and cortical atrophy. Daytime sleepiness was associated with WML and ventral diencephalon and pallidum volume loss.

Conclusion

DM1 produces a widespread involvement of white matter and gray matter, including cortical and subcortical structures. These structural abnormalities are involved in the progressive neuropsychological functional impairment in these patients.

Results of an allergy educational needs questionnaire for primary care

It is well recognized that knowledge of allergic conditions is suboptimal in primary care. The Primary Care Interest Group of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology undertook an educational needs survey to better understand what they were and how best to meet them, in the primary care environment. An electronic questionnaire was devised and distributed as widely as possible. A total of 2226 people from 63 countries opened the e-questionnaire of which 692 provided evaluable responses. In total, 81% were medical doctors with 299 possessing additional qualifications. Self-declared gaps in knowledge were expressed for most manifestations of allergy with a correspondingly high self-expressed educational need. The preferred learning modalities were online guidelines (69.6%) and courses (68.8%) followed closely by workshops (68%), structured online modules (63.9%) and small local working groups (59.75%). Podcasts and webinars scored poorly with only 25% expressing these as preferred learning modes although there was an age gradient. The preferred electronic platform was the personal computer (82.6%). A better understanding of the needs of primary care should help guide the design of educational initiatives to meet those needs.

Erratum to: Risk and safety requirements for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in allergology: World Allergy Organization Statement

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s40413-016-0122-3.].

A new combined operative technique using crossed inguinal lymphatic rescue for pediatric patients with mixed lymphatic and venous malformations

Truncular venous malformations and acquired functional or anatomical venous occlusions (or sub-occlusions) can be the cause of secondary lymphedema and even the cause of primary lymphedema when they are associated with lymphatic malformations (lymphangiodysplasia - LAD I, lymphadenodysplasia - LAD II, or a combination of both) in pediatric patients. This understanding recognizes the shared and successive embryogenesis of both systems. These conditions can exhibit hypertension in the venous pedicles intended for lymph-venous anastomosis, and this finding would be a formal contraindication to the procedure. However, this hypertension is a rarely considered condition and is not commonly identified. As a technique to solve this problem, we have combined Nielubowicz, Olszewski, Campisi, and Palma's proposals and created a lymph-venous anastomosis from the side with lymphedema and venous hypertension (lymphatic donor and venous recipient) with an internal suprapubic saphenous venous bridge (from the normal side to the lymphedematous side with venous hypertension) to enable a crossed inguinal lymphatic/venous rescue. We believe this newly synthesized approach will allow better clinical care of pediatric patients with complex and combined lymphatic-venous malformations and is worthy of further investigation.

Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia in HIV-positive patients : a case series and review of the literature

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) is a well-described condition that leads to non-cirrhotic portal hypertension and is histologically characterised by a nodular transformation of the liver without fibrosis. It seems to be a consequence of obliterative portal venopathy of small hepatic veins. Its precise aetiology remains to be clearly determined. NRH was reported to occur in HIV-positive patients ten years ago. In this article, three consecutive clinical cases of HIV-related NRH were identified in a high volume reference centre of HIV positive patients and are presented. Clinical, diagnostic aspects and strategies for management of this under-diagnosed medical condition in the HIV population are also developed.

Risk and safety requirements for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in allergology: World Allergy Organization Statement

One of the major concerns in the practice of allergy is related to the safety of procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic disease. Management (diagnosis and treatment) of hypersensitivity disorders involves often intentional exposure to potentially allergenic substances (during skin testing), deliberate induction in the office of allergic symptoms to offending compounds (provocation tests) or intentional application of potentially dangerous substances (allergy vaccine) to sensitized patients. These situations may be associated with a significant risk of unwanted, excessive or even dangerous reactions, which in many instances cannot be completely avoided. However, adverse reactions can be minimized or even avoided if a physician is fully aware of potential risk and is prepared to appropriately handle the situation. Information on the risk of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in allergic diseases has been accumulated in the medical literature for decades; however, except for allergen specific immunotherapy, it has never been presented in a systematic fashion. Up to now no single document addressed the risk of the most commonly used medical procedures in the allergy office nor attempted to present general requirements necessary to assure the safety of these procedures. Following review of available literature a group of allergy experts within the World Allergy Organization (WAO), representing various continents and areas of allergy expertise, presents this report on risk associated with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in allergology and proposes a consensus on safety requirements for performing procedures in allergy offices. Optimal safety measures including appropriate location, type and required time of supervision, availability of safety equipment, access to specialized emergency services, etc. for various procedures have been recommended. This document should be useful for allergists with already established practices and experience as well as to other specialists taking care of patients with allergies.